The first touch of warm weather and I start to think of Margaritas. I love wine, but this cocktail is a summer mainstay; and expected by friends when they do a patio visit!
You really can shortcut the recipe by using limeade and lemonade as indicated, but do the longer version if possible; it’s really worth it. One ingredient I never substitute is the Reposado tequila; it makes for a much smoother drink than less expensive Tequila. The longer the zest and juice mixture is allowed to steep, the more developed the citrus flavors in the finished margaritas will be. We recommend steeping for the full 24 hours, although the margaritas will still be great if the mixture is only steeped for the minimum 4 hours.
The BEST Fresh Margarita
Makes about 1 quart, serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 4 teaspoons grated lime zest
- 1/2 cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
- 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
- pinch table salt
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
- 1 cup Citronge or Grand Marnier (use orange liqueur, not flavored sugar water; there is a difference!)
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly.
- Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat.
Note: Do not allow the syrup to boil for long; you just want the sugar dissolved. - Allow to cool completely before adding to the other ingredients
- Combine simple syrup, lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4 to 24 hours.
- Salt rims of glasses if desired by rubbing rim with lime slice and dipping in combination of equal parts sugar and kosher salt.
- Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Pour juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds.
- Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.
Note: For urgent needs, I will substitute the juices, zest and sugar and use 1/2 cup lemonade and 1/2 cup limeade concentrates. For a Girls Nite Out we’ll add some Pomegranate Liqueur instead of the orange liquor for a girly pink version!
Previous post: White Peach Sangria
Next post: Piggyback Shrimp
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the beverage. Despite the cold night, tasty!
I know…so much nicer on the patio in the summer…but then our little friend lives where it’s perpetual summer. Brrrr
These are gorgeous! I love margaritas anytime–doesn't even need to be warm out. Will bookmark this one for next time!
I know Barb and she is known for these margaritas. Once you have one, the typical bar margarita seems harsh, weak, and just doesn’t measure up. I love the combination of salt and sugar on the rim, too!