Decades ago, it was established that George Washington never cut down his father’s beloved cherry tree.*

But the tradition of cherry pie on his birthday existed for many years before scholars uncovered the reality. So this year’s contribution to our cherry recipe collection is a Cherry Margarita.

While a cocktail made with puréed fresh cherries would be divine, we’re a few months away from cherry season. So let’s default to the next-best thing: frozen tart cherries.

RECIPE: FROZEN CHERRY MARGARITA

Ingredients For 1 Drink

 
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*Our favorite is Knudsen’s, but any brand will do.

†The absolute best maraschino cherries are the all-natural ones from Tillen Farms. They’re great for gifting, too.

 
Preparation

1. PREPARE alt rim.

2. COMBINE the tequila, cherry juice, lime juice and liqueur in a blender; then add the ice (the order is important so the ice doesn’t jam the blades).

3. PURÉE until the drink is thick. If it’s too thick, add more ice to achieve the desired consistency.

4. POUR into a glass, garnish and serve.

Top: A frozen Cherry Margarita from IngredientsInc.net. Bottom: A conventional-style Cherry Margarita from Made By Diane, who uses fresh cherries in season. Here’s the recipe for her Fresh Cherry Margarita.

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*The legend of George Washington and the cherry tree was an invention of book agent Mason Locke Weems, in his 1800 biography, The Life of Washington (click to buy a copy). The cherry tree has been associated with Washington ever since. Washington’s Birthday was declared a federal holiday by Congress in 1880,* the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen.

Initially the holiday was for government offices in the District of Columbia. It was expanded to include all federal offices in 1885. State government offices, including schools, followed suit, followed by banks and other businesses (in private businesses, the day off is not mandatory). The holiday was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22, until 1971, when it was shifted to the third Monday in February and combined with the Lincoln’s Birthday celebration to allow federal employees a three-day weekend.

Even though it’s America’s favorite cocktail, not everyone likes a tequila or the sweetness level of a Margarita.

Instead, consider Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Presidential Manhattan, a twist on the classic Manhattan with a cherry for Washington’s birthday.

Seeking something else? George Washington was a big fan of eggnog. He also brewed his own beer, including pumpkin ale.
 
RECIPE: PRESIDENTIAL MANHATTAN

Ingredients Per Drink

1. STIR together the bourbon, vermouth, maple syrup and bitters over ice in a rocks glass.

2. GARNISH with a cherry and serve.
 
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