Meyer Lemon Margarita

When we're in the mood for something special, we reach for our wide, short Martino Gamper-designed tumblers—a perfect shape and size for a mixed drink or generous pour of spirits. With Meyer Lemon season upon us in California, we've developed a cocktail designed to feature our local winter citrus bounty. Just the right amount sweet and sour, this zest-infused drink is offset with a sweet-salty rim. (Don't have Meyer lemons handy? No problem: we've got a substitute.)

In a cocktail shaker, or lidded jar, mix 2 parts tequila and 1 part Meyer Lemon juice (if you can't find Meyer Lemons, substitute half orange, half lemon juice). Add the zest of a lemon (about half a lemon's worth per drink), a big dash of bitters and a splash of simple syrup. Taste an adjust to your liking.

In a mortar and pestle grind together 1 part sea salt and 2 parts raw cane sugar. Empty onto a small plate and shimmy to distribute in an even layer. Wet the rim of your tumbler by running a wedge of lemon around it and place topside-down on the plate to coat the rim. 

Put 3-4 ice cubes in each glass, then shake your cocktail, and pour generously into each glass. Place a slice or wedge of lemon on the rim and serve immediately. 

Salud!

Photo of Mariah Nielson in the JB Blunk House garden (with a Meyer Lemon tree in the distance!) by Leslie Williamson