The Perfect Margarita
We’ve all been duped before. Margarita-Mix Margaritas are the mixology equivalent of Play-Doh Pancakes. In stark contrast to the authentic mexican margaritas we’ve come to love between Scottsdale and Sonoyta, our at-home concoctions have left a lot to be desired.
So, when we picked “Make the Perfect Margarita” from our Sunday Bucket this week, we knew some research was in order.
We started at Cien Agaves, a great spot in Old Town Scottsdale, last Sunday afternoon. We picked 2:00pm to sit down at the bar, figuring we’d get the most attention from the bartender between the lunch and dinner crowds, when the place was empty. There, we learned the basic recipe:
3 Fresh-Squeezed Lime Halves
0.5 oz Triple Sec (we used Cointreau)
1 oz Simple Syrup (Half Sugar/Half Water)
1.5 oz Tequila (100% Agave)
Salt or Sugar Rim Optional (use Triple Sec or Simple Syrup on the rim)
Shake with ice, then pour over new ice
We learned that not all tequila is made equal. “Blanco” means new, “Reposado” means rested or aged, and “Anejo” means even more aged, usually in oak barrels. The longer the aging process, the more character, color, and smoothness the tequila generally has. But, as a component to a Margarita, any middle-of-the-road tequila will do just fine. Fun fact: to be called a ‘tequila’, the liquor must be made in one of five states of Mexico, sort of like French Champagne.
On Monday, we celebrated our dating anniversary at Elements, a restaurant in Scottsdale’s Sanctuary resort, and finished our meal with a Margarita sorbet, proving that the perfect margarita isn’t necessarily on the rocks.
Tuesday, we finished up our research at The Spotted Donkey Cantina up near Carefree, where we learned that Agave Nectar could be substituted for simple syrup for a more natural alternative (tequila is made from Blue Agave after all).
Our experience culminated on Wednesday night, when we hit the grocery store and finally put our knowledge to good use. A few nice dates, great drinks, and new education can make any week a great one!
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For Your Bucket:
Cost: $46.80 for our ingredients, plus our “research”
Restaurant Websites: Cien Agaves; Elements; The Spotted Donkey Cantina
Location: Scottsdale and Carefree, AZ
Farmers Market Feast
Two of our favorite things are eating and exploring. So, we were pretty excited for this week’s pick… Visit a Farmer’s Market, and cook what we buy!
Every Saturday morning, local farmers, artisans, and other vendors make their way to an area on the outskirts of Phoenix that we never knew existed: The Phoenix Public Market. Our first attempt at hunting down this treasure led us to a gravel lot in an apartment complex (thank you OnStar). But, just around the corner, and another corner, and two more, we struck gold!
The open-air market is situated in an urban, revitalized area of town, and draws all sorts of people, including a spirited older gentleman who fervently sold us his jalepeno pickled relish. The night before, our friends tipped us off to Maya’s Farm, a fresh selection of colorful produce at the center of the venue.
We picked out fresh Basil, figs, and flowers, then moved on to find handmade pasta, salsa, and almond brittle through other vendors. Oh – and did we mention all the free samples??
At home, we found a pesto recipe for our fresh basil, then cooked up our tomato and garlic pasta, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes, and raised our wine glasses to another successful week!
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For Your Bucket:
Location: 14 E. Pierce, Phoenix, AZ
Website: http://foodconnect.org/phxmarket/
Cost: Free to enter (don’t shop hungry!)
Lake and Lunch
Arizona has a shortage of ocean-front property. Our closest ocean is in Mexico, and with the exception of the instant floods in monsoon season, our beach days really mean lake days. So, when we picked “visit an Arizona beach” last Sunday, we knew just where to go.
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix area, and only about 40 minutes from home. For a desert, we expected sandier beaches.
But, rocks and all, it really is a great place to swim, rent a boat, camp, or hang out for a day by the water.
For a $6 full-day entry fee, we entered the park and explored the waterfront. Scorpion Bay is home to a pretty large marina, and the views from the picnic tables are unbeatable.
So, not quite your typical beach experience, but a great morning in the west valley!
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For Your Bucket:
Website: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant/
Location: Peoria, AZ
Cost: $6 single day permit
