Margarita
Table of Contents
Are you looking for a Margarita cocktail recipe that will transport you to a tropical paradise? Look no further! This classic cocktail is the perfect balance of tart and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness and tequila kick. Plus, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
History of the Margarita Cocktail
The Margarita cocktail has a fascinating history. While there are many legends surrounding its creation, the most widely accepted story is that it was invented in the late 1930s or early 1940s in Tijuana, Mexico. Some say it was created by a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera for a customer who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila, while others claim it was invented by socialite Margarita Sames at her Acapulco vacation home. Regardless of its origins, the Margarita has become one of the most popular cocktails in the world.
Ingredients for a Margarita Cocktail
- 2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. lime juice
- ½ oz. triple sec
- Salt for rimming the glass optional
- Lime wedge for garnish optional
What Glass Do You Serve a Margarita In?
A classic Margarita is typically served in a salt-rimmed cocktail or Margarita glass. This glass has a wide, shallow bowl and a stem to keep the drink cool while you hold it. If you don’t have a Margarita glass, you can use a standard rocks glass instead.
Method for Making a Margarita Cocktail
- Begin by rimming your glass with salt, if desired. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a dish of salt.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain the cocktail into your salt-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Equipment Needed
Variations on the Margarita Cocktail
While a classic Margarita is always delicious, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Some popular options include:
- Frozen Margarita: Blend all of the ingredients with ice for a slushy, refreshing drink.
- Spicy Margarita: Add a few slices of jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to give your Margarita a spicy kick.
- Strawberry Margarita: Add fresh or frozen strawberries to the mix for a fruity twist on the classic recipe.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your Margarita, one thing is certain: this cocktail is a true classic that never goes out of style. So grab your shaker and get mixing!
When it comes to making the perfect Margarita cocktail, the quality of your main ingredient – tequila – can make all the difference. But with so many different brands and types of tequila available, how do you choose the right one for your recipe?
Types of Tequila
Before we dive into quality, let’s talk about the different types of tequila. There are two main categories:
- 100% Agave: This type of tequila is made from only blue agave, which is a type of succulent plant that is grown in Mexico. It is considered the highest quality tequila because it is made with pure agave juice and has no additives.
- Mixto: This type of tequila is made from a combination of blue agave and other sugars, such as cane sugar. It is usually less expensive than 100% agave tequila and is often used in mixed drinks.
Within these categories, there are four main types of tequila:
- Blanco or Silver: This is clear tequila that is unaged or aged for less than two months. It has a strong, pure agave flavor and is perfect for Margaritas because it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Reposado: This tequila is aged for between two and twelve months in oak barrels. It has a smoother, more complex flavor than blanco tequila, with notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Anejo: This tequila is aged for between one and three years in oak barrels. It has a rich, oaky flavor with hints of chocolate and tobacco.
- Extra Anejo: This tequila is aged for more than three years in oak barrels. It has a deep, complex flavor with notes of leather, smoke, and spice.
Choosing Quality Tequila
Now that you know the types of tequila available, how do you choose a high-quality bottle? Here are some tips:
- Look for 100% Agave: As mentioned earlier, 100% agave tequila is considered the highest quality because it is made with pure agave juice and has no additives. Look for a bottle that says “100% Agave” on the label.
- Check the label: Look for a tequila that is made in Mexico and has the letters “NOM” followed by a number on the label. This indicates that it is a certified tequila that meets Mexican standards for production and quality.
- Consider your budget: While it’s true that the most expensive tequilas are often the highest quality, you don’t need to break the bank to make a delicious Margarita. Look for a mid-range tequila that fits your budget and has good reviews.
- Taste test: If possible, try a few different tequilas before choosing one for your Margarita recipe. Look for one that has a smooth, clean taste with no harsh aftertaste.
By following these tips, you can choose a high-quality tequila that will take your Margarita cocktail to the next level. Salud!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. lime juice
- ½ oz. triple sec
- Salt for rimming the glass optional
- Lime wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- Begin by rimming your glass with salt, if desired. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a dish of salt.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain the cocktail into your salt-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Buy the equipment
Here are our top picks from Amazon of cocktail making equipment to make a Margarita.
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19 Comments
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This version is very sharp and macho (but that’s a good thing), up the tequila a bit and add sugar for a fem version or Cointrea in plase of TS with double the Tequila to fall over. Best to try all versions just to be sure 🙂 But rememember that Margarita mix is for people that eat white sliced bread.
The female version that i know of was to use 2 part tequila, 1 part vodka, 2 part cointreau (more oragey), and 1 part lemon and lime juice. its less sharp and juss that little bit more colourful for the ladies. i still perfer the 3,2,1 combo though.
Is it time to get your lad out with a Margarita ?
‘I would like to point out that Triple sec simply means- triple distilled. ‘
Triple Sec is a specific liqueur, one of the de Kuypers range. Orange curacao for cocktail mixing.
A margarita made with Cointreau or Grand Marnier isn’t really a margarita. Nice, but not a margarita.
Tried the 321 mix – VERY nice, best one so far!!! Enjoy!!!!
I like it 5:3 shots Tequila/Triple Sec and the juice of 5-6 fresh limes plus four ice cubes serves two. If you don’t like it sour add Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix. NEVER use Roses cordial
Triple Sec is an orange flavoured spirit similar to Cointreau. Depsite hating Tequilla due to a night of too many slammers this isn’t half bad.
Havnt tried it yet cuz i av no idea wat triple sec is! Can anyone help?
Fantastic but I used cointreau instead of triple sec!!
Its better frozen and strawberry falvoured