Classic Margarita

I have been waiting literally all year to write about margaritas. Not because I love them, though I do, but because I think it is important for everyone to know that a good margarita has absolutely nothing to do with margarita mix. What's more, a margarita made without mix is not any more difficult or complicated to make than one that uses it. All that's needed is a good silver tequila, triple sec (or Grand Marnier or blue curacao - something orange flavored), and limes. That's it. It's important to note that the word "good" before the tequila is key. Since a classic margarita highlights, rather than obliterates, the tequila flavor, choosing a tequila worthy of highlighting has a huge impact on the results.

Now, to get down to business... I like to use a 2:1:1 ratio, meaning two parts tequila, one part triple sec, and one part lime juice. Generally my "parts" are just ounces, combined and alway served on the rocks (never blended). The ice adds a little bit of volume, and helps to mellow the drink out a bit, since 3 ounces of liquor/liqueur makes for a drink with a kick! Remember to sip slowly - taking the time to enjoy the subtleties of the drink's flavor is the point, after all. If you must, it's easy to salt the rim of your glass (the less high-quality your tequila, the more likely it is that you will want to take this step). Just pour some sea salt onto a small plate, run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass, and dip the rim of the glass into the salt.

I promise that once you've made this classic margarita for yourself, you'll never consider using store-bought mix again!