Thank you, Darling Citrus, for sponsoring this post!

Every so often, I get a whiff of Autumn. The air is cool and crisp. The leaves in our backyard crunch beneath my feet in the morning. But then I remember we still have a few solid weeks of Summer left before I feel the compulsion to add pumpkin spice to my Starbucks order. I think we always look forward to the next season and anticipate it’s arrival prematurely, and by doing so, forget to savor the current season. I’m trying to be more mindful of that. So during these last few weeks of summer, I’m going to spend more time by or in the water, enjoy long summer dinners in the yard, stand in line for soft serve, and drink more margaritas. 

I have to admit that I’m by no means a cocktail expert. However I do make a mean margarita. It’s my signature drink, the only drink I know how to make by heart. I have an affinity towards tequila and citrus so it makes sense. I like to venture away from the classic lime based margarita every once in a while. Depending on what fruit is in season and tastes particularly great, I’ll add watermelon or mangoes in the mix. Lately, I’ve been loving this orange margarita with refreshing sweetness from a homemade lemongrass simple syrup. The lemongrass infused simple syrup lends a herbaceous and slightly floral sweetness. It pairs so well with freshly squeezed Darling Citrus Navel Oranges. Gosh I could eat those by the handful! I have to make a conscious effort to save some so I can make a few cocktails later! 

I think I’ll be making these margs every weekend until I’m deep into pumpkin and sweater season!

Orange Lemongrass Margarita

Makes 1

2 ounces tequila or mezcal

1 ounce orange liqueur

2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice

1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1 ounce lemongrass simple syrup, recipe below

Ice for serving

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine a cup of ice with tequila, orange liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, and lemongrass simple syrup. Shake vigorously and pour in a glass over ice. Serve with an extra orange wedge or stalk of lemongrass.

Lemongrass Simple Syrup

3 tbsp (from about 1 stalk) lemongrass, minced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1. In a small saucepan, combine lemongrass, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer, and continue to simmer over low heat until sugar has melted and lemongrass is fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Strain out the lemongrass and store infused simple syrup in a heat proof container. 

Notes: simple syrup can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a month.