Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita

It's pretty much tradition to welcome in a new year with fizzy drinks, the most obvious choice being champagne or sparkling wine. Lately, as I've been growing older more mature, I've been forgoing the nighttime bubbly for a little "first day of the year mimosa madness". I mean, I found myself popping the celebration cork at midnight, drinking a glass, and then immediately going to bed. What a waste of bubbles.  Thus, my tradition began.

But this year, I decided that there was absolutely nothing wrong with popping that cork earlier in the evening. I was in the mood for margaritas, actually.  I'd received some samples of Partida tequila and was eager to give them a try.  So, I thought, why not combine the two?

Though all of the varieties were nice for their own reasons, I was drawn towards the Añejo to use in the margaritas for its nose of cherries and dried fruit with undertones of chocolate. It would make the perfect partner for the bold pomegranate and silky Licor 43.

But lest you think that I abandoned the bubbly, look closely. Can you see the fizz around the ice cubes? These margaritas were topped off with sparkling wine. Totally worthy of ushering in a new year. Let's raise a glass to 2014 - here's to a new year filled with possibilities!

Sparkling Pomegranate Margaritas

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: beverage dairy-free nut-free soy-free vegan pomegranate tequila limes New Year Cinco de Mayo Christmas Mexican

Ingredients (2 cocktails)

• 2 fluid ounces pomegranate juice
• 2 fluid ounces Partida Añejo tequila (or your favorite)
• 1 fluid ounce Licor 43
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• sparkling wine

what else:

• coarse salt
• ice
• pomegranate arils
• lime slices

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice. Add pomegranate juice, tequila, Licor 43, and lime juice; shake until cold.

Dip the rim of two glasses into some water or lime juice, then into coarse salt. Add a couple of ice cubes to the glass, then strain the margarita over the ice into the glass, leaving an inch of space in the glass. Top off with sparkling wine.

Garnish with a lime slice and some pomegranate arils, if you wish.

note:

I like this margarita as-is, but if you want something sweeter, add a little agave nectar or simple syrup to taste while shaking.

I received some sample bottles of Partida Tequila at no charge, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.