I could not have a swing, however I do have a porch—and porch swing margaritas are all about lazy summer time afternoons outdoors, when the one actual determination is whether or not to sit down within the solar or the shade. This cocktail brings collectively a number of issues: my obsession with Arnold Palmers, my ongoing love affair with margaritas and my borderline harmful affection for any peach recipe. The result’s a drink that’s candy, tart, boozy and simply southern sufficient to make you say “y’all” accidentally.

This margarita recipe has a zipper of lime, the mellow attraction of robust black tea, a whisper of peach liqueur and a tequila spine that reminds you that is, in reality, glad hour. Whether or not you’re sipping solo with a e-book or passing a pitcher round with pals, that is the drink for sweltering evenings, chasing after fireflies and pretending the group chat can wait.

Porch Swing Margarita Elements

• Recent-squeezed lime juice: That is what provides the margarita its signature zing. At all times go for freshly squeezed over bottled as a result of it tastes extra brilliant and recent. You may juice the limes the identical means you’d juice lemons: in a meals processor or by utilizing a citrus squeezer.
• Easy syrup: You should purchase it on the retailer, however it’s also possible to prep selfmade easy syrup simply as simply. Easy syrup is historically constituted of equal components sugar and water, however many bartenders use a wealthy easy syrup that makes use of a two-to-one sugar-to-water ratio for a sweeter, thicker syrup. Both means, this liquid sweetener balances out the lime and tea.
• Peach liqueur: This candy, fruity spirit is the flavour pivot that takes the margarita from cantina to porch swing. For a extra informal vibe, go for one thing like Peachtree schnapps. For a deeper fruit taste, choose up a higher-end peach liqueur like Giffard Creme de Peche.
• Blanco tequila: Clear, crisp and stuffed with agave taste, blanco tequila is the most effective tequila for margaritas as a result of it lets the tea and peach flavors shine with out overpowering them. Don’t waste your top-shelf tequila, however skip the plastic jug too—one thing mid-range like Espolòn or Cazadores works fantastically.
• Double-strength iced tea: That is the actual southern twist! You’ll wish to brew your tea utilizing twice as many tea baggage because the instructions instruct to make it daring sufficient to carry as much as the tequila and citrus. I used Luzianne iced tea baggage and brewed 2 cups of water with two tea baggage, and I didn’t lengthen it with chilly water. I simply threw it within the fridge for some time. You can also make iced tea by way of the chilly brew technique as properly. It doesn’t matter the way you make it, simply make certain the tea is concentrated and never watered down. You may even brew a complete batch forward of time and retailer it within the fridge for spontaneous sipping.
• Lime wheel or fruity garnish: A basic lime wheel retains issues conventional. Or, costume up your drink with recent peach slices, mint sprigs or perhaps a skewer of summer time berries when you’re feeling additional. It’s like jewellery to your drink—optionally available however extremely really useful.

Instructions

Step 1: Fill your glass with ice

Fill a Mason jar or double rocks glass with ice.

Editor’s Tip: Crushed or pebble ice is a superb possibility for an excellent scorching day, however it’s going to water the drink down a bit of bit. You could possibly additionally jazz up your ice cubes by freezing peaches inside them!

Step 2: Stir it up

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In a mixing glass, mix the iced tea, tequila, peach liqueur, lime juice and easy syrup. Stir till mixed.

Step 3: Pour and garnish

Pour the combination over the ice in your glass or jar and garnish with a lime wheel or different kind of fruit if desired.

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Porch Swing Margarita Variations

• Make it minty: Peach and mint are a match made in heaven. Muddle a number of mint leaves along with your easy syrup earlier than mixing for a refreshing natural notice.
• Swap in bitter combine: In the event you don’t have recent lime available, you’ll be able to completely use bitter combine or margarita combine. In the event you use a combination, omit the easy syrup.
• Get artful with garnishes: Wrap a peach slice in mint or float blackberries on high. Take it up one other notch by organising a garnish bar to your visitors. Don’t be afraid to get fruity!
• Maintain it Kentucky: Commerce your tequila for bourbon for an earthier, caramel taste.

Are you able to make porch swing margaritas forward of time?

Completely! Porch swing margaritas are an excellent batch cocktail for an indoor or outside drinks station. Simply be sure to preserve the identical ratio of elements and blend every little thing besides the ice and garnish in a big pitcher or jar. Retailer it within the fridge till you’re able to serve, then pour the drink over ice and garnish on the spot. This makes internet hosting yard barbecues a breeze—no must play bartender all night time.

Porch Swing Margarita Suggestions

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What’s the most effective kind of glass for porch swing margaritas?

Truthfully, you’ve acquired choices. A Mason jar feels delightfully on-theme and retains issues informal. However a double rocks glass works nice for a tidier presentation. In the event you’re feeling playful, a stemless wine glass provides a contact of class with out sacrificing consolation. The true key? Be sure no matter cocktail glass you select is sufficiently big for ice and additional sips.

What are you able to serve with porch swing margaritas?

Entrance porch glad hour is much less about formal eating and extra about nibbling, sipping and leaning into that golden hour glow. Assume finger meals and simple, breezy bites that don’t require a knife or an excuse. Deviled eggs with a horseradish twist, pimiento cheese on buttery crackers or an enormous ol’ platter of antipasto skewers are all truthful sport. Set out bowls of spiced nuts and marinated olives. Or, stick to the peerlessly peachy theme by serving peach salsa with tortilla chips. Any of those choices will end in an off-the-cuff unfold that’s low-maintenance and high-vibe.

Loading Fashionable within the Neighborhood

That is what occurs when a basic Arnold Palmer throws a peachy porch occasion! Porch swing margaritas are half margarita, half iced tea and half shock punch of peach. —Kate McKiernan, Chicago, Illinois