The Margarita Cocktail Recipe |
Agave, the Tequila Plant (photo by Arturo Delfin, courtesy of morguefile.com)
We have it on good authority from our friend, Master Mixologist Gary Regan, who wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle that, “The margarita is probably the most important drink to know intimately, since once you can make a margarita you'll also be able to make a sidecar, a kamikaze, even a cosmopolitan.” All four of those classics call for “three parts liquor, two parts orange-flavored liqueur, and one part fresh lime or lemon juice - with a splash of cranberry juice for the cosmo.”
The margarita also happens to be one of our favorite cocktails for festive summer evenings when we’re surrounded by good friends and family. Since those days are rapidly approaching we thought it would be a good idea to post Gary’s recipe for the venerable cocktail. He recommends you use white tequila, preferably 100% agave bottlings because that will allow “the pure peppery vegetal qualities of the spirit to shine through.”
Gary tends to employ Cointreau for his margaritas, but ever the adventurous type, he has been known to use Grand Marnier. Some say it must be made with Triple Sec, but as Gary says, “Recipes are not written in stone… try to look at recipes as guidelines.” He suggests adding a little extra lime juice if you are going to mix with Grand Marnier. Cointreau, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, we’re ready to top off a warm summer day however Gary wants to make them!
Ingredients for 1 Drink
• 1 1/2 Ounces white tequila
•1 Ounce Cointreau
• 1/2 Ounce fresh lime juice
• Salt (optional)
Preparation
1. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker.
2. Add ice.
3. Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed (optional), chilled cocktail glass.
Gary Regan Himself
If you’d like to purchase Gary’s newest display of wit, charm & knowledge go to: the bartender's GIN compendium
If you’d like to purchase the book on spirits & cocktails that Gary calls, “My Baby” go to: The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft
If you’d like to purchase a terrific bartender’s guide authored by Gary's partner Mardee go to: The Bartender's Best Friend: A Complete Guide to Cocktails, Martinis, and Mixed Drinks
To visit Gary and Mardee’s wonderful web site and sign up for their very witty newsletter go to: Ardent Spirits
To see Gary on facebook go to: Gary Regan's facebook Page
