Preparation
- If desired, moisten the outer edge of half the glass rim and coat it with salt. Chill the glass.
- Shake the tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice vigorously with plenty of ice.
- Strain into the prepared glass without the shaking ice.
- Finish with a garnish: half salt rim, if desired.
What does it taste like?
Lime leads the way: sour, clean, sharp. Right after comes the tequila with its spicy agave character. The orange liqueur brings the only sweetness in the glass and ties both sides together. It's not much sweetness though — the Margarita stays dry and short. Shaking makes it ice-cold and gives it a light foam on the surface. With 50 milliliters of tequila, it's bold. If you sip from the salt rim, each mouthful tastes saltier and the acidity feels milder.
When does it work best?
The Margarita is best enjoyed before a meal or as a short drink in the evening. It's sour and bold, so it's not for anyone with a sweet tooth. Beginners handle it well, but should know: there's a lot of spirit here and not much liquid to soften it. If you haven't tried tequila before, it's best to try this first without the salt rim.
What matters
Salt only the outer edge of the glass rim, otherwise salt trickles into the drink and throws off the balance. A half rim lets you choose with every sip. More important than a fancy rimming dish are freshly squeezed limes and an orange liqueur whose origin you can trace. Shake hard with plenty of ice and strain without the shaking ice.
Where the drink comes from
There are many claims of invention surrounding the Margarita from the Mexican-American bar scene. None of them explain the origin beyond doubt. In terms of structure, it belongs to a large family: spirit, citrus and liqueur, just like other older drinks. What makes it distinctive is the tequila and lime. Salt rims, different orange liqueurs and frozen versions were added later from various recipe traditions. That's why a Margarita doesn't taste the same everywhere, even though the name stays the same. This version sticks to the short, shaken classic.