Margarita

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Cocktail History

The Margarita is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created by Carlos “Danny” Herrera in 1938 at Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico. Several variations of the recipe exist, but this lime-flavored version made with tequila, triple sec, citrus, agave syrup, and salt is the most popular.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Tequila Reposado: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then briefly aged to develop a balanced, slightly oaky flavor.

Triple Sec: This is a liqueur made with bitter orange peels, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, bright citrus flavor.

Lemon Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe lemons that has a sweet, tangy flavor and light yellow color.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Agave Syrup: This is a sweetener made with agave plant sap that’s extracted, filtered, and heated to convert its sugars into a syrup with a mild, honey-like sweetness.

Salt: This is a mineral composed of sodium chloride that has a granulated, crystal texture and savory flavor.

Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Light yellow color

• Aroma: Lemon, lime, and tequila

• Taste: Savory salt flavor that melds into lip-puckering citrus laced with agave

• Finish: More citrus tang

Kendall’s Take: “There are so many different specifications out there for the Margarita, but this one made by a friend has been my absolute favorite for years now. Its perfectly salty rim and the amount of citrus used does a good job of balancing out the drink without overdoing it on the sweetness or sourness like you’ll find in many restaurant versions. Try it on the rocks (my preferred way) or frozen!”

Recipe