In making homemade cocktails, I start with great ingredients.  That typically means a trip to my garden or else to the farmers market for seasonal fruits.  In this recipe, I use strawberries but you can substitute other fresh fruit, as well.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.  As long as you have a fruit (such as strawberries), an acid (such as fresh lemon or lime juice), simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar) and a high-quality alcohol (good Tequila), you are good to go! 

I make my own simple syrup and have it available in the refrigerator.  To make a batch of simple syrup, I combine two cups of water and two cups of sugar.  I heat them slightly and stir to melt the sugar.  Then I refrigerate in an air-tight container until I am ready to use it. 

Ingredients
1/2 Meyer lemon (for wetting glass rims)
Sea salt (fleur de sel) for the rim (optional)
4 parts fresh pureed strawberries
1 part simple syrup
1.5 parts Meyer lemon juice
2 parts Tequila
Ice
Fresh lemon verbena for garnish

You will also need:
2 margarita glasses
Shot glass
Cocktail shaker

Instructions
Rub the rims of the glasses with the Meyer lemon half.  Place rim-side down onto a bed of sea salt.  Twist slightly to make sure you have salt on the rims.   Set aside. 

Using the shot glass, measure the strawberry puree, simple syrup, Meyer lemon juice and Tequila and pour them into the cocktail shaker.  Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. 

Pour into the prepared margarita glasses.  Garnish with the lemon verbena sprigs. 

Sip S-L-O-W-L-Y.    Serves 2.