When it comes to my go-to drink, the one that I crave above all others is the Margarita. That’s doubly true for Alice (Martini Night notwithstanding, of course). Whenever we’ve had a long day, a bad day, a good day or just want to have a fantastic drink because we’re celebrating today (that’s a good reason!) we go with a Margarita. This is our house version — give it a try and I think you too will happily celebrate today.

I suppose I owe a little clarification on this whole Margarita business. There’s some debate about “A standard Margarita is this!” while “A Cadillac Margarita is that!” and “But a Skinny Margarita is this!” Yeah, no, I’m sorry, that just doesn’t work for me.

A Margarita is a Margarita is a Margarita. You can have as many different styles as you want, but there’s only one progenitor. There is indeed One Margarita to Rule Them All (but none to bind them, that’s just silly). For me, this is the one.

I take my cues from a Sidecar (because, come on, they’re awesome). You might recognize this is a Cadillac Margarita thanks to its “fancy ingredients.” I take umbrage with that.

Let’s all agree, if you’re drinking, it’s a special occasion. Even if it’s just a Tuesday, make an event out of it. With that in mind, are you really going to go with something other than the best you can get your hands on to drink? I hope not.

One of the many things my mother taught me growing up is, “Get the best you can afford.” I promise, if you’re considering a making a Margarita at home, you can all afford some decent tequila, fresh limes, Grand Marnier (accept no substitutes) and honey. That’s all you need.

If you can’t, have a cold beer.

Yes, I use honey water (one part honey, one part water). It brings some nice sweet notes to the ‘Rita. What type of tequila? I tend to like a nice reposado — I think the extra aging brings good flavor to the party. Feel free to try it out with a silver (you’ll get a crisper lime flavor, great for spring when the flowers are blooming). Don’t go beyond a resposado, then you’re just mixing stuff you should drink straight.

Oh, seriously, fresh lime juice, ok? I don’t really need to say that do I? Just making sure.

A few other small notes: no, don’t rim it with salt (unless you’re into that, then enjoy that); yes, double up and put it in a big boy glass (that’s how we almost always drink these — this is a judgement free zone); as always, we encourage thoughtful experimentation (just let us know how you tweak it in the comments).

Onto the Margarita!

Margarita

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The Drink Blog

Servings: 1

• 3 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. Grand Mariner
• 1½ oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. honey water (1 part honey, 1 part water)
• Lime circle
• Glass type: Old-fashioned

1. Add ice to your old-fashioned glass.
2. Add the tequila, lime juice and honey water to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour shaken contents into your prepared glass.
5. Top with Grand Mariner.
6. Artfully place your lime circle on top.
7. Enjoy.
8. Make another.
9. Enjoy that one too.

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