Jalapeno Lime Margaritas

I humbly admit, I make a heck of a frozen margarita.  But that's not what this is about.  This is about a cocktail adventure.  That Guy, The Enabler was down this past weekend and we went out with friends and had a great time (sans children).  So, we went to a pretty new cocktail bar in the area and I saw these jalapeno lime margaritas on the menu.  They were incredibly good, but at $6.00 a pop for a short glass, what's the first thing you usually think?  "I can make these."  At least, that's what I usually think.  The list of ingredients for the ones we had were: lime juice, tequila, agave nectar, jalapeno and sugar cane.  The flavor was sweet with a good lime flavor and just a hint of heat at the back of the throat.  They were like crack in a glass.  Well, this is my version, not as sweet because I like a more sour margarita, but if you like - a teaspoon of caster sugar (powdered sugar) or some simple syrup could sweeten it up a bit.  Also, so I don't have to write a novel in the ingredients, use GOOD tequila.  At a minimum, Sauza Gold or something equivalent.  A reposado or anejo are good options.  You don't have to spend a ton of money, but do NOT use Jose Cuervo or your drink will taste like dirt.  This is the secret to being able to crank up the tequila and still have good flavor in your margarita.

Amid the ruins, the prize

Jalapeno Lime Margarita
(Sour Dragon Margarita)

1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice (approx 6 limes)
4 - 5 tablespoons agave nectar
1 part triple sec (I used 1 oz)
3 parts tequila (I used 3 oz of Sauza Anejo Commemorativo)
1/2 jalapeno seeded, chopped then crushed in garlic press
crushed ice
coarse salt (for rim of glass if desired)

If you desire salt on the rim of the glass, cut a slice of lime and run it around the rim, then turn the glass in the salt poured on a plate.  Do this before you put the ice in, please.  Pour all ingredients into a shaker with a strainer and shake well.  Yes, put the crushed jalapeno and its juice in, too.  Strain into glass with ice.  This will make about 4 small glasses (rocks glass size, about 6 ounces each).  This particular recipe yields a bit more of a jalapeno flavor than the ones we had, which I like.  It also yields a pretty strong drink and a couple will make you feel it.  Serve with a lime slice and jalapeno slice.  Enjoy!