This Is Padma Lakshmi's Go-To Drink
Padma Lakshmi is probably most recognized for being the host of the Emmy-winning reality television show Top Chef. For 11 years Lakshmi has walked contestants and viewers through the show, as chefs from around the country compete against each other in culinary challenges. Lakshmi is also a producer, model, and has her own line of HSN-distributed spices (via Town & Country). So when the busy entrepreneur has a moment to unwind, what drink does she most enjoy?
She says one of her favorite beverages is Patrón Silver on the rocks, with lime, mint, and club soda, but only when it's hot out. "If it's cold, I would do Patrón Reposado in a brandy snifter neat," Lakshmi said. "I also created a recipe for National Margarita Day. I wanted something really fresh and different." The star explained she notices most margaritas contain a lot of sweetness, so she wanted to pare down the sugar.
"It's simple syrup with ginger and turmeric, but instead of doing it with the classic recipe of equal parts sugar and water, we've reduced it so it's slightly less sweet," Lakshmi said. "And it has a beautiful color, too, that looks like marigold flowers."
How to make Padma Lakshmi's Ginger Turmeric Margarita
To recreate Lakshmi's preferred margarita, you'll need two ounces of Patrón Silver, one ounce of ginger turmeric simple syrup, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and three to four fresh mint leaves. To make the turmeric simple syrup you'll need one cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, one teaspoon of turmeric powder, and four inches of fresh ginger that is peeled and sliced. For the rim of the glass, you'll need a half teaspoon of ground turmeric, a half teaspoon of ancho chili powder, and two teaspoons of coarse salt.
To bring this drink to life, combine sugar, water, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan. Next, cook the sugar until it breaks down, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Add turmeric powder. Then, strain the syrup with a coffee filter. Now mix together salt, turmeric, and the ancho chili powder on a small plate, and use a wedge of an orange to wet the rim of the glass. Dip the glass in the spicy mixture.
Finally, tear some mint leaves in order to add them to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Then add the lime juice, Patrón, and ginger turmeric syrup, shake vigorously, and pour the drink into the prepared glass with ice and the orange wedge as garnish. Voilà, now you've ready to enjoy Padma Lakshmi's go-to drink.