How to Make a Margarita

The Margarita is the most popular tequila-based drink, usually made with tequila, lime or lemon juice, and orange liqueur. Most commonly served "on the rocks" in a salt-rimmed glass but also served blended.

Too much salt often overrides the flavor and aromatic qualities of a good Margarita, so most bartenders and connoisseurs will skip it.

The orange liqueur is most commonly Triple Sec, but Cointreau, Curaçao liqueur ("Blue Margarita") and Grand Marnier ("Cadillac Margarita") are also used, the latter being the most preferable.

There's no substitute for fresh lime in an authentic-tasting margarita, so have plenty on hand; most importantly make sure to pick up a real lime squeezer so your friends will believe you when you claim to be a Margarita master. My husband prefers this classic version using straight fresh lime juice

2 parts good tequila (such as Tequila Reserva 1800 Reposado)
1 part Triple Sec Liqueur or other orange-flavored liqueur
1 part lime juice (juice of 1 lime)

lots of ice cubes or crushed ice

o If you want to salt the rim, rub the rim with a cut lime and dip in a shallow dish of kosher or flaked salt.

o Add ingredients to a glass and stir. Alternatively, add ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour in a glass.

If the classic recipe is a little too strong or tart for you, add some good quality juice (such as Organic Limeade from Trader Joe's) or "simple syrup" (a few Tbsp water mixed with Organic Agave Nectar, also available at TJ's) to it.

2 oz (4 Tbsp) tequila
¼ cup Organic Limeade
½ oz (1 Tbsp) Triple Sec
2 Tbsp lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
Ice cubes or crushed ice

o Shake or stir and serve on the rocks

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves 1

Perhaps you're feeling a little more adventurous. Instead of a limeade, experiment with other juices that are compatible with fresh lime flavor. If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, try some of their juices suggested below.

2 oz (4 Tbsp) tequila (we like Tequila Reserva 1800 Reposado)
¼ cup juice (Organic Pink Lemonade, French Market Limeade, Mango Lemonade, or Just Pomegranate)
½ oz (1 Tbsp) Triple Sec Liqueur or other orange-flavored liqueur
2 Tbsp lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
Ice cubes or crushed ice

o If you want to salt the rim, rub the rim with a cut lime and dip in a shallow dish of kosher or flaked salt. If you're playing around with some of the sweet juices, it's also fun using different kinds of sugar to "salt" the rim (such as Turbinado Sugar,also called "raw sugar")

o Add ingredients to a glass cup. Add enough ice to fill remainder of cup and stir. (Or use a shaker)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves 1

For a small pitcher:

1 cup juice (or 1 ½ cups if you don't want it too strong)
¼ cup triple sec
1 cup tequila
½ cup lime juice (juice of 4 limes)
3 cups ice

2 oz (4 Tbsp) good tequila
½ oz (1 Tbsp) Grand Marnier
½ oz (1 Tbsp) Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)
2 Tbsp lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp Organic Agave Nectar
Ice cubes

o Just a touch of salt on the rim...don't overdo the salt on this wonderful concoction.

o Shake or stir

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves 1

We use our favorite Trader Joe's ingredients to create unique, quick, and easy recipes. We also have two bestselling Trader Joe's cookbooks, all based on shopping at our favorite store.

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