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Every four years, western civilization is #blessed with an extra day. For whatever reason, this seemed to make a whole lot of sense when the Gregorians were creating our calendar thousands of years ago. And even though this day does prolong the worst month of the year (why can’t July have a 32nd day every now and then?), we’ve chosen to impart a positive attitude on its remaining hours, and funnel our energy into something meaningful – booze, or course.

So, just as leap day gives us an extra day in the year, today we’re talking about classic cocktails that have a little something extra added to them.

Mango Jalapeño Margaritas

recipe via: How Sweet It Is

2 ounces Grand Marnier
1 1/2 ounces jalapeño tequila
2 ounces lime juice
2 1/2 ounces mango simple syrup
1/2 mango, peeled and chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
salt for the rim
lime wedges

For jalapeño tequila: add 2 sliced jalapeños to a large jar or container and cover with 1 1/2 cups of tequila. Let sit for 24 hours, then strain before using. Keep in a sealed container for a few weeks, preferably in the fridge.

For mango simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water (I suggest 1 cup of each), bring to a boil and let sugar dissolve, then turn off heat and let cool completely. Combine 1 cup simple syrup + 1/2 mango (peeled and cubed) in a blender and blend until combined.

To make the margaritas, rim the ridge of your glass with a lime wedge and dip in margarita salt. Fill the glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grand marnier, simple syrup and lime juice with ice, and shake for about 30 seconds. Pour over ice and squeeze in lime slices. I also took a few of the jalapeños from the tequila and removed the seeds, then toss them in the margarita.

Basil Bloody Mary

recipe via: A Beautiful Mess

bloody mary mix
fresh basil
lemon
tabasco
1-2 ounces vodka
worcestershire sauce
olives
pepperjack cheese squares

In the bottom of your glass, tear up a few basil leaves and muddle them with the juice of half a lemon. Fill the glass halfway with bloody mary mix. Add 1 ounce vodka for a mild cocktail or 2 ounces for a more “serious” version. Add 1/2 a teaspoon tabasco and worcestershire sauce. Top the glass off with ice and add a little more bloody mary mix if needed. Garnish the drink with cubes of pepperjack cheese, fresh basil leaves and olives. Yum yum. Done and done!

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