Full DISHclosure

During a particularly indulgent and somewhat girly facial, my ever-stylish friend, Frances, mentioned she’d discovered the perfect margarita.

She ran the ingredients past me. Twice. And while it’s hard to take notes when relaxing with closed eyes, cultivating a rosy complexion, I managed to remember the highlights: tart grapefruit, sweet berries, bitters, basil, and of course blanco tequila.

Turns out, Frances had consulted a pro, “Bartender Brandon” of Atlanta Concoctions, to create this sensational little refreshment in honor of her little sister, Lauren. (Brandon can be found mixing things up behind the bar for Fifth Group Restaurants and he’s appeared in Food & Wine Magazine and Atlanta Magazine.) She assured me this blushing beauty of beverage was a big hit, and that it sounds more complicated than it is. That said, you’ll need a few days head start for the infusion. So here goes:

1 btl Blanco Tequila
4 Ruby Red Grapefruit (sliced)
1 pint Strawberries (diced)
8 lemons
Bushel of fresh basil leaves (consider purple Genovese basil for interest)
Aromatic bitters
1 btl Agave Nectar
1 btl Ginger Beer
1 btl Cava Brut Champagne

First, infuse the tequila, grapefruit and strawberries in air tight glass container for 3-4 days in a dark area. When it’s ready, here’s how to make the individual drinks:

Muddle together 4 quarter cuts of lemon, 3 leaves of basil, 2-3 dashes of bitters, .25 oz agave nectar in a shaker.
Pour in 2 oz of infused tequila.
Shake and strain over ice.
Top off with splash of champagne and splash of ginger beer.
Garnish with fresh basil.

I think one or two of these refreshments will give anyone a happy glow. But should you need a pro, for facials or entertaining advice, Buckhaed Skin Studio is the secret ingredient.