One of Ann Marie’s favorite cocktails is a Margarita. They’re simple enough that you can order one in any respectable bar, but also have a depth of flavor that belies their simplicity. Needing only four common ingredients, you may have all the necessary things to make one of America’s favorite cocktails laying around your house right now.
Margarita
The Margarita is an iconic cocktail for good reason. Striking a beautiful balance between the bright lime juice and herbaceous tequila, the subtle notes of orange compliment the lively character and subtle sweetness. It refreshes the palate while invitingly suggesting the drinker indulge in another sip.
Drink Notes and Recommendations
We’ve spent a lot of time playing with Margaritas and as a result we’re learned a few things. While the template is infinitely riffable, there are somethings that work out better than others.
- Tequila – We’ve found 100% agave, blanco tequilas are your best bet. Don’t bother with Mixto, the quality loss is so significant that the spirit won’t balance within the drink. Aged (repasado and anejo) can be used, but some of the bright, crisp, simple refreshing flavors will get muddled with the darker notes of wood from aging. Our house tequila is Olmeca Altos Plata (and what we used here) but we also maintain a full list of our recommended tequilas if you want to jazz it up.
- Cointreau – This is a rabbit hole and half. In short, Cointreau works amazing. You can get away with Triple Sec, but it won’t be as good. Gran Marnier and Dry Curacao are different animals entirely in this application – and should not be a starting point.
- Lime Juice – Always use fresh squeezed for the best possible result.
- Simple Syrup / Agave Nectar – There are those who say this is a big difference, but I find there to be minimal gains from Agave. That said, either works well here.
- Salt – This really can help amp up a margarita, but don’t feel that you’re compelled to have it. Want the best of both worlds? Rim half the glass using a plate with salt and rubbing a lime around the edge of the glass before rolling it in the salt.
- Ice – Unlike most situations, a bit of ongoing dilution isn’t the end of the world for a well made margarita. If you have decently sized ice cubes, feel free to use those or try a large rock. That said, on the rocks is the appropriate way to enjoy a Margarita.
…What about those crazy glasses that look like upside down sombreros?
In short, those glasses are at best novelties, and at worst too large for the cocktail and hard to drink out of. A margarita doesn’t require fancy glassware to be enjoyed, simple use a rocks glass with some fresh ice. If you’re super lazy, you can even dirty dump your margarita (no strain – no fresh ice), and enjoy it all the same.
… and that Mix in the Plastic Bottles?
Stop! Don’t! That beautiful, perfectly balanced drink is calling out for the amazing fresh oils, acids, and juices of a real lime! Adding cheap shortcut giant grocery store mixers is like bringing home a Warhol and finger-painting on top of it to improve it. Just don’t do it!
The Margarita is one of our drinks you can make with our Recommended Bottles for Beginning A Home Bar. If you’re looking for a list of drinks you can make with the basics, or recommendations of liquors, be sure to check it out!
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