Clementine Rosemary Margaritas started off Thanksgiving 2012. Good parties do have a tendency to start with cocktails. And like good cocktails often do, Clementine Rosemary Margaritas started with fresh citrus and herbs and good tequila and mezcal. Clementine Rosemary Margaritas are amazing on a cold fall night and perfect with a Mexican themed Thanksgiving. Cheers.

2 parts tequila blanco for a smooth effect, or for a smoky effect, mezcal
½ part lemon juice
1 part clementine or other tangerine juice
2 parts seltzer
½ part rosemary simple syrup
salt for the rim

If you’re making one, part = ounce or shot glass full.
When making it for a group, part = cup.
If you’re making it for a party, part = quart.

Because I wanted to up the rosemary ante and use a simple syrup, tangerine juice alone left the cocktail unbalanced. The lemon juice fixes that and balances out the sugar. How to choose between mezcal and tequila? Simple. Smoky or bright and smooth? I loved it both ways, so it’s a fun excuse to do a taste test.

Mix well in a pitcher. Use a lemon or clementine to wet the rim of the glass. Dip in salt. Fill with ice. Top with the cocktail. Garnish with a citrus slice and a rosemary sprig.