How to Make the Perfect Margarita
A cocktail bar favourite! When it comes to classic cocktails, the Margarita stands out as a timeless favorite. Whether you’re enjoying a night out at a cocktail bar or mixing drinks at home, this refreshing blend of tequila, lime, and triple sec offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and salty. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to craft the perfect Margarita, just like a professional mixologist at your favorite cocktail bar.
History of the Margarita
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Margarita’s rich history. This cocktail’s origins are somewhat mysterious, with several legends about its creation. One popular story credits its invention to a bartender in a Mexican cocktail bar during the 1930s or 1940s. Regardless of its exact origin, the Margarita has become a staple in bars worldwide, known for its simple yet vibrant flavour.
Ingredients
To make a classic Margarita, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tequila: The star of the show! Opt for a good quality blanco or reposado tequila for the best flavor.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for that authentic, zesty taste.
Triple Sec: A sweet orange liqueur that adds a hint of citrus. Popular choices include Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
Simple Syrup: The sugar balances the sourness of the lime juice, to create a perfectly balanced cocktail
Salt: For rimming the glass and enhancing the drink’s flavours. Salt flakes recommended.
Ice: To chill the cocktail to perfection.
EQUIPMENT
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Cocktail strainer
Margarita or rocks glass
Plate for salt
Citrus juicer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Glass
Place your margarita glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill. A cold glass keeps your cocktail at the perfect temperature.
After your glass is chilled, add a salt rim to the outside rim of the glass.
2. Measure Your Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine the following:
45ml tequila
15ml triple sec
30ml fresh lime juice
15ml simple syrup
3. Shake, Shake
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also blends the flavours beautifully.
4. Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice. For a smoother texture, use a fine mesh strainer also to catch any ice chips.
5. Garnish
Add a lime wheel or wedge to the rim of the glass for a classic touch.
5. Enjoy
Now sit back, preferably on a beach, on a nice sunny day… or at Polly of course, and enjoy your beautiful creation.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Margarita, feel free to experiment with different variations. At many cocktail bars, you’ll find twists like the Spicy Margarita, made with jalapeño slices, or the Mango Margarita, featuring fresh mango puree. You can also switch out the triple sec for a different liqueur, like blue curaçao, to create a colourful Blue Margarita