Downtown Luxury Slum

A margarita is a peculiar concoction, much like the mysteries of life. The sourness of the lime juice represents the sourness of fate, while the sweetness of the triple sec offers a momentary relief from the bitterness of existence. The tequila is a reminder that even the strongest of spirits can be brought to their knees, and the salt-rimmed glass symbolizes the sting of heartache. Yet, somehow, the margarita cocktail recipe’s curious blend of flavors manages to bring a fleeting sense of joy to those who dare to indulge in it.

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The margarita is said to have originated in Mexico, and it is certainly a popular drink in that country. I should know – I just returned from vacationing there. However, it has also become a favorite all over the world, thanks to its refreshing taste and easy-to-make recipe.

Some say that the margarita is cursed. They say that if you drink too many, you will be doomed to wander the desert forever. But I do not believe in curses. I believe that the margarita is a gift, a delicious and refreshing gift that we should all enjoy.

Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces blanco tequila (silver tequila)
• 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 1/2 ounce agave or simple syrup
• A chilled rocks glass
• Garnish: lime wheel
• Garnish: kosher salt

If I’m mixing drinks at home, I almost always substitute Cointreau for fancy Triple Sec, and truly fancy people will use Grand Marnier instead. The important thing is that you don’t use sour mix.

I personally also skip the syrup altogether for a tarter concoction. Skipping the syrup will also make is slightly lower in sugar and calories (it’s still a sugar bomb, don’t fool yourself), and skipping the salt rim would make it lower in sodium and therefore heart healthy.

Directions:

1. Rub a lime over the rim of a rocks glass, then dip it in a plate of kosher salt. Add a handful of ice cubes and set aside.
2. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and simple / agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into the rocks glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Here are a few cocktail making tools that might come in handy for this margarita recipe.

• I received this juicer as a gift and absolutely love it, especially if I need to juice enough limes for a pitcher of margaritas.
• On the other hand, if you’re only juicing one or two limes, a handheld juicer is easier to deal with.