Beer Margaritas

In honor of the beginning of the end (of summer that is), I have been perfecting my beer margarita recipe. Tequila is the ultimate salute to summertime fun, and happy hour margaritas are the quintessential drink. The kicker for this recipe is the homemade lime tonic. 

Lime Tonic for Beer Margaritas
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
3 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (8-12 limes)
peel of 4 limes, dried
freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon pink peppercorns
3-5 dried Centennial hops

Combine water and sugar over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved completely. Turn down heat and add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain into an air tight container and let cool. Keep refrigerated. Use for Beer Margaritas, though also delightful with bourbon and ginger beer.

Beer Margaritas
750 ml (more commonly, a fifth) 100% agave tequila
1 recipe lime tonic
freshly squeezed juice of 1-2 limes
2 bottles of beer (I love Fremont Summer Ale)

Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. To serve, pour over ice. Garnish with a squeeze of lime. Enjoy with a crowd of good friends with nowhere important to be later. 

Even better, whip up a batch and bottle for a rainy day. Bottles, caps and a bottle capper can be found at any homebrew store. I recommend Bob's Homebrew Supply if you are in the Seattle area. Using a funnel, evenly distribute the contents of the pitcher between eight bottles. Be sure to sanitize the bottles first - margaritas have enough sugar to attract trouble if you don't. Cap, label and tuck away in the fridge. I wish I could tell you how long you can expect your beer margaritas to last, but they have never stuck around long enough to know! Split one bottle between three glasses and serve over ice. Garnish with a squeeze of lime.

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! Cheers.