Quaff The Raven

      So, for the last two years or so, Kate and her mother have been making this tequila infusion. I never really paid any attention to it, on account of not being a tequila fan, but they really seem to like the results, so I thought, “why not share it?” What follows is a step-by-step process on the infusion, as well as Kate’s neighborhood-famous blood orange margaritas.

      First, the infusion. To start, you need a jar. The jar needs to be big, about a gallon…with a wide mouth. Glass works best. Next, acquire the ingredients:
*A pound to a pound and a half of blood oranges.
*A bottle of tequila. Blanco works best, and remember the quality of the infusion is based on the quality of the tequila.
*A jalapeño.

Blood Orange Tequila Ingredients. Photo by Annie McElwain

1.  Slice the blood oranges, discarding as much of the pith as possible, without losing the fruit. Leave the skins on, though.

2. Split the jalapeño and discard the seeds.

3. Pack the oranges into the jar.  Pack it so that the oranges aren’t crushed, but are still cozy.

4. Add the jalapeño, and make sure it stays towards the top.

5. Pour in the tequila.  Fill it up to the top.  If you need to, crack a second bottle.

Infusing the tequila. Photo by Annie McElwain.

   Make sure you keep the bottles, you’ll need them to recapture the final product.  After the first day, remove the jalapeño.  When two weeks are up, run the tequila through cheesecloth back into the old tequila bottles.  The color is amazing (you’ll have to trust me).

But what to do with the tequila now that it’s been made?  Enter Kate’s special recipe…

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Kate’s Bloody (Good) Margarita

(Serves 4)

Kate's Bloody (Good) Margarita. Photo by Annie McElwain.

1 cup blood orange tequila

.5 cup Grand Marnier

.5 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp orange juice

1 tbsp superfine sugar

   Serve in a martini or margarita glass with a sugar rim.