createThe Definitive Margarita
This is the definitive Margarita recipe. It is potent and perfect, using a fool-proof 3-2-1 ratio.
Ready
- 3 parts Tequila
- 2 parts Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 1 part fresh lime juice
Set
- small bar glasses, such as a double old-fashioned or rocks glasses.
Go
- Pour ingredients into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
I made this last night.
Delicious? You bet!
Potent? Not so fast. I would argue and I’m betting David Embury, were he not sipping cocktails in the sweet-hereafter, would agree that this recipe is no more potent than the others.
In David’s defense I was a lime short of a perfect cocktail and the drink did indeed taste stronger. But as for more potent I am not so sure.
Moral? You can’t have enough limes!
I agree with Andrew re the potency, but I make this a little differently. Rather than serving over ice, I use a cocktail shaker and chilled glasses. For fun sometimes I rim the glass with sugar even though the Cointreau does a perfect job of sweetening the cocktail.
Potency is determined by two things. The first is the level of alcohol in a drink. Tequila is typically about 80% proof making it potent in itself. The second is the size of the glass and the level to which it is filled! (I should also point out that drinks like wine and beer are naturally buffered and have a much lower impact on the body, but that sounds a bit too scientific for my liking.)
I think the potency of a margarita, like a good martini, is one of its defining characteristics. A decent recipe (like this one) is the perfect way to slide from the rigors of a tough day into relaxing evening. That it tastes so damn good is all the better!
One last thing: cocktails, by definition, are intended to be potent. I have little doubt that is why there are so popular.
I tried this last night.
Potent? Yes.
Delicious? Absolutely.