Lovely Cranberry Margarita

Fall marks the beginning of the holiday season. For us Indians (and Bengalis), fall often heralds the start of festivities - starting with Durga Puja, Lokhi Puja and then Diwali - the festival of lights. Of course, I, being not a religious person, is always more interested in the social aspect of these special days. I love putting on a beautiful sari with a dazzling piece of jewelry and lots of makeup and then going and meeting all our friends and acquaintances. And I love the food! 

Food is always one of the main attractions at these special parties. The menu is usually traditional but there is something special about sitting together and enjoying a hot steaming plate filled with various dishes.

And that is why I love Thanksgiving. I like doing the traditional Thanksgiving with the Turkey and Ham and southern side dishes with fresh homemade bread. But I also like doing the Indian version of Thanksgiving where we prepare Indian dishes and celebrate with friends. 

So, this year for our Thanksgiving party, we decided to do something very special. We served Chips and Dip but with a twist. We got a Roasted Pineapple & Habanero Salsa and a Spinach Artichoke dip. 

Debarshi prepared Chilli chicken as another appetizer which was an instant hit with everyone. We served the yummy crispy fried chicken with another mouth-watering appetizer -  Tempura Shrimp.

For drinks, we had planned something very unique this year - Cranberry Margarita. After all, what can be better suited for a Thanksgiving party other than Cranberries. I love dried Cranberries, the fresh ones are often too sour for me. However, they were perfect as a garnish for this delicious drink. The drink was appreciated by all our friends and it was super easy to make. 

You can choose whatever silver tequila you like best but I would recommend choosing a bottle with 100% agave. It brings that smooth taste and enhances the flavor of the drink. 

To make the drink look festive, rim the glasses with sea salt and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. You can use a cocktail shaker to make the drinks but you can also use a large jug or pitcher and mix the ingredients with a spoon. Just make sure to measure the ingredients otherwise it may turn up too sour or boozy.

I hope you try this drink and share it with your friends and family. Happy holidays!

Ingredients:

• Kosher Salt - 1 cup, for rimming glass
• Ice - 3-4 cups
• Cranberry Juice - 4.5 ounces (3 shots from standard size shot glass), or more to taste
• Blanco Tequila - 1.5 ounces (1 shot from standard size shot glass)
• Triple Sec - 1 ounce (2/3 shot from standard size shot glass)
• Lime - ½  
• Fresh Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs - 1 packet each, for garnish

Directions:

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip in salt. 
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec and the juice of half a lime. Shake to combine. 
• Strain the cocktail over the prepared glass and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tip: This drink can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to serve.

Some appetizers to serve with the drink:

• My Homemade Sausage and Feta Hors D'oeuvres
• Debarshi’s Amuse Bouche
• Allahabadi Alu Patty (Puff Pastry with Spicy Potato Filling)
• Grilled Tandoori Shrimp
• Vegetable Cutlets
• Murgh Malai Tikka (Grilled Creamy Tender Chicken)
• Air fried Pakoras (Fritters)
• Paneer Pakore (Fresh Cheese Fritters)
• Tandoori Chicken
• Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Bacon