The influx of great-quality tequilas into this country over the last decade has gently nudged my concept of what a margarita should be ever further away from the sweet blender drinks that bars and American Mexican restaurants pass off as “margaritas.” These days a long pour of good tequila, a dash of orange liqueur, and a quarter of a lime over ice is how I make them. The following recipe has a little more padding, but is still a vehicle for the flavor of tequila, so I advise buying the best you can (it should be 100 percent agave). If the salt-rimmed glass doesn’t appeal to you (or a guest), omit the first step.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 servings
Ingredients
3
1
Need to make a substitution?
Preparation
Step 1
Fill a saucer wider than your margarita glasses with a layer of salt. Moisten the rims of the glasses with a lime wedge, then invert the glasses into the coarse salt to coat the rims with a thin layer of salt.
Step 2
Combine the tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice in a large cocktail shaker or pitcher with plenty of ice and vigorously shake or stir to combine and chill.
Step 3
Add ice to the prepared glasses and strain the margarita over it. Garnish each drink with a wedge of lime and serve at once.
The Easy Margarita for One
Step 4
Combine in a glass, over ice, 1/4 cup good tequila; 1 tablespoon orange liqueur, or to taste; and the juice of 1/2 lime, or to taste.