Thai Margarita Recipe

Combine and steep

Lightly bruise the cilantro and Thai basil (if using) by clapping them between your hands or bruising with a muddler to release oils. Place the herbs in a clean jar and pour 1 cup junmai sake over them. Seal the jar.

Infusion time

Let the herbs steep at room temperature for 30–45 minutes for a bright, green flavor. Taste after 30 minutes; if you prefer a stronger herb note, infuse up to 2 hours but avoid leaving much longer or the sake may turn bitter.

Strain and chill

Strain the infused sake through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing gently on the herbs to extract liquid but not bitterness. Discard solids. Chill the infused sake in the fridge until cold (about 20–30 minutes) or use immediately over ice in the cocktail.

Prepare glass

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass. Dip the rim into coarse salt or chili-lime salt to coat. Set the glass aside.

Muddle cilantro

In a cocktail shaker, place 6 fresh cilantro leaves and the simple syrup (0.25 oz). Gently muddle just enough to release bright herbal aroma—do not pulverize into bits. Muddling with the syrup helps distribute herb oils into the drink.

Add spirits and citrus

Add 2 oz of the chilled herb-infused sake, 1.5 oz tequila blanco, 0.5 oz Cointreau (or triple sec) and 1 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker.

Shake with ice

Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker (about 1 cup). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold and well-chilled.

Strain and serve

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass (use a fine mesh strainer on top of the shaker strainer) to remove bits of cilantro and ice shards. If you prefer it on the rocks, pour over fresh ice.

Garnish

Finish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim and a small sprig of cilantro gently tapped to release aroma. Serve immediately.

Adjustments

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup if too tart, or a splash more lime juice if too sweet. If you want stronger herb presence, increase herb-infused sake to 2.5 oz and reduce tequila slightly.