Margarita
The Margarita is the life of the party. It’s a vibrant, tangy, and endlessly refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances the earthy notes of tequila with the bright citrus of fresh lime and the sweetness of orange liqueur.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila Blanco (100% agave)
- 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau)
- ¼ oz Agave Nectar (optional)
- Garnish: Lime Wedge & Salt Rim
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim onto a small plate of coarse salt to create a salt crust. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and optional agave nectar to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake Vigorously: Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake hard for 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become frosty cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the bright, frothy mixture into your prepared rocks glass over the fresh ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Fresh Lime Juice is Non-Negotiable: This is the single most important rule for a great Margarita. The bright, sharp flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice is essential. Bottled juice often has preservatives and a dull, muted taste that will ruin your cocktail.
Choose the Right Tequila: Always use a tequila that is labeled 100% de Agave. A Tequila Blanco (or Silver) provides a crisp, clean agave flavor that is perfect for a classic Margarita. For a slightly smoother, more complex version, try a Reposado.