Smoky Mango Margarita with Cilantro

Cilantro simple syrup

• small handful of cilantro leaves, bruised
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

1. Bring ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan, stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool and strain into a jar.

Mango Margarita

• 1 nice, ripe mango, peeled and cut into slices and/or wedges (about 3/4 cup)
• 3 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces Grand Marnier or other orange liquer
• 3 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 2 ounces cilantro simple syrup

1. Fire up your grill. Heat up one of those non-stick perforated pans you put on the grates for things like shrimp and veggies. When nice and hot, add the mango slices/wedges in a single layer and grill for a couple of minutes per side, or until it takes on a nice color. Remove and let cool in the fridge.
2. In a blender, combine the grilled mango, tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice and cilantro simple syrup and whiz until blended. Pour into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, shake, and strain into two Margarita glasses that you have rimmed with salt, or sugar, or Aleppo pepper, depending on whether your guests are the sweet or spicy type.