cocktail no.7 | uncle’s margarita

Sometimes you want a margarita, but you also want a little whiskey.

One of my favorite things is nursing a cocktail after an overindulgent dinner with friends. You linger over the delicious meal, plates and napkins askew, seats rearranged to better facilitate delightfully conspiratorial conversations, peals of laughter cutting through the buzzy cacophony, all with the comfort of knowing that there is no rush. The dishes can be done later, not a morsel remains to pack up and the glow of someone’s device confirms that “late” is still very far away.

For these wonderful evenings, family style everything – drinks, dinner, and dessert (or more drinks) – is ideal. As a hostess, this is always my preference. Much can be done ahead; nothing really feels like work and I can be fully present with my guests.

So, when I’m in charge of cocktails (honestly, these days, that is so rare), I create with this casual simplicity in mind. Unlike my husband, I aim for one container, minimal tools, and straightforward presentations. Uncle’s Margarita is the perfect example of my cocktail conciseness. When I am my laziest self, this whiskey margarita is a one container wonder – it can be made and enjoyed in the same mason jar.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Casamigos Blanco Tequila

• 1 ounce Uncle Nearest 1884

• 1 ounce Cointreau

• 1.5 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice

• 1 sugar cube

Steps

• Grab a mason jar and fill it with ice

• Add all ingredients

• Pop the lid back on and shake vigorously (you want to break down that sugar cube)

• You can chose to drink it straight out of the jar, pour into a margarita glass, or strain into old fashioned glass with a big chunk of ice.

• Making a bigger batch? Use a bigger mason jar!