Well, it is definitely mango season on the island! They are bursting and ripe with sweetness and an ahhhhmazing flavor that you just can’t find from Mangoes with a bar code on the side. If you want to understand the true power of a mango, you have to get one fresh-picked off the tree. And the Universe is kind enough to negotiate the summer heat with the appearance of mangoes on the island. This mango flavored margarita is the perfect blend of lime and mangoes balanced with the citrus flavors of Grand Marnier and a splash of beer. Huh?! Yes, trust me, beer…it makes a subtle difference!
So, if you haven’t had a fresh picked mango and still have to rely on the ones you get from your local grocer, it might be time for you to start packing and check out the mango-tensity of full on summertime mango flavors on our Rock!
Ingredients:
1 Cup Mango Pulp
1 1/2 Cups Tequila
6 Ounces of Beer (I prefer Heineken)
1 1/2 Cups Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1/2 Cup of Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1/3 Cup Sugar (I prefer Piloncillo)
1/3 Cup Water
Enough sugar to rim the edges of the glasses
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, and heat until dissolved to make a simple syrup. I use piloncillo because it gives the drink a beautiful cane juice undertone. However, you can use regular sugar or Evaporated Cane Juice sugar.
Let the simple syrup cool completely.
Scoop out the flesh of a fresh mango, or if you don’t have access to fresh mango you can use frozen mango puree and toss it in the blender along with all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT use only HALF of the simple syrup.
Blitz the ingredients and taste to see if the mixture requires the remaining simple syrup. The sweetness of the drink depends on the sweetness of the mangoes you use, you may not need much of the added syrup.
If the drink is too thick you can dilute it with more tequila or water to your taste.
Take the margarita glass and rub the edges with a lime wedge to moisten.
Then roll the edges in sugar. You can also leave the sugar off, if you prefer.
Fill the glass with ice and Enjoy!
Sounds wonderful! Could you give a few tips on how to select the perfect Mango? Thanks.
The best way to tell if a mango is ripened is to give it a gentle squeeze. If it doesn’t give, it isn’t ripe. If it gives toooooooo much then it is likely over-ripened. It has to be just the right amount of give. It is hard for me to give you a scientifically proven way to choose the best mango. lol. You just have to kind of let your fingers tell you. Try out a few. Here on island there is a really strong fragrance that goes along with mangoes that are ready to eat! I’m not so sure how that works with those purchased in the store. I say test out a few at different times. 🙂