The Best Fresh Margaritas
The Best Fresh Margaritas
We were tired of margaritas made with little more than ice, tequila, and artificially flavored syrups. Could we come up with the ultimate margarita: a balanced blend of fresh citrus flavors and tequila? We used correct proportions (equal parts juice, orange liqueur, and tequila) for balance; the right alcohol (Triple Sec and a reposado tequila made from 100 percent blue agave) for a mellow, delicate flavor; and the best citrus mix (lemon and lime zest steeped in their juices) for refreshing flavor. Finish with a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.
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
1/4 cup superfine sugar
Pinch table salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably reposado
1 cup Triple Sec
Combine 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.
Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.
We were tired of margaritas made with little more than ice, tequila, and artificially flavored syrups. Could we come up with the ultimate margarita: a balanced blend of fresh citrus flavors and tequila? We used correct proportions (equal parts juice, orange liqueur, and tequila) for balance; the right alcohol (Triple Sec and a reposado tequila made from 100 percent blue agave) for a mellow, delicate flavor; and the best citrus mix (lemon and lime zest steeped in their juices) for refreshing flavor. Finish with a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.
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
1/4 cup superfine sugar
Pinch table salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably reposado
1 cup Triple Sec
Combine 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.
Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.
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