TRAVEL THERAPY

Copyright Karen Schaler All Rights Reserved

I’ve bellied up to the bar in search for the perfect margarita for quite some time, call if my own TRAVEL THERAPY.  My quest started after my grandparents, who lived part of the year in Alamos, Mexico, would serve up the most magnificent margarita. My grandfather had a secret recipe and after he passed away my grandma tried to show us how to make them but they’ve never turned out the same. My uncle and I tried using Cointreau and the Mexican verison Controy but nada…Maybe it was the… limes we were using, because my grandfather used limes fresh from their garden, or maybe it was the combination we were pouring…but all I know is what we come up with isn’t what my grandfather use to make. So now in my travels my quest for the perfect margarita continues and here are some of my favorites so far.

BAJA MARGARITA

At the stunning Aqua Bar (pictured above) at the One&Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo I was excited to find a list of almost a dozen margaritas to choose from. I tried several during my stay but the one that stands out is the one made with Damiana liqueur, Damiana is an herb that’s grown in Baja and has been known as a aphrodisiac used all the way back to ancient Mayan times. The bottle itself is sleek and sensuous. The crushed flowers from this plant are used to make the liquor and the taste is rich but sweet and while some drink it alone as an after dinner drink the Aqua Bar puts it in a killer margarita creating a very smooth, unique cocktail. Some believe the very first margarita ever made in Mexico was made with Damiana Liqueur so give it a try! For recipes click HERE. 

 FREDDY’S MAYA MARGARITA 

I discovered one of my favorite margaritas in Mexico at Freddy’s beach bar at the equally impressive Maroma Resort in the Riviera Maya. This boutique property, one of my favorites, is known as a celebrity hideaway and is now on the top of my list for making a close to perfect margarita. There actually is a Freddy at Freddy’s beach bar. He’s been working at the resort for years and his Maya Margarita is special because he uses D’Aaisti Xtabentun, a special liqueur also made from a local ingredient. Xtabentun is known as “the elixir the Mayans offered to the Gods…” Also made from a local flower, only found in the Riviera Maya, Xtabentun has the taste of licorice mixed with honey and when put into a margarita it’s amazing. Insider tip: Be careful drinking these beauties because they are so smooth and so refreshing they can sneak up on you!

 Freddy was kind enough to share his recipe but the trick is getting the Xtabentun. For the first time in years I checked my bags just to bring this liqueur back to the States and believe me it was worth it.  

FREDDY’S MAYA MARGARITA RECIPE 

1oz   Fresh Lime Juice

1oz   100% Agave Tequilla

1oz   Xtabentun Liquor

1      Pinch of Sugar

Add ice and shake well and pour into a glass rimmed with salt and a lime. Salud!

Using Xtabentun and Freddy’s recipe my Mayan Margaritas are always the hit of my parties…they’re still not my grandfather’s though…so my search continues…If you have a favorite margarita you’ve tasted please let me know!

Next up…picking the best tequilla. 

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