How to Make Freshly Squeezed Lime Margaritas

Margaritas are typically served frozen or on the rocks and can be mixed with a variety of fruits and other ingredients to create sweet, refreshing and unique beverages. However, the traditional margarita served on ice and made with freshly squeezed lime juice is a classic option that everyone will enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• 1-1/2 cups tequila
• 3/4 cup triple sec
• 3/4 cup fresh-ly squeezed lime juice
• 4 tbsp. sugar
• 8 cups crushed ice
• 2 tbsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• Shallow bowl
• Lime wedges
• Large pitcher
• Juicer (if preferred)

Instructions

1. Mix the tequila and triple sec in a large pitcher.

2. Extract the juice from limes by squeezing a lime half in one hand and positioning your other hand just underneath to catch the seeds. Make sure your fingers are separated enough to allow the juice to flow through into the pitcher below. You can also use a manual or electric juicer.

3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tbsp. of sugar to the pitcher.

4. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.

5. Add crushed ice to the pitcher to complete the margarita mixture.

6. Mix the salt with 2 tbsp. of sugar in a bowl.

7. Wet the rim of each serving glass using a lime wedge.

8. Hold each glass upside down and dip into the sugar mixture to coat the rims with the sugar and salt. Make sure the rim of each glass is evenly coated to ensure that your guests get a small taste with each sip.

9. Pour margaritas into the salt-rimmed glasses and garnish each one with a lime wedge before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe makes six freshly squeezed lime margaritas. Double or triple the recipe when serving a larger party.

• Make the frozen variety of this beverage by adding the ingredients to a blender that is about three-quarters full of ice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and serve in the rimmed glasses.

• While the salt-rimmed glass is a serving option for most margaritas, the sugar-salt mixture featured with this recipe is a perfect compliment for the freshly squeezed lime juice and is recommended as a standard when serving this drink.

• When buying limes, look for fruits with a healthy green coloring. Small skin blemishes are okay, but avoid limes with large blemishes. A lime should be firm but yield to hand pressure.

• Serve the margaritas immediately after adding the ice. If you let the pitcher sit out, the ice will melt and dilute the margaritas.