Create the Perfect Margarita

It's Cinco de Mayo. No, it's not Mexican Independence Day- it's a celebration of the Battle of Puebla (go look it up). But in any case, it's when we eat good Mexican food and have margaritas. A real margarita is simple. Here are some tips:

Frozen, or on the rocks?

f I ask of you one thing this Cinco de Mayo, it's please, please, PLEASE do not drink frozen margaritas. This is my personal opinion, but if you really want to enjoy a margarita, then enjoy it as a cocktail as it was meant to be served: shaken in a cocktail shaker and poured into a cocktail glass. With ice, or without, but please- not that frozen, alcoholic version of a 7-Eleven Icee.

Do you need margarita mix?

No. A real margarita is very simple: it has tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. That's it. If you want to elevate it then get good tequila, use Cointreau (not Triple Sec), and squeeze fresh lime juice. I promise- you will not want to drink a margarita any other way.

Salt the rim?

This is a matter of preference. I like a salted rim; I think it adds to the flavor. But it's not mandatory.

What is a good Tequila?

This could be an essay- but in short, get something in the middle price range- not the most expensive, but not the cheap stuff either. The most expensive tequila is for sipping, like a fine whiskey. Using that in a margarita is a waste. But if you are using only three ingredients in a cocktail, you want something with nice flavor. So go to the middle of the price range, and you should be fine.

Do I need fresh lime juice?

Yes. Yes you do. Buy some limes & a juicer, or get someone with strong hands to squeeze the limes into a glass and strain. Do NOT buy bottled lime juice with sugar.

Recipe:

• 2 oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1 oz. Cointreau

Pour in a cocktail shaker & shake with ice. Pour in a cocktail glass with salted rim.

Salud!

- Annabelle