Blackberry Lavender Margaritas (Midnight Margaritas)
These beautiful and delicious margaritas were inspired by the “Midnight Margaritas” scene in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic, where the Owens sisters wake up in the middle of the night to make margaritas and dance around the kitchen with their aunts!
However, instead of making margaritas at midnight, I decided to make midnight-inspired margaritas with a dark midnight purple color and dreamy, subtly floral taste. To make them even more elegant, they’re made with a lavender salt rim (while this step is optional, I absolutely love the look and taste of the lavender salt with this drink!).
These margaritas are perfect for Autumn gatherings and Halloween parties. For an alcohol-free version, simply swap out the tequila for sparkling water (or cherry juice, if you prefer it a bit sweeter!).
Blackberry Lavender Margaritas (midnight margaritas)
Makes 1 margarita
Ingredients:
8 blackberries
2 tsp sugar
Pinch of food-grade dried lavender
2 oz tequila (substitute with sparking water or cherry juice for an alcohol-free version)
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz fresh blood orange juice or orange juice
1 cup ice, plus more for serving
Extra blackberries and lavender sprig for garnish (optional)
For the lavender salt rim (optional):
2 tbsp coarse salt
Pinch of food-grade dried lavender
To make:
To make the lavender salt for the rim, add the salt and lavender to a mortar and pestle and grind them together, crushing the lavender buds to infuse the salt. (You can also blend them in a food processor to achieve the same result). Pour the lavender salt onto a plate. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then swirl the rim of the glass around the plate to coat with lavender salt. Set aside.
To a cocktail shaker, add the blackberries, sugar, and pinch of lavender and muddle thoroughly until the blackberries are crushed and their juices are released.
Add the tequila (or cherry juice), fresh lime juice, and fresh blood orange juice, and fill the shaker with a cup of ice. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously.
Fill your glass with ice, then use a strainer to pour the margarita into the glass. If you’re using sparkling water, add it and stir to combine. Top with more fresh blackberries and garnish with a sprig of dried lavender (optional). Enjoy!