Journey, Feast, and Live

It’s the weekend!  The weather here in Stuttgart has had its moments.  a few moments of sun, followed by it going away for a while, then you get some rain mixed in there.

With the weather being nice at points, here Stuttgart, that is anything over 72 °f (22 °c), I start going out for more walks in my neighborhood, as well as to the farmers market.  Not to mention you see really nice seasonal fruits and vegetables come about.  When I start seeing strawberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.  I can’t help but just want to make a nice cocktail.  Normally, if you follow my instagram, you know I love a Friday cocktail.  I come home after work, hit my liquor cabinet and decide what I’m in the mood for.  My Friday rule is pretty clear, nothing too simple, because I deserve something tasty as a reward for finishing a week of work.

This time I was in the mood for a margarita.  I enjoy the taste of a margarita, if you can find a nice tequila that goes down smooth and mixes well, then you have a great drink.  A problem that I’ve run into here in Stuttgart is finding a tequila like that.  That’s why when I get a visitor, OK, when my mom comes, or a friend,  I ask for a nice bottle.  This time it was Milagro.  This is a wonderfully smooth tequila, that you can shot and not feel horrible the next day.

With my love of cocktails and also because I live in a neighborhood that has some of the best bars in the world, seriously I have a bar (Schwarz Weiss) that was voted as one, I’m constantly inspired to learn from them, then come home and make a great drink, for way less of a cost.  This time it is a cherry jam margarita.  Yes, if you never thought about it, you can make a great drink using that jar of jam or jelly in your frig.

If you want to try out different flavors, go get a jar of jam, you will be amazed.  It works in many ways.  You have something, which will impart the flavor you are looking for from that particular fruit, along with the sweetness you might also enjoy.

If you are looking for that first cocktail to make tonight, or really any night in general, then make this Cherry Jam Margarita.  Once you do, make sure to tell me about it.  I know I can’t be the only person who enjoys a nice Friday drink to start the weekend.

Cherry Jam Margarita

Prep Time: 10 Minutes             Total Time:  10 Minutes      Yield: 1 Drink

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon cherry jam
• 1 oz lime juice (about the juice from one 1 lime)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 1/2 oz Silver Tequila
• Dash Angostura Bitters
• Garnish of a lime wedge, or a cherry (optional)

Directions

In a rocks glass add ice and set aside.  In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except for garnishes.  Fill shaker with ice and put the cap on.  Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until shaker is extremely cold.

Strain cocktail into your prepared rocks glass and garnish with lime wedge or a cherry if using.  Serve immediately.