Happy Holloween

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing colors, there is a slight chill in the air, all the wonderful holiday recipes are being prepared, and everyone is getting into the spirit with costumes, candy and colors. A few weeks ago, we visited a great restaurant called Crema here in New York. Chef Julieta Ballesteros combines traditional Mexican cuisine from her hometown of Monterrey with a French twist from her studies at the French Culinary Institute. She is consistently named New York City’s #1 Mexican Chef by Zagat's. While we were enjoying the beautiful atmosphere and delicious dishes, Miguel (GM) and Res (bartender) surprised us  with a fantastic cocktail they just invented made with pumpkin puree. The acidity from lime/lemon juice mixed so well with the mellow sweetness of the pumpkin puree and Reposado Tequila. The sesame seeds added an extra flavor and color. This is a the perfect cocktail for the autumn season, especially if you don't know what to do with the rest of your pumpkin after you've made your Jack-o-Lanterns. Salud.  
Pumpkin Margarita
2 oz. Partida Reposado Tequila
1 oz. fresh lime/lemon juice mix
splash of pumpkin puree
sesame seeds
lime wedge
Rim a cocktail glass with lime juice and sesame seeds. Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. - Courtesy of Crema Restaurante, NY