Very Berry July: Frozen Blackberry Margaritas

Our Fourth of July has been pretty predictable since we moved into our house.  Hang out in the backyard all day, eating chips and drinking margaritas in the blow up pool.  When it got dark, we'd cross the street to watch the fireworks from our neighbor's front yard. 

This year we decided to move our backyard pool party to a new location.  We took advantage of our annual passes to Legoland and spent the afternoon at the waterpark.

The boys had a fantastic time, playing in the splash pad, floating down the lazy river, and riding down the slides.

The water park closed at 7pm, so around 6pm we grabbed dinner before the restaurants closed.  We went semi-traditional with grilled food.  I had a sausage topped with peppers.

And the boys all had hamburgers.

After dinner, we headed over to Mini-Land to see the fireworks.  As a tip for any first time firework-goer, this is NOT the best place to see the fireworks.  The year I went with Thatkid, we stayed in The Beginning, but really the parking lot may be the best place.

We made our home there anyway, because it was nice lawn for the kids to hang out - similar to sitting in a yard!

Plus there was music for the kids to dance and play.

One of the reasons we went to Legoland is because they have such early fireworks.  By 9pm we were heading to the car and heading home.  Both the kids were asleep by the time we got home.

Overall it was a very low key and enjoyable Fourth of July experience.  Thatboy, who really wanted nothing more than to sit in the backyard even admitted it was better than he was expecting.  The only thing missing was the margarita (although Thatboy found me a Michelada replacement).

The nice thing about the Fourth of July is that it happens early enough in the summer that there's plenty of time for margaritas later on.  And the last of those blackberries I picked became the prime subject for my makeup margarita.

Sure you can just blend the ingredients with some ice, but really, is that how you want your margaritas?  All watered down?  For me, there's no comparison - throw the whole thing in an ice cream maker and you don't lose that flavor, in fact, it just might intensify it.  Sure it takes a little longer, but aren't you worth it?

Frozen Blackberry Margaritas

1 3/4 cups blackberries

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp tequila

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar

3 Tbsp triple sec

1 tsp lime zest

juice of 2 limes

1. Combine blackberries, 1/3 cup water, tequila, sugar, triple sec, lime zest and lime juice in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.  
2. Place in an ice cream maker and process until thick and slushy.
3. Pour into glasses.