Alice Drink of the Season: The Red & Black

What you will need:

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper, salt

4 oz. strawberries

5 tbsp lime juice

5 oz. blanco tequila

Combine sugar, water and 1 tbsp black pepper in saucepan, bring to simmer for one minute (until sugar dissolves.) Cool completely. Muddle strawberries, add lime juice, tequila, and ½ cup simple syrup (now that it’s completely cooled.) Refrigerate for at least an hour— while you’re waiting, might as well pour a shot of tequila and drink with an orange slice & cinnamon (or lime & salt if you’re a traditionalist.) Coat glass rims with lime and mixture of 1 tbsp sugar, ¾ tsp each salt & pepper. Pour refrigerated tequila concoction into glasses over ice— Enjoy!