So apparently, I can go for 3 plus years without posting an alcoholic recipe on the blog. But as soon as I break that seal, I need to post two in less than a month. Can’t say I’m mad about it though because these spicy blueberry peach shrub margaritas are everything I never knew I wanted in a cocktail.
[Tweet “Spicy Blueberry Peach Shrub Margaritas #themarinate #healthyhappyhour #patioseason”]
I’m a wine over cocktails kind of girl, so I’m actually super surprised I’m sharing yet another margarita recipe so quickly. But when I saw this week’s ingredients for The Marinate challenge, I knew another margarita recipe was in order. Seriously, don’t limes and Jalapeno Lime Salt just scream margaritas?
The third ingredient was this California Balsamico Blanco with Honey which admittedly, threw me for a loop. Adding vinegar to my margaritas didn’t sound palatable at all. But after a little research, I discovered that shrubs a.k.a. drinking vinegars are actually a thing that people add to sparkling water and cocktails. And that’s how these spicy blueberry peach shrub margaritas were born.
Spicy Blueberry Peach Shrub Margaritas
There are 2 parts to these margaritas: the blueberry peach shrub and a spicy margarita. Because of the shrub, these margaritas require a little extra work but if you’re used to making simple syrup for your cocktails it isn’t that much different.
How to make a blueberry peach shrub
Like I said, making shrubs is pretty similar to making simple syrup. Actually, it starts with making simple syrup. I used maple syrup because I thought coconut sugar would be overwhelming but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Once your simple syrup is done add your fruit and let it simmer until the fruit starts to look limp. I used blueberries and peaches cuz I bought way too many this week. But there a lot of other fruits that can work here. Maybe cherries or strawberries and mint.
Once the syrup takes on the colour of the fruit and the berries start looking limp, add the vinegar and bring to a low simmer. I used a combo of California Balsamico Blanco with Honey and apple cider vinegar but ACV alone should work or maybe ACV and white or red wine vinegar. And if you want to get crazy, you can add a dash of dark balsamic. But not so much as to overpower the other flavours.
Finally, you strain out the fruit, cool the shrub and make your spicy blueberry peach shrub margaritas. And just like that you’ve got another refreshing, simple-ish drink to add to your roster this patio season. Oh and this one gets bonus points cuz you can mix any extra blueberry peach shrub with sparkling water on those non-patio nights.
THE CHALLENGE
If you’re a fan of these spicy blueberry peach shrub margaritas, I’d love it if you could head over to Progressive Nectar’s IG and vote for me. If my photo gets the most likes I win a prize & you have a chance to win too.
Here’s how to vote:
- Follow @progressive_nectar & @ReginaSpices
- Find my photo of these savoury pancaeks, like and comment on it
- If I win the recipe competition Progressive Nectar will randomly pick one of the commenters on my post & reward them with a prize too
If you make these blueberry peach shrub margaritas, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment and rate the recipe or take a pic and tag it @ExSloth on Instagram!
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup peaches, peeled and diced (about 3½ peaches)
- ½ cup vinegar*
- ⅓ cup tequila (depending on preference)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ⅔ cup blueberry peach shrub
- ½ a jalapeno, sliced and seeds removed
- Jalapeno Lime Salt for rimming the glass
- ice
- Add the water and maple syrup to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil
- Allow to simmer for a couple minutes before adding the fruit
- Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce to a low simmer, while stirring occasionally
- Once the liquid begins to turn the colour of the fruit (purple/blue) and the berries start looking limp, add the vinegar and continue to heat until it begins to simmer
- Remove from the heat, strain the mixture and allow the liquid (the shrub) to cool. Discard or reserve the fruit for another use***
- Refrigerate until ready to use
- Rub the rim of 2 glasses with a lime wedge, dip the glasses lightly in jalapeno lime salt and set aside
- Add all ingredients for the margaritas into a shaker and shake vigorously
- Pour into the glasses and garnish with more jalapeno slices if desired
** I like my margaritas heavy on the lime and light on the tequila but you can adjust to suit your tastes
*** I ate the leftover fruit with ice cream and it was amazing
**** Cook time doesn't include cooling time for the shrub
Want more margaritas? Try this one:
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WHAT ABOUT YOU?
- What’s your favourite cocktail?
- Have you ever made shrubs or drinking vinegars before?
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I’m not usually one for margaritas, but I think I could totally get on board with one of these. Looks delicious!
Oh my gosh yes please! Can you please deliver these to the soccer field I could use one tonight, ok maybe the hotel would be a little more appropriate. Cheers!
Omg that looks amazing. And wow – that colour!!
Wow how very interesting! I do like spicy and I am trying to imagine what that tastes like.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Digging Into Pop Sugar Must Have Box-June
Alright, my mouth is watering now 🙂
Christina Bauer recently posted…Tropical Protein Baked Oatmeal
These look lovely! Perfect cocktail for Summer Evenings, looking forward to trying this recipe!!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com recently posted…The Friday 5: Blogging Secrets for Newbies
m not much of a margarita person but this spicy version sounds amazing!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virtual Coffee Date
That’s an interesting flavour combination.
Cassi recently posted…Signs Everywhere
The jalapeño is a perfect flavor to go with the sweet fruit.
jill conyers recently posted…5 Quotes by Strong Women That Inspire Self Confidence
You had me at blueberries, and then you REALLY had me at margaritas! These sound so refreshing!!
I’m not mad about this recipe whatsoever. It’s so pretty!! I’m not a bourbon fan but I think all of this would taste great with vodka too. You nailed it with the jalapenos!
What an awesome idea to combine spicy/sweet!! These look incredible!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…Healthy Blueberry Pie Donuts
My mouth is watering looking at these! I’m not sure I’d love the “spicy” part, but I’m absolutely willing to give it a try 🙂
RFC recently posted…Review: Brooks Cascadia 11
I’ve never heard of this type of shrub, but now I’m intrigued! Now I can start making my own and make my friends think I’m fancy! 😛
Lex @ Flecksoflex recently posted…My Favorite Summer Activities
For some reason, always thought that this was much more difficult! I can’t wait to try it out!
i love shrubs & finding different ways to use them! the blueberries add SUCH a pretty color!
jess larson | plays well with butter recently posted…springtime kale pesto pasta with perfectly seared scallops