God bless that long ago Mexican who discovered the agave and the wonderful elixer that could be made from such an unassuming plant! Is there a better combination of tastes than tequila, limes, and salt? I think not!
I am famous among friends and family for these margaritas. Or should I say, infamous? The common name for them is Deatharitas. I have been both celebrated and cursed for this fabulous cocktail. So delicious, but you have to be careful, as they will sneak up on you! (If you know our good friend BP, be sure to ask him about the night of the Margaritas and Brownies.)
Quick tequila lesson: First, always use tequila that is 100% agave. Look for it on the label. "Mixto" tequila is not pure agave and you don't want it. Second, there are three different grades of tequila: Blanco, which is unaged and has the strongest agave taste; Reposado, which is aged at least two months in oak and has a smoother taste; and Anejo, which is aged in oak for at least a year and is incredibly smooth. I prefer reposado tequila, as it is smooth but still has a distinct agave taste. Anejo is delicious, but sort of wasted on a margarita. Save the anejo for sipping.
Classic Margarita
from a recipe developed by JD
1 1/2 ounce reposado tequila (my favorites are Sauza Hornitos, Cazadores, and Corazon)
1 ounce Cointreau or other high quality orange liqueur (I found some Patron orange liqueur and thought I would give it a try here...good stuff!)
3 ounces margarita mix (Jose Cuervo works fine; Trader Joe's is good if you can find it)
Splash of Grand Marnier
Run lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass or margarita glass. Dip rim in coarse salt to coat. Fill glass with ice.
Pour tequila, Cointreau, and margarita mix into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
Strain into prepared glass.
"Float" a small amount of Grand Marnier at the top of the drink.
Prepare to be amazed. Don't say I didn't warn you.
January's Flavor of the Month is Boozy! Check out all the other Boozy recipes at
Bake at 350!
