The thing I might love the most about Beth Nydick and Tara Roscioli’s Clean Cocktails book is how it’s all about balance. Not only in flavors, but in general. It takes something we generally don’t think of as healthy (because generally, they’re not) cocktails - and re-works them in a way that cuts out a lot of the crap. And I think that’s what so many of us are really looking for when it comes to health, dieting and eating/drinking.

No one wants to be told they can never eat bread again, or have a drink. And for most of us, it doesn’t have to be that extreme! We have recipes like this one, that take something you love and elevate it. Use better ingredients to make it better for you. I think that’s what so many of us are looking for - simple ways to do better, to BE better.

So mix up a batch of this semi-spicy drink - and cheers to you for looking out for yourself, mind, body & soul.

Salute!

The Latin Lover
Serves 1

Recommended Barware:
Highball Glasses

2 oz. silver tequila
2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
Juice of 1 medium lime
1 oz. jalapeño syrup (recipe below)
Ice
Seltzer water
Garnish: jalapeño slice and a lime wheel

For the Jalapeño Honey:
1/2 C. honey
1/2 C. filtered water
1 jalapeño pepper, halved, seeds removed (leave seeds in if you like extra heat!)
One, 1 pint Mason jar

Combine all of the jalapeño honey ingredients in a medium pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the honey has completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside for 1 hour to allow the syrup to steep.

Once the syrup has cooled, strain out and discard the jalapeño pepper. Transfer syrup to mason jar, ensure the seal is airtight, and store in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.

For the Latin Lover: Combine the tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, jalapeño syrup and ice in a highball glass and stir.

Top off with seltzer, garnish with jalapeño slice and lime wheel and serve.