Blackberry-Thyme Margarita

Blackberry-Thyme Margaritas are the kind of drink people will remember you for. You host a summer party, grill all kinds of healthy vegetables and fresh fish, and hand each guest one of these. They’ll feel like they’re at a professionally catered event or at least a swanky cocktail bar, thanks to the herbs, fresh fruit, and slight sparkle. Just make sure you really like them before serving, because people are going to ask you to shake these up over and over again in the future.

Ingredients

16 large fresh blackberries, divided
4 small fresh thyme sprigs, divided
6 tablespoons 100% blue agave silver tequila
1/4 cup simple syrup
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided
1/4 cup chilled sparkling wine

Directions

1. Place 16 blackberries and 2 thyme sprigs in medium bowl. With back of wooden spoon, press firmly on solids until mashed.
2. Mix in tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and liqueur, then add 1 cup of the ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup.
3. Mix in sparkling wine. Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour margarita mixture over ice. Garnish each drink with 1 blackberry and 1 thyme sprig.

WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE Margarita mixes are notoriously awful for your health, filled with sugar and artificial flavors and colors. Plus, they result in mediocre-tasting, less-than-picturesque drinks. We class up the cocktail by making it from scratch and then adding in healthy, antioxidant-rich ingredients like blackberries and herbs.