The Ultimate Margarita Food

THE ULTIMATE MARGARITA

Steps:

• Shake together all ingredients with ice and strain into a margarita glass.
• Optional: rub the cut side of a lime on the glass rim and dip it into salt; and add a lime wedge to the rim of the glass as a garnish.

THE ULTIMATE MARGARITA

Steps:

• Rub the rims of 2 martini glasses with a lime wedge, then dip the rims in a dish of course salt.
• Refrigerate the glasses if desired.
• In a shaker, combine the lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.
• Add ice and shake 10 to 15 seconds, then strain into the prepared glasses.

CLASSIC MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Rub the rim of 4 rocks glasses with lime; dip in coarse salt. Fill three-quarters of the way with ice. Combine 1 cup tequila, 2/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup orange-flavored liqueur and 2 teaspoons superfine sugar in a cocktail shaker. Shake well, then pour into the glasses. Garnish with lime.
• Photograph my Andrew Mccaul

ULTIMATE MARGARITA

Steps:

• To salt the margarita glasses, rub the outside rims of 4 big glasses with a cut lime and press them lightly into a plate of kosher salt, to coat.
• Combine the lime juice, sugar, orange liqueur, Triple Sec, tequila, and a big handful of ice in a cocktail shaker (or blender). Shake the margarita really well, for a good 20 seconds, add a splash of beer and strain into the salt rimmed glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

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.

THE ULTIMATE LIME MARGARITA

Steps:

• Combine first 4 ingredients in a 4-cup measuring cup.
• FOR BLENDED MARGARITAS: Fill blender halfway with ice cubes.
• Add half of margarita mixture.
• Blend until mixture is thick and icy.
• Divide between two glasses.
• Repeat with more ice cubes and remaining margarita mixture.
• FOR MARGARITAS ON THE ROCKS: Fill four glasses with ice cubes.
• Divide margarita mixture among glasses and serve.
• DO-AHEAD TIP: Margarita mixture can be made up to 8 hours ahead and prior to being blended with ice.
• Cover and refrigerate.