Q1: What is the best tequila to use for a margarita?

For a classic, summery margarita, a bright and peppery blanco (or silver) tequila is a great choice. However, for a richer, more complex, and cozier cocktail like this Harvest Margarita, a reposado tequila is the perfect choice. Its subtle notes of vanilla and caramel from the barrel aging are a beautiful complement to the warm spices in the syrup.

Q2: What is a "simple syrup," and why do I need to make it?

A simple syrup is a basic mixture of equal parts sugar and water that has been heated until the sugar is dissolved. It is a fundamental ingredient in classic bartending because it allows you to add sweetness to a cold drink in a way that will dissolve and incorporate perfectly, unlike granulated sugar. By infusing our simple syrup with spices, we are creating a smooth, sweet, and incredibly flavorful base for our cocktail.

Q3: Can I make this as a large-batch punch for a party?

Yes, absolutely! This is a perfect big-batch cocktail. To make about 8 servings, you would combine the following in a large pitcher: 16 ounces (2 cups) of reposado tequila, 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) of the Spiced Simple Syrup, and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of fresh lime juice . Stir it all together and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When it's time to serve, you can let your guests pour it over glasses filled with ice.

Q4: What is the difference between serving a cocktail "straight up" versus "on the rocks"?

These are two classic bartending terms. "On the rocks" simply means that the cocktail is served poured over fresh ice in the glass. "Straight up" (or just "up") means that the cocktail is shaken or stirred with ice to be chilled and diluted, and then it is strained into a chilled glass without any ice, typically a glass with a stem like a coupe or a martini glass.

Q5: Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices for the simple syrup?

It is highly recommended to use whole spices (cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, etc.). If you use ground spices, they will not strain out of the syrup, and your final syrup and cocktail will be cloudy and have a gritty, unpleasant texture. Whole spices infuse a beautiful, clean, and clear flavor into the drink.

The Best Festive & Easy Harvest Margarita Recipe

A festive, fall-inspired cocktail, this ‘Harvest Margarita’ features a homemade spiced simple syrup. The syrup is infused with the warm flavors of allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and fresh ginger. This aromatic syrup is then shaken with reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, and a few dashes of bitters. The cocktail can be served either straight up or on the rocks, garnished with a lime wedge.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes steeping and cooling time for syrup)
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking, Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spiced Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
8 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
For the Margarita:
2 ounces tequila (reposado recommended)
1 1/2 ounces chilled Spiced Simple Syrup
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Few dashes bitters
Ice
Lime wedge, for garnish

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Instructions

Make the Spiced Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, allspice berries, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ginger.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the sugar is completely melted.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the spices steep in the syrup for 1 hour.
Strain the syrup into a small bowl or jar, discarding the spices. Cover and refrigerate until completely cold.
Make the Margarita: Combine the tequila, 1 1/2 ounces of the chilled simple syrup, the lime juice, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well for about 10 seconds.
Strain the cocktail into a glass, either straight up (without ice) or over fresh ice (on the rocks).
Garnish with a lime wedge.

Notes

This is an alcoholic beverage intended for adults of legal drinking age.
Letting the simple syrup steep for a full hour is a crucial step for infusing it with the spice flavors.
The simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 280-340
Sugar: 25-30 g
Sodium: 5-10 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28-34 g
Fiber: <1 g
Protein: <1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/harvest-margarita-recipe/