How to Make a Great Margarita

Simple tips to making a margarita

I've watched the margarita deteriorate over the past ten years. It's often made too sweet in bars and other establishments. A wonderful margarita has just the right balance of bite and flavor. Here's a recipe that leads with the right ingredients: tequila and lime.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 oz. Tequila
• 1/2 oz. Cointreau
• 2-3 Fresh limes
• 1 1/2 oz. Orange juice
• Margarita salt
• Some funky margarita glasses
• Crushed ice
• Chilled margarita/martini shaker

Instructions

1. Select a premium brand tequila. I recommend either Don Julio Reposado or Patron Silver.

2. Take out the shaker, add 1/2 oz. of premium orange liqueur. I suggest Cointreau. Follow that with 1 1/12 oz. of tequila. Fill the shaker with crushed ice.

3. Cut to 2-3 fresh limes in half. Squeeze them directly into the shaker.

4. Add a shot (1 1/2 oz) of orange juice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.

5. Take a funky margarita glass, and dip the rim of the glass in water. Then twist the rim in a plate of margarita salt. This should leave a circle of salt around the rim.

6. Pour the margarita from the shaker into the glass and ENJOY!

Tips & Warnings

• Shavings of lime on top add a nice touch at the end.

• Don't drink and drive.