Padma Lakshmi's Ginger Turmeric Patrón Margarita

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  'Top Chef's' Padma Lakshmi shakes up a plain margarita with spicy ginger and fragrant turmeric. (Patrón)

When Padma Lakshmi steps off the "Top Chef" set, food is never far from her mind. As a self-professed lover of spice, Lakshmi infuses global flavors in plenty of her own recipes-- including this signature margarita with spicy ginger and turmeric. This recipe was created after a Season 14 competition filmed at Patrón’s Hacienda in Jalisco, Mexico. Making your own syrup makes a world of difference in this basic margarita upgrade. 

Ingredients

Ginger Turmeric Syrup

• ¾ Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Water
• 4 Inches Fresh Ginger Root, Peeled and Sliced
• 1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

For the Margarita

• 2 oz Patrón Silver
• 1 oz Ginger Turmeric Simple Syrup (see above)
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
• 3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves

Spicy Rim Garnish

• ½ Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• ½ Teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder
• 2 Teaspoon Coarse Salt

Preparation

To make the syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and sliced ginger. Place over medium heat and bring to boil. __cook until sugar dissolves. Let steep for at least 10 minutes. Add the turmeric powder and stir until incorporated. Strain syrup through a coffee filter.

Assemble the cocktail:

Tear mint leaves, and add to a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Patrón, lime juice and ginger turmeric syrup and shake vigorously.

Create the rim:

Combine ancho, turmeric and salt on a small plate and mix to combine. Wet the top of a rocks glass with a wedge of orange and dip in spice mix

Pour drink into prepared rocks glass and garnish with an orange wedge if desired.