Turn Margaritaville into Avocadoville by elevating the gator pear beyond classic chip ’n’ dip fare. Place a scoop of green, along with gold tequila and agave nectar, in a cocktail shaker to make an avocado margarita fit for Mr. Buffett himself.

But before wasting away in Avocadoville, go native by picking the fruit directly off a tree in your own backyard. Although most commercial avocados grow on farms in South Florida, according to a University of Florida report, the trees can bear fruit throughout the state.

Seth Stottlemyer, owner of Oasis Gardenscapes in Sarasota, advises home growers to select a healthy avocado tree, avoiding rootbound trees or large trees in small containers since they may not grow properly once planted. Avocado trees do best in well-drained soil and, like most Floridians, enjoy full sun.

Depending on the variety, says Stottlemyer, avocado trees and their fruit can grow fairly large, providing the perfect amount of shade for sipping and dipping.

NEED MORE AVOCADO INSPIRATION? GET TIPS FROM CHEF JULIEN GREMAUD

Avocado Margarita

Serves 1

• 2 slices of Hass avocado
• ¼  ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¾ ounce agave nectar
• 1 ½  ounces Maestro Dobel tequila
• ½  ounce Cointreau
• 2 ½  ounces homemade sour mix

 Preparation: In a shaker tin, muddle 1 avocado slice, agave nectar and lime juice. Add tequila, Cointreau, homemade sour mix and ice.
Shake vigorously. Serve in a margarita glass over ice. Garnish with another slice of avocado.

Homemade Sour Mix

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½  cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Preparation: In a saucepan bring water to a boil and add sugar. Stir continuously until sugar is dissolved (approximately 7 minutes). Remove pan from heat and let cool. Transfer sugar water to bowl. Strain lemon and lime juices into the bowl with the cooled sugar water and discard pulp. Integrate with avocado margarita recipe immediately, or refrigerate for later use.