Happy Hour

 

                                                        Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I think it's safe to say that we are all spending so much time at home. It forces us to stop and look at the little things that we do around the house that make us feel good in our skin, and that make the day worth living fully. Without doing so, we may all just go a little bit insane, and no one wants that. What are part of your simple at-home rituals that are keeping you cheerful and motivated even if you are lacking a sense of direction? For me, it’s giving myself a true time out for some TLC. Stopping to listen to my body helps me rejuvenate, even if it’s something as simple as spending more time at the gym and just paying attention to my breathing. It seems so small, but it actually is a HUGE help. Rituals like this are larger than life, and they most likely will be for a long time to come. To think we overlooked these little actions in the past so many times. Today, they shine.

Another fun ritual I have found myself delving into is being a faux- mixologist. Lately, I've been experimenting with 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno tequila. It's a tequila infused with real fruit, all natural, gluten free, keto- friendly, non- GMO and lower ABV(35% vs 40% for most tequilas). Since the flavor is already in the tequila, it's pretty simple to jazz up your own drink, for starters fresh lime juice and simple syrup does the trick. 

Growing up in a Latino household, I was very used to consuming spicy foods which is why I chose to try the Cucumber Jalapeno tequila flavor. It inspired me to try and create my own spicy margarita! The mix of spicy jalapeno and cool cucumber is oddly refreshing, yet still has a nice kick. And i'm also obsessed with green drinks, something about that color just gives me health and vitality vibes. 

Ingredients:

• 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila
• Lime Juice
• Cucumber
• Jalapeno
• Water
• Sugar
• Cilantro

How to make a spicy margarita......

Step one- Combine water, lime juice, sugar, cilantro, and jalapeno in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and stir to make sure the sugar dissolves. When it boils, reduce heat and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat, discard the jalapeno and cilantro, put it in a bowl, and let it chill in the refrigerator. If you want your cucumber jalapeno margaritas a little less spicy, be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapenos before adding them.

Step two- Slice the cucumber. Puree the sliced cucumbers in a blender, then push the puree through a mesh strainer to get all the cucumber juice. Refrigerate it until cold.

Step three- Combine the jalapeno water created in step one and cucumber juice in a large pitcher. Then add in the 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno tequila, and stir everything together.

Step four- Totally optional but adds to the aesthetic, rim your glass with cilantro salt (pulse it together in a food processor), pour the margaritas over ice, and garnish with cucumber slices.

There is never a wrong time time to get "mix-y" at home, holidays, parties, taco nights and even a socially distanced galentines event! You can shop this women founded tequila brand at 21Seeds.com/buy-21-seeds to find local retailers that carry 21Seeds or find e- commerce partners who will deliver to your door. 

*This post was sponsored by 21Seeds tequila. All opinions are my own.