Everyone loves a great margarita \u2013 it\u2019s been very popular in the U.S. since the early 1950s, and there are a lot of opinions on what makes a great margarita! With tequila as its base, this refreshing libation has many variations. Here are some of the key factors to making an impressive margarita:<\/p>\n
A basic margarita is typically made with the following components: tequila, lime, simple syrup or sweetener, triple sec or orange liqueur. Let\u2019s review our options\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n
Tequila: made from the fermented and distilled sap of the of the agave plant, has a couple different categories:<\/p>\n
Silver or Blanco \u2013 unaged and ideal for a fresh lime Margarita or margaritas made with fresh fruits.
\nReposado \u2013 aged 2 to 11 months in oak or wooden casks; smoother than silver or blanco tequilas\u00a0
\nA\u00f1ejo \u2013\u00a0 aged more than 1 year; wonderfully smooth\u00a0 – best for sippin\u2019 on their own to appreciate the flavor and craftsmanship \u2013 but use it in a margarita if you like \u2013 or do a float over a simple margarita to add some elegance<\/p>\n
Margarita musts:
\nUse good tequila.
\nUse fresh lime juice.
\nCointreau is my favorite orange liquor to use in a margarita \u2013 but Triple Sec is handy if you\u2019re on a budget.
\nYou can make your own simple syrup (see recipe & method below) or agave nectar is a tasty alternative.<\/p>\n
Serving preferences:
\nMargaritas can be shaken with ice & served up, on the rocks or blended. I like them tall and on the rocks.
\nSome like salt, some do not. I like a half rim of salt \u2013 my preference being kosher salt. And of course, there are the \u201cadd ins\u201d \u2013 a splash of fresh OJ, a touch of cranberry juice, pomegranate, fresh berries \u2026 the possibilities are endless. I like a spring of fresh sage shaken in my \u2018ritas for a savory note!<\/p>\n
Sunset Sage Margarita<\/strong> Makes 1 drink<\/p>\n 1 fresh sage leaf Crush the sage leaf and drop into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, then measure in the remaining liquid ingredients. Cap and shake vigorously until very cold.<\/p>\n Serve on the rocks and add a fresh sage leaf for garnish.<\/p>\n Simple Syrup<\/p>\n Makes 8 cups<\/p>\n 4 cups sugar Combine the ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Bottle and store at room temperature until needed. Keeps indefinitely.<\/p>\n Chef\u2019s Note: Simple syrup is also available at bar supply stores.<\/p>\n Recipe from Kathy Casey\u2019s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books, San Francisco. Copyright \u00a9 2006 by Kathy Casey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everyone loves a great margarita \u2013 it\u2019s been very popular in the U.S. since the early 1950s, and there are a lot of opinions on what makes a great margarita! With tequila as its base, this refreshing libation has many variations. Here are some of the key factors to making an impressive margarita: A basic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,11748,57],"tags":[647,649,648,84],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n
\nBoasting a savory and dry fragrance and flavor, sage especially complements tequila.<\/p>\n
\n1 1\/2 ounces tequila
\n1\/2 ounce Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier
\n1\/2 ounce cranberry juice cocktail
\n1\/2 ounce Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
\n1\/2 ounce fresh lime juice
\nFresh sage leaf for garnishing<\/p>\n
\n4 cups water<\/p>\n