A Perfect Margarita Food

MARGARITA

Steps:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up.) Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.
• Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.) Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• Blend together lime, salt and sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper.

PERFECT MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Moisten the rim of 6 rocks glasses with a lime wedge or water, then dip each glass in coarse salt.
• In a pitcher, combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add ice just before serving. Divide among the prepared glasses.
• Grate the orange zest onto a microwave-safe paper towel-lined plate. Microwave until the zest is dry, tossing every 30 seconds, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Transfer the dried zest to a spice grinder along with the smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Process until combined, then mix with 1 1/2 tablespoons more kosher salt.
• Grate the lime zest onto a microwave-safe paper towel-lined plate. Microwave until the zest is dry, tossing every 30 seconds, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Transfer the dried zest to a spice grinder along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Process until combined, then mix with the cayenne, sugar and 1 more tablespoon salt.
• Using a spice grinder, process the hibiscus flowers until powdery, then mix with the kosher salt.

PERFECT MARGARITA

Steps:

• Chill cocktail glass for 15 minutes. Pour coarse salt on a napkin or saucer. Hold each glass upside down, run a piece of lime around rim, then lightly twirl in salt; shake off any excess. In a glass pitcher mix liquors and juice with ice with a long-handled spoon. Pour drink into glass over a few ice cubes.;

JIMMY BUFFETT'S MARGARITAVILLE PERFECT MARGARITA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except for the lime into a shaker.
• Squeeze 2 of the lime wedges into the shaker and then Shake Well.
• Rim outside of glass only with lime and then with salt.
• Add fresh crushed ice to glass and then strain mixture over ice. Squeeze remaining lime wedge in glass.