Happy National Margarita Day! Well naturally, there’s an entire day dedicated to sipping a cocktail. You would think it would be around Cinco de Mayo, yes? And a lot of people thought it was just yesterday, but no it’s actually today. Which means, a lot of people like Margaritas and therefore we should share them every day.
I have been in love with lilikoi recently and thanks to Melissa’s Produce for sending me a few last week! I have already made lilikoi cheesecake with them and had a few leftover to make something intoxicating, such as this lilikoi margarita! The day before I shot these photos, I scooped out the flesh to save and threw away the shells, which I am slightly regretting because I think a photo of the whole fruit would look beautiful along side this drink. And as I’ve mentioned before, if you can’t find lilikoi fruit also called passion fruit, many Hispanic markets sell the pulp frozen under their Goya brand.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, a few bloggy friends got together and made all sorts of Margarita inspired treats. Everything from the traditional cocktails to desserts to entrees. I really wish we were celebrating in person and not just “virtually”, but testing margaritas never hurt anybody!
So, li hung mui. A few people have asked what this is. I usually only find it in Hawaii and grew up “sucking” on li hung mui seeds all through high school. Basically it is dried plum. You can buy them as seeds in a bag and salt, sugar and sometimes food coloring is added. It’s salty, sweet, tangy and can be an acquired taste. You can also find it as a powder or coated on dried fruit, such as mango. When our friend from Hawaii visited us recently, he bought me a few bags of the powder which came in perfect for the rim. It is a strong, salty sweet taste so a little goes a long way.
- 3/4 oz Grand Marnier
- 1 oz Triple sec
- 1 oz Tequila
- 1/4 cup lilikoi purée
- 1 Tb simple syrup or ginger syrup recipe here
- Ice
- Li hing mui powder for rim
- Orange and lime slices/wedges for garnish
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Begin by rimming your glass with a lime or orange wedge. I do this holding the glass upside down so there's no dripping. Then rim the edge of the glass with li hing mui powder. Fill with ice.
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In a shaker, add everything except the li hing mui and garnish. Shake vigorously and pour into prepared glass.
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Garnish with more lilikoi pulp, if desired and orange and lime slices.
Check out what everyone else made to celebrate National Margarita Day!
Margaritas:
- Blackberry Margarita from Cooking for My Peace of Mind
- Chili Lime Margarita from Curious Cuisiniere
- Chocolate Margaritas from The Texan New Yorker
- Creamsicle Margaritas from Savvy Eats
- Frozen Mango Margarita from Noshing with the Nolands
- Lilikoi Margarita with Li Hung Mui from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Margaritas Gone Wild from Delaware Girl Eats
- Mixed Berry Margarita from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- Mom’s Wicked Margarita from Desserts Required
- Pomegranate Margarita from Daily Dish Recipes
- Spicy Raspberry Frozen Margarita from The Weekend Gourmet
- Tamarind Margaritas from girlichef
- The Great Grapefruit Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie
- Tim G’s Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes
Margarita Bites:
- Baked Margarita Chicken Wings from Healthy. Delicious.
- Chambord Margarita Macarons from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Margarita Cake with Sugar Cookie Crust from Gotta Get Baked
- Margarita Cheesecake Bars from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Margarita Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife
- Margarita Donuts from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
- Margarita Mousse from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Margarita Shrimp from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Margarita Shrimp Tacos from Supper for a Steal
- Strawberry Margarita Sweet Rolls from The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
- Top Shelf (Margarita) Truffles from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
GORGEOUS!!! And now I want to try li hing mu…what a fun twist!
These sound delicious! And, I agree, we should share margaritas every day!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere recently posted..Chili Lime Margaritas for #NationalMargaritaDay
What a unique and stunning margarita, I adore your pictures!!
Thank you Tara! Such a compliment from you!
Samantha, these are seriously gorgeous! What I wouldn’t give to make this party more than virtual. And of course, now I’m dying to try both lilikoi and li hing mui… 😉 Cheers!
Heather // girlichef recently posted..Tamarind Margarita + 23 more Margarita recipes for National Margarita Day!
Thanks so much Heather!!
oh wow! so tropical and exotic sounding. I’ve never heard of lilikoi before. Now I will be on the lookout so I can see what they’re all about 🙂
Danielle recently posted..Blackberry Margarita – Cheers! #NationalMargaritaDay
Hi Danielle! lilikoi is also called passion fruit! A lot of Hispanic markets carry the frozen pulp!!
I’ve never heard of lilikoi or i hing mu but now I really want to try them. These are gorgeous!
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious recently posted..Baked Margarita Chicken Wings
Thank you so much Lauren! They are also called passion fruit and you can find the pulp frozen in most Hispanic markets if you can’t find the fruit!
Your pictures turned out stunning! I had a feeling lilikoi was passion fruit but figured I’d wait until your reveal!
Susan recently posted..Chambord Margarita Macarons
These are so bright and beautiful! I have never had lilikoi and I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen it. Must get looking for it!
Oh my goodness gracious! These margaritas are gorgeous! And I’m very curious about li hing mui. It sounds like a childhood favorite snack of mine called “saladitos”, which are dried salted plums with or without spice. So good!
Leslie @ La Cocina de Leslie recently posted..The Great Grapefruit Margarita #NationalMargaritaDay
It does sound similar Leslie…thank so much!
This sounds amazing and your photos are gorgeous!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) recently posted..Happy National Margarita Day!!!
Thank you so much, Pam!
I love that I learned about a new ingredient today. What a fun recipe, and that color is amazing!!
Renee – Kudos Kitchen recently posted..Mixed Berry Margarita for National Margarita Day
Thank you so much Renee! I hope you try passion fruit (aka lilikoi) someday! Its so beautiful!
Gah, that color is so pretty! Great margarita idea!
Julie recently posted..Creamsicle Margaritas for National Margarita Day
Thanks Julie!!!
Sam, your drink and photos are absolutely GAW-GEOUS! I’ve never been able to photograph drinks this beautifully. I need to learn your secrets! I also need a pitcher of this drink! I think Chinese people have dried plum that’s very similar to li hung mui. It sounds just like our version, it’s dried up and is salty/sour/sweet. I loved it as a kid.
Yes it does sound the same! salty/sweet/sour kinda thing…love it!! And honestly…I just get lucky with the photos thing!!..for real lol
This. Is. GORGEOUS!!!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen recently posted..Green and Red Salad with Goat Cheese and Raw Almonds
These are absolutely beautiful. Will have to try to find some passion fruits next time I’m up towards civilization again!
How unique! (And educational). 🙂 Gorgeous color, too, wow! I may try these with passion fruit sometime. Thanks!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker recently posted..Short Rib Chili #SundaySupper
Now this is one I’m definitely going to have to try!
Delaware Girl Eats recently posted..Easy Vegetarian Chili with Raisins and Cashews #SundaySupper
LOOK at the color! I need one of these to help me ward of winter. One or, you know, three.
Erin | The Law Student’s Wife recently posted..Arugula Eggs Benedict with Easy Goat Cheese Hollandaise
Thanks Erin! Ya you guys are having a rough winter!
Thanks for your comment on my passionfruit martini – glad I discovered your blog! Have some catching to do. Love this cocktail – pinning and planning to make ASAP!
This Lilikoi Margarita with Li Hing Mui is perfect drink for hot summer! I’ll try it! Also i’ll try chocolate margaritas and margarita cupcakes! Thx for sharing recipe and links!
Yesss both sounds soooo good!!!