BETTER SNOOZE WITHOUT THE BOOZE: SPICY MARG

I write this as I bask in the Mexican sun, where beautiful people in various states of salty, sandy and golden breeze by my cabana.

With music drifting almost in chorus with the waves…it's easy enough to signal for yet another round of margaritas. But there’s a certain point where it's not “adding” to the experience….rather just robbing myself of a beautiful sleep on my brief holiday (tell me you’re in your thirties, without telling me you’re in your thirties…).

If you’ve been following along, I’m an insomniac, and I’m under strict orders from my doctor to get off anything that comprises my rest. This series, “Better Snooze without the Booze” features alcohol-free cocktail recipes and “spirits” that won’t disrupt your shut-eye.

We know booze is bad for our health but it really does a number on your sleep (if you want to know the deets, here’s the blog I wrote). If cutting it out altogether isn’t realistic, you’ll still see huge benefits to switching to AF options after 5pm (ie. far enough away from your bed time to still safeguard your REM sleep). 

SO SINCE IT'S NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY...I thought I’d inject a little summer into your February with a my take on a non-alcoholic margarita.

Taking inspiration from Cancun (and the cute bartender who I grilled on the recipe), this baby is more than just juice in a glass–its spicy bite compensates for what it lacks in tequila.

So whip up some tacos for dinner and defy winter this evening with a mocktail that is vibrant, fresh and satisfyingly tart.

Alcohol-free Margarita Recipe Ingredients (Serves 1): ✧ 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime

✧ 0.5 ounce fresh-squeezed orange ✧ 1 ounce agave 

✧ Two thin slices of jalapeño ✧ Tonic water or club soda (the tonic makes it more “convincing” but if you like it less bitter, choose club soda) Optional: 1-2 ounces alcohol-free tequila, such as Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative

Ingredients for the rim: ✧ 1 teaspoon of chili powder or Tajin ✧ 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions: Start with your salt rim (instructions below). Use a shaker or combine ingredients in the glass and give it a good mix so the agave dissolves. Fill the glass to the top with ice. Optional: garnish with cilantro or lime. Psst: you’ll notice it gets spicier as you drink it. Remove jalapeno slices when it has reached your desired spice level, you’ll know ;)

Making the rim: Mix the salt and spice on a small plate. Brush a bit of lime juice or agave along the rim of the glass and dip it into the mixture.

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