Traditional Margarita Recipes

Margarita is a cocktail that is very popular, especially among women. It incorporates tequila, triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur) and lime or lemon juice. The best way to make a margarita is to include fresh squeezed lime juice. In the US, the thick skinned Persian limes are usually used, while the original Mexican margaritas incorporate key limes. These limes are small with a thin skin and have a strong citrus flavor that is sometimes bitter. The ingredients are shaken with ice or served on the rocks, or blended with crushed ice. It is usually served in a special margarita glass with salt on the rim. While many different individuals are credited with the creation of the first margarita, it is widely claimed to be a drink of Mexican origin.

There are many contemporary variations to the traditional recipe. One such example is with the inclusion of an additional sweetener, such as simple syrup. Another variation uses bottled lime juice which is already sweetened. Alternate options for triple sec are other orange-flavored liqueur such as Patrón Citrónge, Cointreau (which is an expensive option), or blue curaçao in a blue margarita. The cordon bleu margaritas include Grand Marnier or Gran Gala.

Adding sweetened fruit juices or blended fresh fruits is another common trend. In these versions, the orange-flavored liqueur may be reduced or not used at all, to prevent the cocktail from becoming syrupy. Alternately, a secondary liqueur may be added. New contemporary variations of the cocktail are chocolate margarita, raspberry margarita, strawberry margarita, mango margarita, and peach margarita.

The proportions officially accepted by the International Bartenders Association for a margarita are 50% tequila, 29% Triple Sec, 21% fresh lime or lemon juice.

The Traditional Margarita

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces silver tequila
• ¾ ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp superfine sugar
• A lime wedge

Instructions

To prepare a salt-rimmed glass, wet the rim of the margarita glass with water and place the glass face down in a dish with salt. Then place the glass in the refrigerator and chill. Add a few cubes of ice and pour all the ingredients, except the lime wedge, into a shaker and shake vigorously. Take the chilled glass out of the refrigerator and pour the traditional margarita into it. Position the lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

While there is only one way to make an original, authentic, traditional margarita, below listed are some popular versions that are in vogue.

Turquoise Margaritas

Ingredients

• 1 Mexican lime
• 2 ounces of tequila (we recommend Cuervo 1800)
• ½ ounce of triple sec
• ½ ounce of white tequila
• 1¼ ounces of lime juice
• a splash of blue curaco

Instructions

To prepare a salt-rimmed glass, wet the rim of the margarita glass with water and place the glass face down in a dish with salt. Then place the glass in the refrigerator and chill. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and then add all the ingredients. Shake the shaker well. Pour into chilled margarita glass.

Wine Margarita

Ingredients

• 6 ounces dry white wine
• Margarita salt
• 4 ounces Mexican Controy (Cointreau or Triple Sec may be used)
• crushed ice
• juice from 10 - 12 limes, freshly squeezed

Instructions

Add crushed ice to the blender until almost full. Pour in the wine, Controy and lime juice over the ice. Blend the ingredients till you have a slushy drink. Pour into a salt-rimmed margarita glass and serve.

Margarita is a delicious easy-to-make cocktail, whether it is the traditional version you like or the newer varieties. Try out any of these recipes the next time you have family or friends over. Cheers!