A Margarita is without doubt my favourite cocktail and my drink of choice when my budget allows. Cocktails do tend to be expensive and there’s nothing more disappointing when you have that first sip and realise you could have made better at home for half the price. Whilst some get it right, others destroy the most classic of cocktails. Common errors seem to be the use of weak cordial instead of fresh lime juice and the wrong amount of tequila. The best Margaritas are fresh and tangy with a perfect balance of flavour. Here is what I think makes a good margarita recipe.
The Classic Margarita Recipe
- 1 ½ measures of silver tequila
- 1/2 measure of Cointreau (triple sec)
- Juice of 1 x lime
- Combine the above ingredients in a cocktail shaker and mix well.
- Rub the rim of your cocktail glass with some lime juice and then dip in salt to coat.
- Half fill your cocktail glass with partially crushed ice.
- Pour in your cocktail mixture and garnish with a wedge of lime.
- Enjoy!
The Iced Margarita Recipe
Some find the classic Margarita a bit too strong. For something with a little less kick you might like to try the Iced Margarita recipe. An Iced Margarita is a refreshing drink that combines the elements of the Classic Margarita in a more diluted version.
- 2½ measures of silver tequila
- 1 ¼ measures of Cointreau (triple sec)
- Juice of 1 x lime
- 8 x small scoops of lime sorbet
- 150ml x cold lemonade
- Fill two glasses with slices of lime and lemon.
- Combine the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a jug.
- Split the sorbet between the two glasses.
- Split the drink into each glass.
- Top up each glass with a helping of lemonade
- Serve
The Classic Cocktail
A Margarita is a great cocktail for pre-dinner drinks and provides the perfect accompaniment to a Mexican feast. You'll probably adjust the alcohol quantities to suit your taste but where possible, always try to use freshly squeezed lime juice for that fresh and tangy taste. You can easily create this classic cocktail in your home and find the Margarita mix that is perfect for you.
Sources:
"The Bartender's Companion to 750 Cocktails", Stuart Walton, Suzannah Olivier, Joanna Farrow, 2005
Sarah Williams - Sarah Williams is originally from the South West of England but now lives in the Illawarra region of Australia. She is a freelance writer, ...
