Berry season is in full swing, so it’s time to take advantage in the form of happy hour. I’m partnering with Healthyish Foods to bring you the #HealthyishHappyHour, featuring Blackberry Jalapeño Margaritas and organic cake pairings. This post is sponsored by Healthyish Foods, but all opinions and salty lips are my own.
Whenever I reference the only official “full time” job I had, I always preface it with “the startup.” The Rustbelt Farmer makes fun of me, accusing me of trying to be cool, but my intentions are pure. I wave that flag merely to emphasize I’ve never worked a “real” job.
When I say “startup,” then tell you my bosses regularly treated us to margaritas, often on the company’s dime, you’d just nod and say “that makes sense.” (Then they hired a CEO, and guess what happen to company-sponsored happy hour? It fell flat on its face, just like I would have, if I ever made it to three margaritas.)
Those margaritas were S-T-R-O-N-G! A single jam jar serving was my comfortable limit, but every once in a while, the conversation would be lively and flowing, we’d be crushing a regrettable amount of chips & guac, and I’d make the dumb decision to order a second. It was like all the alcohol would hit at once, and my walk home probably looked like a sloppy salsa dance.
With those weekly installments of free “cantina” margaritas and s-h-i-t-t-y customer service (sincerely, a record-breaking level of disdain from all the servers), I never needed to make my own. Then, somehow, all these years passed, and this whiskey-drinking girl needed a little bit of salt and heat.
But mind you, I needed to fill that need from home because I’m 34 now, and why would I leave my dog, go out, and pay for margaritas, when I could sip from home and watch true crime shows?!? The 30’s bring so much wisdom, friends. If you’re in your 20s, just know it gets so much better, or at least, way more comfortable.
Blackberry Jalapeño Margaritas with Salt & Spice
Are you of the salt or no-salt persuasion when it comes to margaritas? Trader Joe’s has a Chile Lime Seasoning Blend that has made me very pro-salt when it comes to these fruity, spicy Blackberry Jalapeño Margaritas! If you can’t find it at your local TJ’s, a regular sea salt, or sea salt and lime zest mixture, are other options to take make a margarita 2.0.
Healthyish Happy Hour Cakes to pair with Blackberry Jalapeño Margaritas
If you’re in the happy hour mood, you’re probably not looking to commit to one of my more in-depth dessert recipes, which is where Healthyish Foods comes to your aid. The subscription cake service sends you organic baking mixes to make individual cakes to satisfy your cravings without creating an excess.
Add fresh blackberries to your organic Healthyish Mellow Yellow cake mix or Tangy Lemon Cake Mix, top with organic Vanilla Bean frosting, more fresh blackberries, and garnish with lime zest, and you’re on your way to the perfect night. Hell, you could even throw sweatpants and dog cuddles into that mix, and that is the perfect night.
Happy happy hour, friends!
Blackberry Jalapeño Syrup
Yield: 1 ½ cups
1 cup organic coconut sugar or raw cane sugar
1 cup filtered water
1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
For the Syrup:
Combine the sugar and water in a small pot and bring to a brief boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, add berries and jalapeño, and simmer for 5 minutes, until reduced slightly. Cool completely, then transfer to a blender, and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Blackberry Jalapeño Margaritas
Yield: 4
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup cointreau
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup blackberry Jalapeño Syrup (see recipe above)
ice cubes
lime wedges for garnish
lime chili sea salt for rim
For the Cocktails:
Blend all the liquids in a jar, and set aside. Just shake over ice when you’re ready for round two.
Enjoy!
