Bite Of Minnesota: Smoky Pomegranate Margaritas

Happy holidays! My Christmas was a bit non-traditional as it was spent in Miami where the weather was sunny and the temperatures were in the 80s. Instead of rushing around buying last-minute gifts and prepping copious amounts of food, we relaxed on the beach and sipped fruity cocktails. We were lucky to have a craft cocktail bar (The Broken Shaker) in our hotel with a new punch featured daily along with an excellent cocktail menu. The bartenders really knew their craft and whipped up the perfect cocktail based on my likes and dislikes while highlighting fresh citrus and herbs available in Miami Beach.

Although I'm now back in the frozen tundra I call home, I'm not ready to give up the taste of warmer weather cocktails, this time concocting them in the comfort of my own home and just in time for New Year celebrations.

Get out your cocktail shaker and start shaking up some sunshine.

Smoky Pomegranate Margaritas
(serves 4)

Ingredients
1/2 cup tequila blanco
1/4 cup mezcal (I use Del Maguey brand)
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons simple syrup*
2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
Lime slices, for garnish
*To make simple syrup, bring 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved and let cool.

Directions
In a large shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and pomegranate molasses. Shake until combined and strain into martini glasses. Garnish with a lime slice.