Margarita Madness

(From: Bon Appétit )

Servings: Makes 2 drinks.

blackberry-thyme margarita

Ingredients
16 large fresh blackberries, divided
4 small fresh thyme sprigs, divided
6 tablespoons 100% blue agave silver tequila
1/4 cup Simple Syrup
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided
1/4cup chilled sparkling wine

Preparation
Place 14 blackberries and 2 thyme sprigs in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, Simple Syrup, lime juice, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup. Mix in sparkling wine. Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over. Garnish each with 1 blackberry and 1 thyme sprig.

mango-cilantro margarita

Ingredients
1/2 small mango, pitted, peeled, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided
Fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)

Preparation
Combine mango and cilantro leaves in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup. Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

pineapple-chile margarita

Ingredients
8 (3/4- to 1-inch) chunks peeled pineapple
4 slices red jalapeño chile with seeds
1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup
2 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided

Preparation
Place pineapple chunks and red jalapeño slices in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup. Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over.

watermelon-cucumber margarita

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups 1-inch chunks rindless watermelon
6 (1/8-inch-thick) slices English hothouse cucumber
15 large fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided
2 small watermelon triangles, each skewered with 1 cucumber round (for garnish)
2 fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)

Preparation
Place first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup. Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over. Garnish with watermelon skewers and mint sprigs.

Simple syrup

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Preparation
Stir sugar and water in medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Cool. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Refrigerate in airtight container.