Capturing the essence of a moonlit spring evening, Joe’s Bar & Grill in North Myrtle beach suggests the Moonlight Martini, a tasty, refreshing take on a margarita that’s so good it will have you howling.
Joey Arakas has owned and operated Joe’s Bar & Grill since 1992. The cozy indoor/outdoor eatery sits just across U.S. 17 from Barefoot Landing and features marsh views, a pretty terrific happy hour, casual fine dining and a raccoon feeding station just off the outdoor deck, which doubles as a perfect place to watch the Carolina moonrise.
The stunning blue “martini” is really a margarita in disguise due to the Sauza Gold tequila and sour mix. The blue color comes from Blue Curacao liqueur, along with a few other additions, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass.
Though Genene Muirhead is almost always tending bar—she’s been there for nearly two decades—it’s not unusual to see Arakas working the speed rack as well. Muirhead said the martini was born some eight years ago when Joe’s updated their cocktail list. “We all sat down one night,” she said, “made a bunch of sample martinis, and this one made the permanent list. We sell them year-round.”
1 1/2 ounces Sauza Tequila Gold
2 ounces high quality sour mix
Splash of orange juice
Splash of Rose’s lime juice
Splash of Blue Curacao liqueur
Pre-chill a martini glass with water and plenty of ice, set aside. Mix all ingredients and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Empty the water and ice from the waiting martini glass and lightly salt the rim. Strain shaker contents into the martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!
