Out the Box

As much as New Orleans prides itself on its Free Spirit, within those parameters, we can actually be a victim of our own hidebound habits.
For most of us, celebrations, like Carnival or Jazz Fest while seemingly manic to the inexperienced eye, are actually repeats of previous performances. We pretty much do the same things for each celebration, having learned from experience or our parents to park the car in a certain area, then position ourselves at just about the same place doing just about the same thing as we have done in previous years. After all, why change what works?
Holiday seasons are particularly traditional in both drink and cuisine, within a New Orleans context. And so it is with some reluctance that we propose your seasonal martini be altered a bit. The folks at Boulevard American Bistro suggest you widen your horizon this year by looking to the South for inspiration.

Margarita Martini

1 1/4 ounces Tres Agave Blanco Tequila
1 1/4 ounces Licor 43
1 ounce house-made sour mix*
2 dashes of orange bitters

Garnish: lemon zest and mint sprig

In a shaker, add ice and all ingredients.

Shake and strain into a coupe glass, and garnish.

*Sour Mix:

3 cups each water and sugar
2 cups each fresh lime and fresh lemon

Combine water and sugar in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Cool syrup. Mix syrup, lemon juice and lime juice in pitcher. Chill until cold.

Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; keep chilled