Here’s a drink that’s hot and just the right amount of spicy for this week’s celebrations and the upcoming summer months.

CHIQUILA MOCKINGBIRD MARGARITA
A spicy, smooth, and sassy cocktail from our latest book,  Summer Cocktails !

Makes 1 (or make several batches for a crowd)

2 tablespoons coarse salt
1/2 lime
Ice
2 ounces Chiquila*
1 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce honey syrup**

To make our signature “Chiquila,” add 3 morita chiles (dried smoky chilies available in the Latin American section of most supermarkets) to 1 (750-milliliter) bottle of silver or gold tequila. Allow the tequila to steep for at least 8 hours and up to 2 days. Strain the tequila, discard the chiles, and voilà! All done.

For the Honey Syrup: Bring to a boil 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water. Stir until honey is dissolved. Remove from heat, cool completely, and use or store, refrigerated.

– Spread the salt on a saucer. Dampen the rim of the glass with the lime and dip it in the salt. Fill the glass with ice.

– Combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared glass. ¡Salud!