Simple to Make−Dark Magic Margarita

Get the recipe from: Straight to the Hips Baby

This recipe is a bit more involved than most margarita recipes. You’ll need to make a plum reduction−which isn’t difficult, but takes some time.

So, plan ahead because this margarita is worth the extra time in the kitchen!

Once the plum reduction is finished, the margarita itself comes together quickly.

Make the plum reduction in the morning and then you’ll be ready to roll when happy hour hits!

Katie: “This is good. And I really don’t like anything in it. So…here we go again!

This is Top 3 for me. You should make a vat of that.”

Me: “A cauldron?”

Katie: “With smoke coming out of it. Woo-Hoo!”

Six things to know about the Dark Magic Margarita recipe:

• The plum reduction takes time, but it’s worth it. There’s nothing inherently difficult about making the plum reduction. It does need to bubble and boil until the plums are soft and that can take more than the 10 minutes listed. Check the plums at the 10-minute mark. If they’re soft enough to mash, they’re done. If they’re not, let them boil a few more minutes. Don’t rush this. Wait until they’re soft.
• You won’t get a ton of liquid from the plum reduction, so if you’re planning a big batch cocktail, you’ll need to double or triple the recipe. I ended up with around 1/4 C. liquid, which isn’t a whole lot. If you’re wanting to make more than 4 drinks, you’ll need to make additional plum reduction. If you do double the recipe, I’d recommend using a larger soup pot in place of a saucepan. The larger bottom on the soup pot allows the plums to spread out with heat hitting more of them at once which will help keep the cooking time down.
• I used Cazadores Tequila Añejo. If you have a favorite añejo tequila, grab that. If not, ask the staff at your liquor store for a recommendation.
• If you can’t find pomegranate cherry juice, grab pomegranate juice and cherry juice and combine them. It’s been hit or miss for me in the pomegranate juice section lately, but I was able to find the combo juice this time. If you need to grab the juices separately, use a 50:50 ratio to start and adjust for your taste preference.

• I substituted freshly-squeezed orange juice for the Cointreau. I’m not a fan of Cointreau or Triple Sec, so I regularly sub in orange juice. It provides that orange flavor you need and it lightens up the drink.
• I used black salt on the rim of my glasses for an added bit of Halloween spookiness. You should be able to find black salt at most grocery stores. If not, you can definitely find it online.