Margarita Madness for Margarita Day!

Shouldn't the most popular cocktail ordered by the pitcher-full have its' own day? Of course! Celebrate Margarita Day by mixing up a tasty pitcher-full -or two-of these delicious cocktails and you'll see why we dedicate a day to the margarita. Although I drink them all year round and muddle in whatever is in season, from strawberries to mango, sage and mint, and if I just have a lime, so be it.

So peruse the recipes and get mixing!

History Lesson: notes to share while you're muddling and mixing:
The original Margarita was invented in 1948 by socialite Margarita Sames, According to the legend, it was during a party at her cliffside hacienda in Acapulco that Margarita began experimenting with the cocktail.

Perfect Pear Margarita
Serves 8
16oz. Sauza Silver Tequila
4 oz. Pear liqueur
6 oz. simple syrup
4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 peeled pears for garnish
8 rosemary sprigs for garnish

In a large pitcher filled halfway with ice, add tequila, liqueur, simple syrup, and juices. Stir well. Pour into ice-filled glasses, garnish with pear slice and rosemary sprig and serve.

Simple syrup: is available in grocery stores or with recipe here. In a small saucepan mix equal parts sugar and water. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, let stand until cool. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Citrus Margarita
Serves 8
12 oz. Sauza Gold Tequila
6 oz. Triple Sec Liqueur
16 oz. orange juice
8 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
8 oz. agave nectar
Sugar for rimming
Orange wheels for garnish

In a large pitcher filled halfway with ice add tequila, triple sec, juices, and agave nectar. Mix well. Rim glasses with sugar. Pour into ice filled glasses, add an orange wheel for garnish, and serve.

8 oz. Patrón Reposado tequila
4 oz. Patrón Citrónge Mango liqueur
4 oz. Freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 oz. Agave Syrup
Bunch of Sage Leaves, 8 for garnish
Mango slices for garnish

In a pitcher muddle sage leaves with agave nectar. Add tequila, mango liqueur, and lemon juice. Fill halfway with ice and mix well.
Pour into ice filled glasses. Garnish with a mango slice and sage leaf and serve.

Star Shine Margarita
Serves 8

16oz. Patrón Silver tequila
8oz. Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur
8 oz. passion fruit nectar
8 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
2 oz. Agave Nectar
Star fruit and lime wheels for garnish

In a pitcher filled halfway with ice add tequila, liqueur, nectar, lime juice, and agave. Mix well. Pour into ice filled glasses, garnish with star fruit and lime wheels and serve.

Black Ginger Margarita
Serves 8

16 oz. Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila
16 oz. Ginger Beer
4 oz. Simple Syrup
4 oz. Lemon Juice
10 Rosemary sprigs, 6 for recipe, 4 to cut in half for garnish

In a pitcher, muddle 6 rosemary sprigs with simple syrup. Add tequila and lemon juice. Add ice, gently pour in ginger beer and mix well. Pour into ice filled glasses. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and serve.

Sweet & Spicy Margarita
Serves 8

16 oz. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
10 Strawberries
12 Sweet Basil Leaves
8 oz. Freshly squeezed Lime Juice
4 oz. Simple Syrup
Club soda to top
Dash of Balsamic Vinegar

In a pitcher muddle strawberries, 6 basil leaves, and simple syrup. Add tequila, lime juice, and ice. Mix well and pour into ice filled glasses. Top with club soda, garnish with basil sprig and dash of balsamic.