Simple to Make−Cale Makargarita

As an avid Colorado Avalanche fan, when I decided to make a kale margarita, there really was only one name for it. The Cale Makargarita.

Wait…is there really kale in this margarita?

Yes!

While it might seem like a odd choice for a margarita, kale is a wonderful addition to this classic cocktail.

Kale is one of the healthiest foods on the planet and if you’ve ever had a green smoothie, you’ve had kale.

So, why not try it in a margarita?

Benefits of Kale

Here’s a quick list of some of the acclaimed benefits of kale:

• Improved vision
• Inflammation relief
• Cancer prevention
• Cardiovascular support
• Detoxification
• Bone repair and enhancement
• Fatigue relief
• Skin improvement
• Immune system boost

Name another margarita that offers all of that!

Ingredients (Makes 2 Cale Makargaritas):

• 2 oz Hornitos Plata tequila
• 6 oz Suja Cold-Pressed Kale Juice
• 3-4 oz freshly-squeezed lime juice (juice of about 2 limes)
• 2 oz agave, simple syrup, or honey
• Ice for cocktail shaker and glasses
• Salt for rim of glasses
• Lime wedges and kale leaves for garnish

Instructions:

• Juice the limes and set the juice aside.
• Place the salt on a plate. Use a wedge from the juiced limes to wet the rim of your margarita glasses, then dip the rims into the salt. Fill glasses with ice and set aside.
• Fill a cocktail shaker 3/4 with ice then add the tequila, kale juice, freshly-squeezed lime, and agave (you can substitute simple syrup* or honey). Shake to mix (about 30 seconds).
• Pour the margarita into the glasses and garnish with lime wedges and kale leaves.

*Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts (typically 1C each) sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it just to a boil. The sugar should be fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. You can store simple syrup in an air tight container for 3-4 weeks.

Five things to know about the Cale Makargarita recipe:

• This may be the easiest margarita to make. All you’re doing is combining the ingredients in a shaker with some ice, shaking them, and pouring it into an ice-filled glass. Easy peasy.
• Be sure to use a kale-forward green juice. I used Suja Green Supreme cold-pressed juice which is made with organic apple, kale and lemon juices. If you can’t find Suja, grab another kale juice. Keep in mind not all green juice contains kale, so be sure you look for a green juice that lists kale as the first or second ingredient.
• Shake the kale juice before adding it to the cocktail shaker. Juices without artificial additives like cold-pressed juices, tend to separate, so give your kale juice a shake to remix.

• Don’t have any agave? Don’t worry. You can substitute honey or simple syrup for the agave. If you want to be bold, substitute maple syrup.
• This is one of the most refreshing margaritas I’ve ever enjoyed! Once you mentally prepare for a green juice margarita, you’ll quickly appreciate the light, refreshing taste. AND you’ll know you’ve offset the alcohol with the health benefits of kale!

If you’re looking to support my Colorado Avalanche or just for a unique take on a margarita, the Cale Makargarita is the drink for you!