Olé! Some days, tequila is the answer no matter what the question was. I happen to be 1/4 Hispanic and so feel obligated to be able to mix up a darn good ‘rita whenever the need arises. Do me a BIG favor and just skip all that store bought margarita/sweet and sour mix. I’m going to teach you how to make an all-natural margarita from scratch. Break out the chips and salsa, throw on some musica de Latino and let’s get this fiesta started. Sombrero optional.

Tools:
Any 16 oz. glass
Coarse-ground salt for the rim
Citrus squeezer (or your hands….)
Ice

Ingredients:
3-4 limes (you’ll want about 2 oz of juice) per margarita
(sub one of the limes for a lemon or half an orange if you like to mix things up!)
Tequila
An orange liqueur like Cointreau, Grand Marnier or a triple sec
Simple syrup (see recipe below), honey or agave syrup

If you’re making simple syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. It should only take a few minutes. Don’t let it boil. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Let me take a moment to explain my ideal margarita making experience:  This is all about a loosey-goosey, easy going attitude. There is no wrong way to make these margaritas. OK, continue.

Juice your citrus, make sure no seeds get in. You’ll want about 2 ounces of lime juice for each 16 ounce margarita you make. Squeeze accordingly.

Dip your finger in some water and lightly wet the rim of your glass, or take a lime slice and wet the rim with that. We are not picky here! Pour some coarse salt on a plate and dip the rim to coat.

Fill your glass halfway with ice.
Add:
2 oz. lime juice
~2 oz. water (to taste)
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. orange liqueur
honey/simple syrup/agave to taste
If there’s room left, fill the rest of the way with ice.

There are no rules when you’re making margs! If you like it a little sweeter add a bit more, or try adding a dash more orange juice. If you’re sweet enough as you are, skip the honey/agave/simple syrup all together and let the orange liqueur counter the tart citrus. If you need a little more tequila, by all means, add yourself another ounce of tequila! That’s it! Really! Stick a straw in there and find somewhere to put your feet up. Margaritas are not meant to be drank while on your feet. I’m pretty sure that’s a rule (unless estas bailando).

Note: If you’re making this in a batch for multiple margs, try to keep the lime juice to water ratio around 1:1.

So? How do you like your ‘ritas??