(by 7 people)
How to make a good Margarita
There's a local Mexican restaurant I go every now and then. The food is not so great, but I have to admit I keep going back for the Margaritas. Their secret? Fresh limes and premium tequila.
Put away that boring artificially-flavored and strangely colored mix that you picked up at the store--you know the one I'm talking about.
Get yourself a pile of fresh limes, some interesting juices (we favor the ones from Trader Joe's), and some very good tequila.
Remember that last one...because bad tequila makes a bad margarita.
New Table of Contents
Links worth checking out
- Cooking with All Things Trader Joe's
- Great food and drink recipes using everyone's favorite grocer. Drink recipes include sangria, pomegranate cocktail, peachy sangria, and more!
- Trader Joe's Locations
- Is there a Trader Joe's near you?
A little about Margaritas
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.
The Basic Margarita
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 juice2 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.
Tasty Limeade Margarita
Some sweetness to balance out the tart
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
All Mixed Up Margaritas
Time to experiment with some interesting additions
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
Cadillac Margarita
Time to get fancy with more exceptional ingredients
2 oz (4 Tbsp) good tequila½ 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
Tools for the Master
Norpro Stainless-Steel Citrus Juice Press
Durable, stainless steel, just the right size for squeezing a lime or a lemon. Once you get one, you'll never go back to fussing with a lime to get the juice out. Plus you'll really look like a margarita master with one of these.
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/08/2008)
Amco Enameled Aluminum Lemon Squeezer
Another good choice. Not quite as durable, doesn't clean *quite* as easily, but still does a great job.
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 07/08/2008)
Twang Classic Margarita Salt Tubs, 7-Ounce Tub (Pack of 12)
Some love it, some do without. Salt per your own preference
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 07/08/2008)
MIU 3-Piece 18-Ounce Dimpled Polished Stainless-Steel Cocktail Shaker
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Not necessary, but a nice touch. Skip if you're using a carbonated juice in your margarita else you'll end up flat.
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Anchor Hocking Heavy Base 9-Ounce Rocks Glasses, 12 Pack
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Great Reference Books on Margaritas
101 Margaritas
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/08/2008)
The El Paso Chile Company Margarita Cookbook
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/08/2008)
Margaritas, Mojitos & More
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/08/2008)
Miss Charming's Book of Crazy Cocktails: Over 200 Outrageous Drink Recipes to Turn Any Night into a Party
Amazon Price: (as of 07/08/2008)
The Bartender's Best Friend: A Complete Guide to Cocktails, Martinis, and Mixed Drinks
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/08/2008)
Tell us your favorite!
So you've got some friends over, some music on, great conversation and laughs, some great stories being told...what's everyone drinking?
Let us know what you think
Feedback, comments, or share your own favorite recipes
If you enjoyed this lens or enjoyed a few margaritas, let us know. Have a favorite recipe? We'd love to try it on our night off! If you enjoyed your visit here, please shoot us some stars at the top--Cheers!
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Amanda_Blue
I am not much of a drinker but I simply cannot resist a good, basic Margarita like the one you describe, made with a fresh lime and excellent tequila and liqueur. Thank you so much for the recipes! A well conceived, informative and visually attractive lens. 5 * and favorited. Posted July 08, 2008 |
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lisawillard
I love a good Margarita. Yummy and 5 stars! Posted May 14, 2008 |
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carrieokier
Yum! Nice lens- 5* Posted May 05, 2008 |
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R_Hunt
Great lens! ***** Margaritas are my favorite! I have a couple of recipes on my Celebrate Cinco de Mayo lens. Posted April 26, 2008 |
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rms
Thank you for adding this tasty lens to the Party Foods Group! Posted April 11, 2008 |
