When we heard that the team behind Cafe Gratitude was opening a new location with a south-of-the-border flair to its consciously-sourced menu, we knew it would be an instant hit. We waited patiently for months for this healthy hotspot to open, and were naturally some of the first to hit Gracias Madre’s gorgeous, olive tree-lined patio and light-filled dining room. The new restaurant is nestled into the perfect spot along Melrose Avenue and – like all Cafe Gratitude locations here in L.A. – is bustling with glowingly healthy diners and health-conscious celebrities.
Head into Gracias Madre for the mind-blowing healthy fare (think roasted Brussels sprouts with cashew cheese and butternut squash tamales), stay for the fresh and clean cocktails that have us rethinking our early evening plans! If you’re in L.A. or San Francisco, find your way to this permanent vegan fiesta yourself. For everyone else, try this house margarita recipe by Gracias Madre beverage director, Jason Eisner!
The Gracias Madre “La Purista” Margarita
Ingredients
2 oz organic reposado tequila
1 oz fresh-pressed lime juice
1/2 oz organic agave nectar
3 dashes homemade orange bitters
lime peel
housemade sweet orange salt (see below)
Housemade Sweet Orange Salt Rim
1 pinch sea salt
1 pinch sugar
orange zest
lime wedge
directions
Combine sea salt, sugar and orange zest. Rub orange zest into the salt-sugar mixture. Use the lime wedge to moisten the rim of double rocks glass, then dip the rim into the mixture to coat.
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange bitters. Shake and strain into the glass. Add fresh rocks and a lime peel.
Recipe courtesy of Gracias Madre beverage director, Jason Eisner.
