Sparkling Ginger Margarita

Ingredients

Instructions

For a single serving:

In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the ginger slices and one of the optional kaffir lime leaf halves with a cocktail muddler or a wooden spoon until coarsely mashed. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange Curaçao, Ginger Agave Syrup and ice. Cover and shake vigorously until frothy and cold; tiny ice crystals will appear in the drink after about 15 seconds of shaking. Strain into a 6-ounce martini glass and top with the sparkling wine. Bruise the other half of the optional lime leaf by slapping it between your plans to release the aroma. Float it on the top of the drink and serve immediately.

For a pitcher:

In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the ginger and half of the optional kaffir lime leaf halves with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon until the ginger is a coarse mash. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange Curaçao and Ginger Agave Syrup. Stir, cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

Fill a cocktail shaker ¾ full with ice, and pour in 1 ½ cups of the margarita mixture (be sure to include some of the muddled ginger and lime leaf from the bottom of the pitcher). Shake and strain into 3 6-ounce martini glasses, then top each with sparkling wine. If using the lime leaves, one by one bruise them by slapping them between your palms to release their aroma. Float a piece on top of each drink and serve immediately. Repeat for the remaining margaritas.

For Ginger Agave Syrup:

½ cup agave syrup (light organic syrup gives the best flavor)
¼ cup (about 1 ounce) finely chopped ginger (no need to peel it)

Into a small saucepan, measure the agave (or simple) syrup and 2 tablespoons water. Set over medium heat and add the ginger. When the mixture reaches a simmer, time 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Strain. The syrup will keep a month of more, tightly covered in the refrigerator.