It's Coming Up Cocktails:: My Favorite Spring Sips

What better way to usher in a new season than to welcome it with cocktails?! Since I am still busy wrapping up my second book, Cocktail Italiano, I have cocktails on my mind all the time. These two spring sips are two of my favorites. They're oldies but goodies.The first, the Rare Fellow, is like taking a sip of spring harvest especially with its jalapeno garnish. The second, a Blood Orange Margarita, will be your go-to for the season I am sure of it. Who doesn't love a great margarita? Enjoy and happy spring!xx Annette

The Rare Fellow

serves 1

You will need:

– 2 slices of jalapeno pepper ( + 1 slice for garnish)

– 1/2 inch slice of ginger peeled and grated on a microplane

– 2 oz. of fresh orange juice

– 1/2 ounce Triple Sec

– 1 oz. Martin Millers Gin

– 2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice ( or lemonade)

To prepare:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the ginger, orange juice and jalapeno slices. Add Triple Sec, Gin and lemon juice, along with ice, and shake until combined. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and garnish with a jalapeno slice. *Option – For a sweeter version, lemonade can be substituted for the lemon juice. Photo: by Moi

Blood Orange Margaritas

serves 4

You will need:

– 1 cup (8 oz.) freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 7-8 oranges)

– ½ cup (4 oz.) freshly squeezed lime juice

– ¾ cup (6 oz.) tequila

– ½ cup (4 oz.) orange liqueur

– ¼ cup (2 oz.) simple syrup

– Blood orange slices, for garnish

To prepare:

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir well to combine.  Pour into chilled glasses over ice. Garnish with a slice of blood orange, if desired.  Serve.Photo by:  Annie Eats