Curiocity: Mike's Mix — Coco Loco

Every Friday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. Not all Valentine's Day gifts come in a heart-shaped box. Sometimes, they can come in a glass. Throughout February, Mike's learning some romantic cocktail recipes from Nicollet Island Inn's bartender Troy Jurgens. This week's selection helps you get your tequila working for you outside of your standard margaritas.

Ingredients
2 oz. Tanteo cocoa tequila
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. lime juice
Splash of Grand Marnier (about ¼ oz.)

Directions
Pour tequila, cranberry juice and fresh squeezed lime juice into cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Add splash of Grand Marnier and garnish with a lime wedge.

Taste Test
Tequila: it's not just for margaritas anymore. Why? With the advent coffee-, jalapeno-, mango-, and chocolate-infused tequila, the liquor that many of us remember as a hangover-inducer is gaining acceptance into the craft cocktail world. This recipe combines a hint of chocolate (which you really notice on the flavor's finish), citrus and cranberry to temper the distinct flavor of the golden tequila. It's not a sweet drink, but it's not your neighborhood margarita, either.

About Nicollet Island Inn
"At the Nicollet Island Inn, we raise the essence of a traditional inn to new levels—combining the classic and the modern to produce a truly intimate hotel, restaurant, bar, and banquet destination," says their website. "The Nicollet Island Inn's award-winning restaurant is the best combination of food, atmosphere and view in the Twin Cities." Click here to enter for a free overnight stay package on Valentine's Day evening.

To find more recipes from Mike's Mix, click here.