Because I rarely drink tequila and am partial to any holiday that serves as an excuse for celebration, camaraderie, and tacos, five ways to enjoy tequila that won’t leave you confused about how you got home last night. (Well, the margarita might, so exercise restraint.  You have work tomorrow.)

Uno – Best Basic Margarita

Rim glass with sea salt if desired. Combine 1 1/2 oz Tequila, 1/2 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker, pour over ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Dos – Margarita Popsicles

Pour 3/4 cup sugar into a sauce pan with 1/2 cup water, 3/4 cup lime juice, 2 Tbs lemon juice, 2 Tbs orange juice, bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves.  Combine with 1 1/2 oz tequila and 1/2 oz triple sec.  Pour into popcicle molds.  If you want to be fancy, artfully place thinly sliced limes in the molds before freezing.

Tres – Margarita Cupcakes

Click here for this oldie but goodie.

Quatro -Margarita Pie

Click here for what is not pizza.

Cinco – Margarita glaze

Combine 1/2 cup tequila, 1/4 cup lime juice, lime zest, 1/2 of a jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and diced, 2 Tbs honey, and 1/3 cup marmelade in a sauce pan.  Simmer about 3 minutes to use to brush on meat or poultry during last 5-10 minutes of grilling or simmer until liquid reduces and reaches a syrupy consistency, about 5-10 minutes, and serve on cooked meat or over vanilla ice cream or dollop on the top of cheesecake, or really on anything that spicy sweet stuff makes sense.