The perfect spring time margarita. Honey thyme margarita is made with fresh squeezed juices and thyme infused honey.
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I’ll take any excuse to make a margarita.
Once upon a time, I avoided tequila like the plague.
One too many nights of tequila shots in college resulting in headaches and hangovers led to my distain for the liquor.
Now that I’m a tiny bit wiser and into my 30’s I have come to appreciate tequila’s flavor, aroma, and versatility.
Grapefruit Margarita
Citrus pairs beautifully with tequila.
Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit- they are all friends of tequila.
This margarita uses a combination of grapefruit and lime.
The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice gives this margarita it’s beautiful pink-orange hue.
Bartender 101
Tequila Types
There are four main tequila variations:
- Blanco (white or silver)
- Gold (usually a combination of blanco and reposado)
- Reposado (“rested” or aged in oak barrels)
- Añejo (aged longer, usually darker in color)
Different Tequila Options
Blanco (white or silver)
- clear color, unaged or quickly aged in stainless steel barrels
- great for mixing into co*cktails because of it’s agave forward flavor and strong impression
Gold
This co*cktail uses a combination of grapefruit and lime juice. The slight bitterness of the grapefruit works well with the earthy honey thyme syrup.
Fresh squeezed lime juice and a touch of orange liquor help to soften the co*cktail, making this drink super refreshing and easy to drink!
- gold in color, usually a combination of blanco and reposado
- sometimes made by mixing blanco with caramel coloring to make it look aged
Reposado (“rested”)
- Aged from 2 months to less than a year in oak barrels
Añejo (aged)
- darker in color, usually aged 1-3 years in oak barrels
- much softer agave flavor due to aging time, also more wood notes because of barrels
This honey thyme margarita recipe uses blanco tequila.
This is a personal preference. I tend to use blanco for all my tequila based co*cktails.
I reserve the aged tequila for sipping neat or enjoying on the rocks.
Honey Simple Syrup
The honey thyme syrup is made by combing equal parts liquid honey and water.
Fresh thyme sprigs are steeped in the sweet mixture until the desired flavors are extracted.
Fresh rosemary or fresh basil are great alternatives.
Use leftover simple syrup to sweetened other co*cktails, iced teas, coffee, or drizzle over pancakes.
Suggested Honey Varieties
There are many, many different types and varieties of honey.
Asides from whether you are using raw or pasteurized (processed) honey, honey varieties depend on the flowers the bees used.
Some varieties are stronger in flavor, some are sweeter, some are darker in color.
I suggest using a mild, light flavored honey.
Use Alfalfa, Clover, or Orange Blossom honey for the best results.
A mild honey will allow the thyme to shine through.
If you use a dark hued, strong flavored honey, the herb will be lost.
More Grapefruit co*cktail Recipes
- Honey Paloma is very similar to margarita, but better!
- Grapefruit Cinzano is reminiscent of a Negroni, but lighter and brighter in flavor.
- Vodka Spiced Punch serves up a tasty combination of grapefruit juice and warm spices. Perfect for the holidays!
Honey Thyme Margarita
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This honey thyme margarita is made with fresh squeezed juices and thyme infused honey.Perfect to serve for brunch or afternoon co*cktails!
Yield: makes 1, multiply as needed
Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz silver tequila
- ¾ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- ¾ oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur, like Cointreu
- ½ oz honey thyme syrup
- coarse sea salt, to rim serving glass
Honey Thyme Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup liquid honey*
- 6 3-inch sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
Fill co*cktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, and syrup. Shake well until well chilled. Strain into a salt-rimmed serving glass.
Honey Thyme Syrup:
Add water, honey, and thyme to a heavy bottomed sauce pot. Bring to a simmer until honey has dissolved. Remove from heat and let thyme steep for 30 minutes. Strain out thyme. Transfer syrup to airtight container and keep at room temperature.
Notes
- I suggest using a mild, light flavored honey. This will allow the thyme to shine through. If you use a dark hued, strong flavored honey, the herb will be lost. UseAlfalfa,Clover, orOrange Blossomhoney for the best results.
All images and text ©The Little Epicurean
Author: Maryanne Cabrera
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican
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