Cranberry-Mint Infused Pitcher Margarita
1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries
1 cup fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
1 bottle (750 mL) silver or blanco tequila
¾ cup agave nectar
1 cup lime juice
1 cup orange juice
½ cup water
In a blender, combine the cranberries, mint leaves and tequila. Blend until the berries and mint are well chopped. Cover, refrigerate and allow to steep overnight or for up to 3 days.
After the mixture has steeped, pour it through a mesh strainer to remove and discard the solids, pressing them to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the infused tequilas to a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
In a second pitcher, stir together the agave, lime juice, orange juice and water. Serve the pitchers side-by-side, along with mint sprigs to garnish. Instruct guests to pour equal parts of each mixture (roughly 2 ounces of each) into an ice-filled glass, then gently stir.
Serves 12.
Nutrition values per serving: 210 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated) 21 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 0 protein, 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium.
Alison Ladman for The Associated Press