Guests love a Margarita — it remains the leading cocktail in most surveys . To spice up your Margarita offering and create some signature sips , try infusing tequila with a unique flavor .

Cibolo Moon , a Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas , makes a fan-favorite Jalapeño Strawberry Margarita with a house-made jalapeño and strawberry-infused tequila . The bar ’ s mixologists share their secrets for the perfect infusion .

For starters , Cibolo Moon recommends a 100 % blue agave silver or blanco tequila , which are fresh and unaged and can take on the most flavor . Almost any herbs , spices and fruits will work well as a flavor infusion , just be sure to use fresh ingredients . With strawberries and citrus fruit , wash and slice thinly . For peppers , score and leave whole or cut in half . Leave the seeds in for a spicy kick , or remove them for less heat . Choose a clean , airtight jar ; quart-sized mason jars work well . Wash the ingredients , place them inside the jar and fill it with tequila . Shake a few times and cover tightly with a lid . Store your infusion in a cool , dark place and shake it a few times a day for the duration of the infusion . On average , the ingredients should stay in the tequila for three to five days .

Some of the more intense flavors will need just three days ; less intense flavors should stay in the jar for a full week or more . You should do a taste test every few days to see if the flavors are sufficient .

When the infused tequila is ready , mix it up in a Margarita or create a specialty cocktail for it . To the right is Cibolo Moon ’ s infused Margarita recipe . – Melissa Dowling

1 ½ oz . Infused tequila 1 oz . Lime juice 1 oz . Agave ½ oz . Cointreau

Combine ingredients and shake . Pour with a strainer in a chili saltrimmed Margarita glass with fresh ice .

Las Vegas restaurant Makers & Finders in April has introduced several specialty dessert cocktails . The decadent drinks draw inspiration from its coffee bar ’ s most popular specialty lattes . For instance , the Espresso Martini 2.0 ($ 11 ) features Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass vodka , Kahlua , espresso , vanilla syrup and whipped cream .

Other drinkable desserts include the White Chocolate Emulsion ($ 12 ), with Bacardi spiced rum , milk , espresso and white mocha steamed together over a chocolate sphere with a fluffy surprise inside ; and the Lavender Sorbet Spritz ($ 12 ), a tableside cocktail featuring Martini Fiero bittersweet vermouth , Martini Rossi prosecco , lavender and coconut sorbets and lemon juice . A trio of shots , made with Angel ’ s Envy bourbon , white mocha sauce , caramel sauce and

Waffle Cup Shots

mocha sauce is served in waffle cups with whipped cream .

Makers & Finders , with two locations , is run by owner / CEO Josh Molina , executive chef Kenneth Taylor III and beverage specialist Jared Uy . The brand is known for its inspired Latin cuisine , craft coffee and cocktails . Why the dessert drinks ?

Molina says he was inspired by the fact that while there were many incredible eateries in the neighborhoods , there was not a place to imbibe and satisfy one ’ s sweet tooth after dinner . “ Our intention was to fill that void through a

series of fun and interactive dessert beverages that can be enjoyed through the wee hours of the night .”

WHITE CHOCOLATE EMULSION

½ oz . Bacardi spiced rum 2 oz . Whole milk 2 oz . Espresso 1 oz . White mocha 2 Chocolate domes 6 Mini marshmallows

In stemless Martini glass , place 1 chocolate dome face up at the base of the glass . Add 6 mini marshmallows inside the dome . Place second dome face down on top . In milk pitcher , add all liquid ingredients and steam . Transfer into black kettle . Pour tableside over the dome .

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