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The Perfect Margarita

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There are a lot of margarita recipes out there but The Perfect Margarita is the very best.  With the perfect combination of lime juice, tequila, orange liquor and simple syrup it is hard to stop with just one.  Make one and you will know why.

The Perfect Margarita

We are less than a week from Cinco de Mayo and around here that is pretty exciting stuff.  My Darb and I officially/unofficially started dating 6 years ago on May 5th and so I like to celebrate.  This year I decided to start with an adult beverage because…why not. 

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At our local Mexican restaurant they have what I consider to be the best margarita around.  It is the Bonita Margarita and it comes in shaker with a salt rimmed glass.  Nothing really ever compares to them and until now! 

I decided to call this recipe The Perfect Margarita because in my opinion, it is.  Simple, straight forward, sweet, sour, salty and perfect.

Perfect Margarita Recipe | Perfect Margarita Recipe Tequila | Margarita Recipe | Margarita Lime | The Perfect Margarita

In the past when I made margaritas at home, I have always tried to make them in large quantities…without much luck.  This time I decided I wanted to get the ratio of ingredients perfect per drink and then you can take it from there. 

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Making the Perfect Margarita

Start by making a simple syrup, which is equal amounts of sugar and water that you boil until the sugar dissolves.  You want to be sure to let it cool completely.  You can even make this part ahead of time and keep in your fridge for a couple of days.  

You can also use this Lime Simple Syrup instead and make things EXTRA tasty.

Then you need lime juice…LOTS of lime juice.  You will need a total of about 5 tablespoons per drink and that ended up being 3 limes when I juiced them.  Tequila {I used Jose Cuervo} and Cointreau {orange liquor} round out the rest of the ingredients.

Can I substitute Triple Sec for Cointreau?

You can because Cointreau is actually a triple sec and both use neutral spirits.  Grand Marnier, on the other hand, while also an orange liquor is brandy based.  So it would not be the best substitute.

Using a Shaker for The Perfect Margarita

I began by adding all of the ingredients to my shaker and then turned my attention to the glass.

Using a shaker to make The Perfect Margarita

To get the kosher salt to attach to the glass, I ran a wedge of lime around the rim.

Then I immediately dipped the rim in kosher salt {but coarse sugar would work too}.  The salt, while a great way to add interest to your glass is also a great way to balance flavors.  It bridges the gap between the sourness of the lime and the sweetness of the Cointreau.  Yum!

I love a cold margarita but don’t exactly want to deal with the ice, so I added a couple of pieces to the shaker.  Then I added the top of the shaker and shook…shook…shook.  If you don’t have a shaker than a mason jar with a lid works great too.

Pour the chilled mixture into your glass and add round of lime for garnish.  So pretty and tasty.

The Perfect Margarita

Perfect and ready to celebrate!  Cheers to 6 years with my favorite!  Now it is your turn to make them at home for yourself.

The Perfect Margarita

Here are some great recipes to serve with The Perfect Margarita.

Perfect Margarita

Perfect combination of ingredients to create the best margarita on the planet.
Course: Drinks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
5 from 2 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Tequila
  • 1.25 oz Cointreau {orange liquor}
  • 2.25 oz Lime juice
  • .75-1 oz Simple syrup or Lime Simple Syrup
  • Lime Slices & wedges {garnish & for rim}
  • 1/4 cup Kosher Salt {to rim glass}

Instructions

  • In a shaker combine tequila, cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup.  Take a lime wedge and run it along the edge of your glass, immediately roll into kosher salt and turn to coat.  Once the glass in ready, add a couple pieces of ice to the shaker and shake for about 20 seconds.  Pour into glass and garnish with a lime slice.

Notes

  • I used .75 oz. of simple syrup but if you prefer a sweeter margarita than 1 oz. might be right for you.
  • If you do not have a shaker, than use a mason jar.
  • Coarse sugar can be used in place of the kosher salt.
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