Making the perfect margarita, redolent of the images the song Margaritaville conjures whenever you hear it, is a bit of an art form. Most people think you just stir any ole tequila into any ole margarita mix, pour the concoction into a salt-rimmed glass and you're done. As any margarita maker worth his or her salt will tell you - I don't think so! Far from it.
While margaritas are not hard to make that scenario is definitely NOT the way to craft a fine margarita that your friends will beg you to prepare over and over again. Once you've learned how to make a really good one you will never go back to using mix.
The first and most important factor in making a superior margarita is to start with superior ingredients. The better the base ingredients, the better the margarita. Before we go over the recipe, let's talk about the ingredients and what you should have stocked in your kitchen before you start.
The best margaritas are made with fresh limes, not mix. Buy a lot of the juiciest limes you can find. Do NOT use bottled lime juice. That stuff is nasty and will ruin your margarita.
Second, purchase a bottle of Cointreau or Triple Sec or Patron Citronage or Controy. They all provide the essential orange flavor.
Third, and most importantly, buy a good tequila. A really good tequila. Read the label. Buy only 100% agave. The label might also say 100% "blue" agave. The less than 100% agave tequilas are definitely less expensive but are considered inferior because they can contain up to 49% sugar. The "gold" tequilas are not pure agave tequila either but are made gold by adding caramel. Not a good thing.
Some people would argue it is heretical to use a fine tequila for a margarita. Personally I think it is sacrilegious not to use a fine tequila. Nothing makes or breaks a margarita like using a good tequila.
The Mexican government knows that you don't mess with a good product. They strictly regulate tequila production to within a designated region. Any tequila produced outside of this region cannot be labeled tequila even if it tastes exactly like tequila. Strange but it's their product so they can mandate whatever they wish. Sort of like the French and their designated wine regions. The government recognizes only four categories from the official region:
- Blanco is white (also called silver), made fresh and tanked in stainless steel for up to 60 days; considered the most assertive because it is devoid of any oak or wood barrel flavor, which stands up well to the sour limes and orange liqueur.
- Joven Abocado is white or silver with either color or flavor added and sometimes both
- Reposado, which means rested, is aged two months to one year in oak
- Anejo, aged one to three years in sealed oak barrels. The anejos are generally the most expensive but oh so enchanting.
There are an extraordinary number of tequilas and brands out there. You might as well just try a bottle at a time until you find the one that captures your heart. Speaking of hearts there is a tequila called Corazon (heart in Spanish) that some people swear by but it is darn difficult to find in the U.S. and when you do it can cost as much as a car payment. But if you are dead set on locating it search the Internet; you can buy it online.
Other outstanding brands that will make your margies the hit of every party: Sauza, El Tesoro, Chinaco, Patron, Herradura, Centinela and 1800. You can also check out this website for a good overview of tequilas. Some of the tequilas listed on this website are only available in Mexico but it's still a good resource.
If you're got your limes, orange liqueur and tequila you're ready to make a stupendous margarita.
Mix one part fresh squeezed lime juice with equal parts of the orange liqueur and tequila. For example mix together a ΒΌ cup of each liquid. If you like salt on the rim of your glass, pour a bit of salt on a plate. Rub a cut lime wedge around the rim and dip the glass in the salt. Turn the glass right-side up, add ice and pour in your margarita. Add a slice of lime and drink up. If you're making margies for a crowd, start with one cup of fresh squeezed lime juice, one cup of the orange liqueur and one cup of tequila. Make more as you need it.
Some people prefer their margaritas with a little less orange. If you find this ratio too orangey, cut back on the orange liqueur but don't omit it entirely. That's the beauty of making margaritas; you can adapt them to suit your own taste.
Cheers!
