We continue trying more of what Kingston has to offer in our latest edition of Traveling Taste Buds. With patio season and backyard entertaining still a priority, why not try Margarita de la Casa from Mesa Fresca? Mexican fusion menus are perfect for summer. Kingston is also a city known for it’s indoor and outdoor activities. Ride, swim, hike or yes, even skate while you are there. Once you have worked up an appetite, it’s time to try some of Kingston’s local restaurants like Mesa Fresca.
They provide a unique blend of Mexican Fusion, combining a love and appreciation for the vibrant flavours of Latin cuisine to inspire the menu. We love that they call themselves “authentically inauthentic fresh table”. The abundance of local suppliers, fresh produce and meat available in the Kingston area are not only the backbone of its menu but have become an integral part of their family as they’ve navigated being a young restaurant during the challenges of the pandemic. Mesa Fresca shared their recipe for Margarita de la Casa with us:
Lime Infused Salt:
- Coarse Kosher salt
- Fresh lime zest (zesting with a micro-plane works best)
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice:
- 3-4 limes per margarita
Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Optional: you can easily make more or less syrup depending on how many margaritas you plan to have; just be sure to use equal parts sugar or water.
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce; let simmer for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature before using.
Margarita de la Casa:
- 1 oz Tequlia el Espolon Blanco
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ¾ oz simple syrup (see above)
- 1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice (see above)
- Ice
Served best in an 8oz rocks glass
Directions:
- Rim rocks glass with lime juice & salt the rim generously.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well for 10 seconds and strain into rocks glass.
- Enjoy!
Notes:
- We opt for Espolon’s tequila blanco as its crisp flavours lend well to the vibrancy of our freshly squeezed lime juice. That said, any tequila will suffice, and we encourage others to try the same recipe with richer, aged tequilas such as reposados or anejos.
- Cointreau is our triple sec orange-flavoured liquer of choice. It is a premium quality brand much less sweet than others, thanks to the bitter orange peels infused into the liqueur.
