Thai Chili Coconut Margarita

Serves 1

Coconut milk and a lemongrass simple syrup turn this margarita into a creamy and refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients:

Salt or spicy salt, for rimming glass
2.5 oz. white tequila
2 oz. lime juice
2 oz. Thai Chili Lemongrass Honey Simple Syrup (recipe below)
2 oz. canned coconut milk, stirred well
Garnish: Thin slices of Thai chili if you want it spicy! 

Instructions:

1. Rim a cocktail glass with salt or spicy salt, if desired, and set aside.
2. Combine the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and coconut milk in a cocktail shaker with  2 to 3 ice cubes. Shake vigorously.
3. Fill the cocktail glass with ice and pour the margarita over it. Garnish with chili slices if desired. Enjoy!

Thai Chili Lemongrass Honey Simple Syrup

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:

1 cup honey
1 cup water
6-inch piece lemongrass stalk, bruised
4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
Zest from 1 medium lime

Instructions:

1. Combine all simple syrup ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a low boil, stirring to dissolve the honey. Simmer for 15 minutes. 
2. Remove from the heat and let it stand at room temperature to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve.