The Perfect Margarita

Want the perfect margarita at home for taco night? We did too so we (mainly Matt) started working, in his mad scientist-like ways, on what the perfect margarita would be. If you’re looking for that “frozen concoction to help you hang on” this recipe is not for you. As Matt would say, “none of that slushy crap,” will be found here. Straight from scratch with good ingredients really is the best way.

So here’s the rundown.

To make the perfect margarita, all you really need are three basic ingredients:

  • Tequila: Silver or reposado is traditionally considered to be the best tequila for margaritas, but any type of tequila (or smoky mezcal or sotol) will work.

  • Freshly-squeezed lime juice: For the best fresh flavor, I highly recommend juicing your own limes versus using store-bought lime juice. I swear by this citrus juicer, which makes juicing a breeze and comes in especially handy if you are making a large batch.

  • Orange liqueur: You can use any good-quality Triple Sec.

You are also welcome to add:

  • Agave: If you would like to sweeten your margarita, I add agave syrup (or simple syrup, or any other sweetener you prefer) to taste. Make your own to add an elevated touch.

  • Kosher salt: If you would like to salt the rims of your glasses, run a lime wedge around the rims and then dip them in coarse Kosher salt or margarita salt. (I like to mix a small dash of cayenne into my salt to give it an extra kick.)

  • Additional lime slices/wedges: Save a few extra lime slices or wedges to add to your glass as garnish.

IMG_1754.jpg

HOW TO MAKE A MARGARITA (SINGLE-SERVING):

  1. Prep your glasses: If you would like to salt the rim of your glass, simply run a juicy lime wedge around the rim and then dip the rim in coarse Kosher salt. Set the glass aside until ready to use.

  2. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker: Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and a few ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. (Or alternately if you do not have a cocktail shaker, you can stir the ingredients together in a measuring cup or shake them together in a mason jar.)

  3. Shake shake shake: Give the mixture a good shake (or a good stir!) for about 10 seconds or until chilled.

  4. Taste and add sweetener, if desired: Give the margarita mix a taste and if you think it needs extra sweetener, add in a teaspoon or two of agave (or simple syrup) at a time until the mix reaches your desired level of sweetness.

  5. Strain and serve on the rocks. Place a few ice cubes (or I often use one large ice cube so that it will melt more slowly and look awesome) in the serving glass, then strain the margarita mix over the ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

Cheers!

XOXO,

LE

Megan McDougal