Limes squeezed with this hand cranked juicer take too long to make a delicious margarita, but we couldn’t help but try. This simple juicer is from the 50’s, and although I love the look of it, I am happy to say that juicers have come a long way.

One of the best parts of our jobs is that we have the opportunity to work with profoundly talented food stylists. I have learned so much over the years from watching them, and absorbing their knowledge and skills in the kitchen and on set.

Below is a recipe from Eugene Jho. An incredible talent, Eugene brings his fine art sculpture background to every shoot and creates stunning and interesting food. It is always a gift to collaborate with him.

Below please find his spicy mezcal margarita recipe. It is a spicy/ smoky earthy version of a margarita. A perfect match with this coming July 4th weekend.

I hope you find time to relax and enjoy. Happy 4th.

Spicy mezcal margarita

Ingredients:

A few thin slices of jalapeno (to taste)

2 parts mezcal

1 part lime juice

1 part cointreau

About .5 oz Simple syrup/agave (more or less to taste)

Rim a rocks glass with smoked salt. Muddle the jalapeno slices with the lime juice. Add other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain over ice