National Tequila Day 2013: 22 recipes for food and drinks

National Tequila Day 2013? That’s today. And we have 22 ways to help celebrate -- with refreshing cocktails as well as creative food ideas. If you love a classic margarita, we’ve got you covered -- it’s only one of a dozen margarita variations we found.

Or maybe you’re thinking something more substantial, like chipotle roasted salmon? Or grilled corn with tequila-lime butter? Perhaps tequila fettuccine?

Whether you raise a glass, or a fork, remember to enjoy responsibly. Cheers!

RECIPES: Margaritas, other recipes to celebrate tequila

Blood orange jalapeno margarita

Total time: 10 minutes, plus at least 12 hours infusing time

Servings: 4

Note: Adapted from Border Grill

Infused tequila

1 to 1 1/2 pounds blood oranges, thinly sliced

1 jalapeno, stemmed and sliced in half lengthwise

1 liter Herradura Silver tequila

1. Place the oranges and jalapeno in a glass jar or container. Pour in the tequila (save the tequila bottle). Seal and store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 hours, then remove the jalapeno. (The jalapeno will infuse the tequila fairly quickly.) Let the tequila sit overnight and up to several days with just the blood oranges.

2. Strain the tequila through cheesecloth or a fine sieve and pour it back into the reserved tequila bottle. Seal and store in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3 months.

Candied jalapenos (optional)

2 jalapenos (green and/or red)

1/2 cup sugar

Thinly slice the jalapenos crosswise. In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar and bring to a boil. Add the jalapenos, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. With a spatula, gently remove the jalapenos, laying them flat on parchment paper to dry. Store in a sealed container for up to one week.

Assembly

1 cup blood orange-jalapeno infused tequila

1/2 cup Grand Marnier

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tablespoons superfine sugar, or to taste

4 slices blood orange, for garnish

4 slices candied jalapenos, for garnish (optional)

1. Run a lime wedge halfway around the rim of four margarita glasses and dip into sugar. Set aside.

2. Combine the infused tequila, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice and superfine sugar. Pour half the mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into two of the sugar-rimmed glasses. Repeat to make two more cocktails. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a candied jalapeno, if desired

Each serving: 263 calories; 0 protein; 22 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 cholesterol; 3 mg. sodium.