Tequila Mocking Goat

The Tequila Mocking Goat is a refreshing and flavorful tequila cocktail that combines sweet, spicy, and herbal notes. Here's what you'll need to make one:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila (aged tequila)
• 3/4 ounce spicy ginger syrup (recipe below)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces soda water, plus more as needed
• 2 sprigs cilantro
• 1 lime leaf (optional)

Spicy Ginger Syrup (makes about 1 cup):

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (4-inch) piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 or 2 Thai chiles (depending on desired spice level), thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, ginger, and Thai chiles. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors. Strain the syrup into a jar or container, discarding the ginger and chiles. You can store leftover syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine reposado tequila, spicy ginger syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to chill and combine the flavors. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top the drink with soda water and garnish with cilantro sprigs and a lime leaf (if using). Enjoy your Tequila Mocking Goat!

Tips:

• If you don't have spicy ginger syrup, you can substitute simple syrup with a few slices of fresh ginger muddled in the shaker with the other ingredients.
• Adjust the amount of spicy ginger syrup to your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more for a stronger ginger or spice flavor.
• You can use regular or flavored soda water, depending on your preference. Some options include lime-flavored or grapefruit-flavored soda water.
• If you don't have cilantro, you can substitute mint leaves for a slightly different flavor profile.