The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in North America—for good reason. Combining the tang of lime and the sweetness of orange liqueur with the distinctive strength of tequila, the classic Margarita strikes all of the right keys. What’s less certain, however, is the drink’s origin.
History of the Margarita
The first known mention of this tequila daisy/tequila sour under the name Margarita appears in the 17th September 1953 edition of a Santa Rosa, California newspaper, The Press Democrat, in a piece titled “Memo from Mike” by Michael Demarest. Just back from his three-week vacation “on and off the beach at Balboa, where we crewed a 44-foot ketch owned by some friends“, Mike recounts a meal in Ensenada washed down with Margaritas
Margarita is the Spanish word for ‘daisy’. (Incidentally, daisy is thought to be a corruption of ‘day’s eye’ due to the flower head of the daisy closing at night and opening in the morning.) And it’s probable that the Margarita cocktail is simply a tequila-based Daisy – a family of cocktails made with citrus juice, sweetened with syrup or a liqueur, and fortified with a base spirit that dates back to Victorian times.
Glassware
Traditional Margarita Glass
Traditionally a margarita glass is used, but some people use other types of glasses .
Types of Liquor Used
Tequila
Tequila is the main ingredient in the margarita, making up about 50 to 60 percent of the drink. Tequila can range from $10 to hundreds of dollars for a bottle depending on the brand. The price does not always determine the quality of the liquor, and the best tequila to use in a margarita can vary based on personal preference. Generally speaking, the best quality tequila should read 100 percent agave. Because tequila makes up so much of the drink, choosing a good tequila is important; otherwise your margarita may have a harsh taste.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur is made from orange skin and has a dry citrus flavor. Triple sec is the orange liqueur used most often in margaritas, but there are other types of orange liqueurs you can use. Cointreau is one type of orange liqueur that bartenders use often when making margaritas. Grand Marnier is a cognac-based orange liqueur that is often used in top shelf margaritas; however, adding grand Marnier transforms your drink from a true margarita to a cross between a margarita and a sidecar cocktail.
Mixing Directions
Margaritas are mixed three ways: Straight , frozen , and on the rocks.
Straight: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake for thirty seconds.
Frozen: Add ingredients + Ice to a blender and blend until smooth.
On the Rocks: Add ingredients to a Shaker, add ice to a glass, and pour mixture over ice.
Rimming Glass
Glass Rimming Kit
Sure salt is classic for rimming that margarita glass, but why not have some fun? We’ve got something for everyone from sweet tooth’s to spice-lovers!
First things first, no matter what you’re planning on using, you need to know how to rim that glass! It’s super simple. Start with a plate or shallow bowl of water, lime juice or lemon juice then dip in the rim of your glass. Alternatively, you could cut a lime or lemon wedge and moisten the rim with it; it’s totally up to you.
Ideas to Rim Glass: Margarita salt, sprinkles, chili powder, pop rocks, herbs, or anything else you might desire.
Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
Margarita Flavors
Some of the popular margarita flavors, including strawberry, mango, and pineapple margaritas are represented here, but with a fun twist. There are so many different margarita flavors and combinations that it can be fun to experiment with new ideas! Learn how to make flavored margaritas with the recipes below.
Classic Margarita
FOR A SINGLE MARGARITA:
1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste
ice
lime wedge and coarse salt for rimming the glass
FOR A PITCHER OF MARGARITAS (16 SERVINGS):
3 cups silver tequila
2 cups orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
1 1/2 cups freshly-squeezed lime juice
optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste
ice
lime wedges and coarse salt for rimming the glasses
To add a fruity flavor, choose fruit of choose and puree fruit with a blender.
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