Easy Margarita
An excellent classic margarita is a masterclass in balance. It’s a simple cocktail with only three core ingredients, but achieving the perfect harmony of strong, sweet, and sour is what separates a good margarita from a great one.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- 1 Medium Lime
- Ice
- 1 ½ oz Blanco or Silver Tequila
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur Preferably Cointreau.
- ¼ oz Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup Optional.
Instructions
- Chill and Prepare Your Glass: A cold glass is key. Place an Old-Fashioned or margarita glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you begin. Spread the kosher salt on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your chilled glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the salt, rotating gently to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
- Combine Ingredients in a Shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar (if using).
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker about halfway with ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The shaker should feel frosty on the outside. This step is crucial as it not only chills the drink but also aerates it and adds the perfect amount of dilution.
- Strain and Serve: Using a cocktail strainer (or a fine-mesh strainer for a smoother texture), pour the margarita into your prepared glass over the fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
Variations to Try
Spicy Margarita: Muddle two or three thin slices of jalapeño in the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients. This will infuse the drink with a pleasant heat. You can also rim the glass with Tajín instead of salt for an extra kick.
Smoky Margarita: Swap the blanco tequila for a mezcal. Mezcal is also made from agave but has a distinct smoky flavor that adds incredible depth to the cocktail.
Frozen Margarita: Combine all the ingredients in a blender with about 1 cup of ice per serving. Blend until smooth and slushy.
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