Chile-Agave Margarita

Spice up your party with this titillating cocktail. Chile-Agave Margarita is a tingling cooler with a mash-up of syrupy-sweet agave nectar amd peppery heat. For added heat, don't seed the chile before muddling. Sensitive to heat? Skip the muddling; simply shake and strain.

                                                        Chile-Agave Margarita
                                                                   courtesy of
                                                                 Cooking Light
                                                                    May 2016

Ingredients
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
8 thin slices Fresno chile, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon light agave nectar
2 ounces añejo tequila
1 ounce Grand Marnier

Directions

1. Combine sugar, rind, and salt on a small plate. Rub rims of 2 glasses with a damp paper towel. Dip the rims of glasses in sugar mixture.

2. Place 4 chile slices in a cocktail shaker; muddle slightly. Add remaining ingredients,  and fill shaker with ice; shake vigorously 30 seconds or until drink is well chilled. Strain into prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with 2 chile slices.

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