Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila (100% blue agave, ideally a premium reposado like Don Julio 1942 or Casa Dragones)
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 oz Cointreau (or another premium orange liqueur like Grand Marnier)
- 1/2 oz Agave Syrup (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- Coarse sea salt or smoked salt (for rimming the glass)
- Lime wheel or wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass:
- Start by rimming your glass with lime juice and dipping it into the coarse salt. You can also use smoked salt for an added depth of flavor.
- Mix the Drink:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain & Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice (preferably large cubes to slow dilution).
- Garnish:
- Add a lime wheel or wedge to garnish, and you’re good to go!
Tips:
- Fresh lime juice is key to a bright and refreshing margarita. Avoid pre-bottled lime juice if possible.
- If you prefer a less sweet margarita, you can reduce or omit the agave syrup.
- Experiment with different top-shelf tequilas to find your favorite flavor profile, as the tequila is the star of the show in a margarita.
Enjoy!