Blackberry Margarita - Cheers! #NationalMargaritaDay

Happy National Margarita Day! 

Now this is my kind of day! Many of you may (or may not) know that margaritas are my drink of choice. If we're going out for dinner and are planning on Mexican food, I choose the restaurant based on how good their margaritas are.

Most often though, I make my own at home. And I never use a mix. Making a fresh fruit margarita in your own kitchen is simple, tastes better than any restaurant, and you get to control how much they're going to knock your socks off!

And this one will knock your socks off. Don't let that pretty fuchsia color fool you. She's a beauty, but beware...

Blackberry Margarita
Inspired by  The Pioneer Woman
Makes 8

4 cups fresh blackberries, plus more for garnish if desired
1 1/4 cup sugar divided
juice from 1 1/2 limes divided
zest for 1/2 lime
2 cups tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur (I used Citronge)
1 cup club soda or lime soda such as sprite
1 lime cut into wedges

In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, 1/4 sugar and the juice from 1/2 lime. Simmer over low heat, covered, for about 25 minutes.

(if you notice....I zest the lime before squeezing.. Its kinda hard to zest a squeezed lime and I hate to waste them)

Strain, pressing as much of the berry juice through a fine mesh strainer as possible. Allow to cool in the fridge. If you don't mind the little seeds, you can skip this step, but you'll still need to let it cool.

Combine 1/2 cup of sugar and the lime zest in a wide, shallow bowl. Something wide enough for you to to dip the rim of your glass in.

The hardest part is done. Now for the main event....

In a large pitcher, combine the cooled blackberry puree, tequila, orange liqueur, remaining 1/2 sugar, club soda, and juice from 1 lime.

Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of a glass, dip into the sugar zest mixture, coating the rim all the way around.

Fill a blender half way with ice, pour enough margarita mixture to about level with the ice and buzz away for a nice blended fresh Blackberry Margarita!

Enjoy your celebration of National Margarita Day - Cheers!!!

Here are some other amazing recipes to help you celebrate. Some are beverages and others are treats with a margarita twist:

Margaritas:

Blackberry Margarita from Cooking for My Peace of Mind

Chili Lime Margarita from Curious Cuisiniere

Chocolate Margaritas from The Texan New Yorker

Creamsicle Margaritas from Savvy Eats 

Frozen Mango Margarita from Noshing with the Nolands 

Lilikoi Margarita with Li Hung Mui from The Little Ferraro Kitchen 

Margaritas Gone Wild from Delaware Girl Eats 

Mixed Berry Margarita from Kudos Kitchen By Renee 

Mom's Wicked Margarita from Desserts Required 

Pomegranate Margarita from Daily Dish Recipes 

Spicy Raspberry Frozen Margarita from The Weekend Gourmet  

Tamarind Margaritas from girlichef 

The Great Grapefruit Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie  

Tim G's Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes 

Margarita Bites:

Baked Margarita Chicken Wings from Healthy. Delicious. 

Chambord Margarita Macarons from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen 

Margarita Cake with Sugar Cookie Crust from Gotta Get Baked 

Margarita Cheesecake Bars from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks 

Margarita Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife  

Margarita Donuts from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen 

Margarita Mousse from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Margarita Shrimp from That Skinny Chick Can Bake 

Margarita Shrimp Tacos from Supper for a Steal 

Strawberry Margarita Sweet Rolls from The Dutch Baker's Daughter 

Top Shelf (Margarita) Truffles from Culinary Adventures with Camilla