No really, I would put money on it, this will be one of the best Margarita’s you’ve ever had. It’s become a personal mission to concoct the perfect Margarita. Not too sweet, in fact my preference is slightly tart. It won’t come easy, but the elbow grease will be worth it, I promise! Ask my friends, they love it when I say it’s Margarita Night! Next week is Cinco de Mayo and in Texas, that is just another excuse to enjoy tacos and margaritas. This year, Cinco de Mayo conveniently falls on Fajita Friday at our house and I am so excited. We will definitely bust out the citrus juicer and make enough for a crowd! Pro-Tip: Please use a mechanical juicer if you are making more than a couple of drinks. Your hands will thank me later.

You will want to save this recipe and share one with your favorite peeps, soon!

Secret to the Best Margarita

There are two important points for a great margarita; fresh citrus and a quality Reposado Tequila, pre-chilled of course! These two make all the difference to my taste buds! Finding a pre-made mix in this house would be a rare occasion. If I intend to have a margarita, it will absolutely be top shelf.

In fact, I have a hard time enjoying margaritas outside of our house. They end up being too sweet, made with sweet and sour, and usually cheap tequila, unless you pay for the upgrade. I could easily spend $12-$15 per margarita, that I probably won’t enjoy. I love quality time with family/friends on a patio, but an out of this world bar tap is not my favorite.

Tequila Education

There are many, many tequilas out there. Generally, most places serve Margaritas made with Blanco Tequila. This version of tequila is most often unaged, or aged for a couple of months. I find that I get headaches after drinking Blanco Tequila and have made my way to Reposado. This is a great, fair priced cocktail tequila that spends up to a year aging. With a smooth taste and budget friendly for those of us who prefer to make craft cocktails at home. Añejo is a sipping tequila, these tequilas are aged between one and three years and offers complex flavors, making them perfect for sipping. I would not use this tequila in a cocktail as they do carry a higher price point. However, if you fancy sipping tequila, I would absolutely chill a nice Añejo in the freezer or shake over ice before serving.

My quest to name my favorite Reposado Tequila’s has been going strong over the last few years. My top three for mixing cocktails are; Don Julio, La Gritona (female owned distillery), and Milagro!

Gather Your Ingredients

• Fresh Limes
• Fresh Blood Oranges
• Repasado Tequila
• Grand Marnier
• Agave Syrup

A few items that will most certainly be important, not to mention great to have in your kitchen when the occasion arises:

• Shaker
• Measuring Cup
• Strainer
• Ice

Let’s Make a Margarita

First, wash all of your fresh produce. Fruit is dirty, just soak it in some dawn and give it a slight scrub. No big deal. Next, roll you limes and oranges to help loosen some of the membranes and makes them easier to juice. Again, if you are making for a crowd bust out a mechanical juicer. Otherwise, for a quick couple of drinks its fine to use a handheld.

This recipe makes 2-4 margaritas depending on your glass size and ice preference. You will need 4 ounces of lime juice, or about 6 limes. Blood oranges are my favorite when they are in season, you will need about 2 oranges for 2 ounces of juice. Next, strain the juice to remove the extra pulp.

Now you are ready to add all of your ingredients to a shaker. I repeat, a shaker, this is shaken NOT stirred! You really want to incorporate the tequila and citrus. If a salted rim is your thing (it’s not for my husband), now is a great time to use a lime and rub it against your glass before gently tapping the glass into your salt of choice! I love the Spicy Lime rim salt from, Adornwell!

Use a strainer to pour over ice and enjoy!

Recipe

• 4 oz Tequila (I prefer a quality Reposado)
• 2 oz Grand Marnier (No other will do in my opinion)
• 4 oz FRESH lime juice
• 2 oz FRESH Orange Juice
• 2 Tbsp Agave Syrup

Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a glass over ice. Salted Rim if that’s your thing and garnish with a lime wheel! Enjoy with your favorite people!