NA Margarita

Let’s just say, Cinco de Mayo’s of the past, I certainly was not thinking about the cultural heritage and significance of the day. In most recent years, I don’t think I was even thinking about tacos, empanadas and guacamole which are some of my favorites. I was mostly concerned with the continuous flow of tequila which led to a very early bedtime and very hard time getting up the next morning.

I think if Cinco de Mayo came earlier in my first year of sobriety, I would have felt like I was missing out on something. I definitely associated the day with drinking with friends and thought that was the only way I could have a good time. However, now 10 months into my sobriety and already going through holidays that normally focus on drinking, like St. Patrick’s Day, I am starting to realize, alcohol is not the root of fun.

If you checked out my recipe on the NA Mint Julep, I mentioned that I got triggered by the Free Spirits Bourbon. I think this was because it honestly tasted just like the alcohol version, has a trace of alcohol in it and even smelled like the alcohol version. Since I used to enjoy whiskey, I think when the bourbon hit my tongue, it brought back too many memories, good and bad, it tasted so good and it triggered me to want more. I got concerned that if I continued to drink it, I would be tricking myself that I could drink the alcohol version. I think in the future, when I have more sobriety under my belt, I can try that bourbon again, but for now, I will stay away from it and maybe in the future, try a different brand.

I write about this, because our little Derby Day celebration was only two days prior to Cinco de Mayo this year and my Mom had purchased in advance, the Free Spirits NA Tequila. I was worried that it would trigger me in the same way but being aware of my limits, I decided to make us margaritas and if I got any sort of trigger, I wouldn’t continue drinking it.

Well, Free Spirits really knows what they are doing with concocting NA spirits that taste exactly like their alcohol version. My margarita definitely had a full tequila taste but, for me this time, it was not triggering which was welcomed. I muddled in some (well too many my first go around so be careful when you make your own) jalapeños to make a skinny spicy margarita. I don’t like my margaritas too sweet so I only added a little club soda and lime. My NA margarita was refreshing, spicy, smooth and had the right kick to sip on with our tacos. I forgot to salt my rim, but feel free to salt yours! I would do that next time.

The Spirit of Tequila from Free Spirits is inspired by a traditional Reposado tequila. It is very smooth on the tongue and has a slight smokey taste that isn’t too strong but would work for any of your cocktails that traditionally call for Mezcal. Just like the Spirit of Boubron, it is infused with B-vitamins, is vegan and gluten free. I would highly recommend using their tequila for your next NA margarita.

Ingredients

  • Fresh Jalapeños

  • Club Soda

  • Lime wedge

  • Salt

  • 1.5 oz NA Tequila

  • .75 oz Lime Juice

    Instructions

    Salt the rim (Optional) by running a lime wedge over the rim of the glass. Fill a shallow bowl or plate with salt and dip the glass in the salt until it’s covered with your desired amount of salt. Muddle desired amount of jalapeños at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add tequila, lime juice and ice to a cocktail shaker and generously shake. Strain mix over ice and add desired amount of club soda, garnish with lime and enjoy!