Blueberry Cucumber Mezcal Margaritas

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the US Highbush Blueberry Council. Thank you for supporting the work we do at Food Heaven! 

I recently came back from Mexico City, and had SO much delicious mezcal! I couldn’t wait to come back home and whip up some delicious cocktails with all of the artisanal mezcal varieties I got my hands on.

For those of you not familiar with mezcal, it’s a delicious alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. Most of the mezcal in Mexico comes from Oaxaca (dying to visit), but it’s produced in other parts of Mexico as well. The beverage has a distinct smoky flavor, which comes from the way it’s processed. Mezcal is cooked inside pits lined with lava rocks, wood, and charcoal. 

Today I’m combining my love of mezcal with my love of frozen blueberries. Yes, it’s a match made in food heaven. Frozen blueberries are great because they can be obtained year-round, with zero compromise on flavor or nutrition. Like fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries are a good source of fiber, and have the same vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and potassium. According to new research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals with metabolic syndrome may improve their heart health by adding one daily serving (a handful or a cup) of blueberries. This new research adds to the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that blueberries can be part of eating patterns to improve cardiovascular health!

This recipe is SO easy to do! Start by adding the blueberries, cucumber, jalapeño, maple syrup, lime juice and water to a blender and blend well. Strain into a jar, and stir in the mezcal. Pour into your glasses, and garnish with sliced jalapeño, cucumber, or lime. Enjoy! This drink is super refreshing for the summertime. What are your favorite ways to enjoy blueberries? Let us know in the comments below!