With Cinco De Mayo just around the corner and Summer teasing it’s warm weather, you might be looking to show off your new knowledge of the finer side of tequila with a friendly tequila-themed get-together. No “Cinco De Drinko” party is complete without the salty-sweet summer spirit: The Margarita.
I know what you’re thinking: Margaritas are girl’s drinks. And you are right, for the most part. What passes for a margarita in most bars is neon-green, over salted, heartburn-inducing garbage. But a margarita, when done right, can be not only a delicious, but classy (and even manly) drink.
Before we get into the ingredients and preparation of a perfect margarita, let’s get a few ground rules down.
- There is no such thing as a good pre-packaged mix (this one may be a good rule for everything else in your life, too). No good margarita was ever colored neon-green.
- Triple Sec is optional (and overrated) when preparing a margarita.
- Drink it on the rocks. Always.
- Low-Ball and even Old Fashioned glasses are perfectly acceptable if you don’t enjoy drinking from margarita glasses.
- Lemon is not an option. A margarita is always made with lime, and if you have the choice, always opt for key limes.
- Don’t skimp on tequila. Even when it’s used as a mixer, good tequila is always called for.
- Sea salt is always preferable to table salt.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE (another good rule for everything else in your life).
Now that we’ve established some ground rules, let’s get into what goes into a perfect margarita.
You’ll need
- 2-3oz. tequila of Choice (Silver or Reposado works best)
- 3 key limes (or 1 regular lime)
- Agave Nectar
- 1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed orange juice (optional)
- Sea Salt
- A few ice cubes
In a medium-sized shaker combine tequila, ice cubes, juice from 2-3 whole key-limes, a splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice and use agave nectar to sweeten to taste (try to limit it to 3 tbsp). Shake until ice is mostly dissolved. Glaze half of your cocktail glass’s rim with agave nectar and salt it lightly with sea salt. Serve on the rocks.
That’s it: Simple, clean, delicious, perfect. You’ll find that this drink won’t be as overly tart as most bar-quality margaritas, and the agave nectar really brings out the flavors and nuances of the tequila you choose. If the completed drink is a little too strong for your tastes, a little water is acceptable to break the intensity a bit. This drink will impress your friends, please the ladies and, best of all, taste great. Salud.