Oh, you’re in for a treat with this one! Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart than regular lemons, making them perfect for a margarita.
Add a rosemary simple syrup for a touch of herbal goodness, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail that’s refreshing, a little fancy, and totally sippable.
Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself after a long day, this drink feels special but is so easy to make. Let’s get to it!
What You’ll Need
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
For the Margarita:
- 2 oz fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 oz tequila (blanco works great here)
- 1 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Coarse salt for rimming
- Optional garnish: Meyer lemon wheels and rosemary sprigs
Pro Tips
- Juicing Hack: Roll the Meyer lemons on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out of them.
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Skip the tequila and triple sec, and mix the Meyer lemon juice and rosemary syrup with sparkling water for a fun mocktail.
- Perfect Rim: Rub a lemon wedge around the glass rim before dipping it into salt for the best stick.
- Chill Everything: A super cold glass and ingredients make for the best margarita experience.
- Batch It Up: Making drinks for a crowd? You can prep the rosemary syrup and juice ahead of time for easy assembly.
Tools Needed
- Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Glass for serving
- Plate for salt rimming
Substitutions and Variations
- No Meyer Lemons? Use regular lemons and add a teaspoon of orange juice to mimic the sweetness.
- No Triple Sec? Swap in Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or even a splash of orange juice.
- Herbal Switch-Up: Try thyme or basil in place of rosemary for a fun twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the rosemary simple syrup up to a week in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar.
Instructions
1. Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 3 rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and cool completely.
2. Prep the Glass
Rub a Meyer lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it in coarse salt to coat.
3. Shake It Up
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Meyer lemon juice, 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz rosemary simple syrup, and a handful of ice. Shake until well-chilled (about 15 seconds).
4. Pour and Garnish:
Strain the margarita into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a wheel of Meyer lemon.
Leftovers and Storage
If you’ve got leftover rosemary simple syrup, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Use it for more margaritas, iced tea, or sparkling water!
Wrap-Up
This Meyer Lemon Margarita with Rosemary Simple Syrup is one of those drinks that just hits differently—fresh, zesty, and a little herbaceous. It’s a fun way to elevate your cocktail game without a ton of effort. If you try this, let me know how it turns out or what fun twists you came up with. Cheers! 🍋