Enjoy Seasonal Nasturtium Margaritas in the Summer Sun By Ecological Farming and Sustainability Expert Rick Perillo

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Enjoy Seasonal Nasturtium Margaritas in the Summer Sun

By Ecological Farming and Sustainability Expert Rick Perillo

Nasturtiums are my favorite edible flower. They are colorful but most special, they are peppery. For this recipe I infuse their peppery flavor and color into tequila. Now you can drink your flowers! 

Makes two drinks

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 large handfuls of nasturtium flowers

  • 4 shots of tequila blanco

  • 1 shot cointreau

  • 1 shot lime juice

Nasturtium simple syrup

Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar in small saucepan

Heat over medium heat stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved

Turn off heat and add one large handful of nasturtium flowers. Let cool

Strain out flowers. This syrup can store in the fridge for 1 month

Nasturtium infused vodka

Combine 4 shots of tequila blanco with a handful of nasturtium flowers in a mason jar. Soak for 2 to 3 days, strain.

Nasturtium Margarita

  • 2 shots nasturtium infused tequila blanco*

  • 1 shot cointreau

  • 1 shot lime juice

  • 1 shot nasturtium simple syrup

Mix all ingredients in shaker, fill with ice to above liquid level and shake. Strain into 2 coupe glasses and garnish with nasturtium leaves. Enjoy!

*Tequila respado and anejo will also work. However, these two tequilas take on the color of the barrels that they have been aged in (tequila blanco is usually bottled right after distillation) and will dim the ruby color we are going for in this drink.

Use fresh nasturtium leaves as a garnish

Use fresh nasturtium leaves as a garnish

Learn how to grow your own nasturtiums by reading:

Growing Nasturtiums: Champion of the Edible Flowers


Bio

Rick has been exploring sustainability and ecological farming for 15 years. He has taught sustainable gardening to everyone from 2 to 90-year-olds and currently teaches gardening at MUSE School Calabasas. You can read more of his work at www.thecarrotrevolution.com