Earlier on this year I jetted off to The Royalton Riviera Cancun in Mexico for a stunning 11 night break in the laid back sunshine.
While I was there I developed quite a taste for tequila and became a real margarita connoisseur! They’re one of my favourite cocktails for a strong hit of something zesty and they’re perfect for enjoying alone or with food – just go steady with these bad boys because they pack a powerful punch!
Since I’ve been home I’ve been perfecting my recipe for the ideal balance of smooth tequila, zesty orange and sharp limes…and by George I think I’ve got it!
So shakers at the ready for this Mexican marvel, perfect for drinking outside in the evening sunshine after a loooong week.
What You’ll Need
2 Shots Good Quality Tequila (I used Don Julio Blanco)
1 Shot Cointreau
About 1 1/2 Fresh Limes
Twist of Fresh Orange Juice
Ice
Salt for Rim (optional)
How To
– Squeeze your limes into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and twist in a little fresh orange juice (no more than 1/4 of a medium orange)
– Pour in the Tequila and Cointreau and SHAAAKEEEE
– Fill a tumbler to the brim with ice and strain your cocktail over the top
– Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy
To Rim or Not To Rim
Personally I like a touch of salt in my margaritas. I’ll often wipe away the majority before I drink as I find bars can be a little heavy handed, but if a little falls into my drink in the process then it’s happy days.
If you like the look of a salty rim (ooo eerrr mrs) but don’t fancy the taste, then you can always rim and cut up a straw to enjoy your cocktail without any salt passing your lips, no problem.
Don’t feel bad about skipping the salt altogether – you can have your margs however you like them and don’t let anyone tell you any different.
To salt the rim, run one of your squeezed limes around the rim of your empty tumbler and dip into a dish of crushed sea salt. The lime will make the salt stick and you’ll look super profesh doing it!
I love drinking margaritas out of tumblers (ours are from good old John Lewis) but you may have seen them in a fancy margarita glass too – the world is your oyster, serve them however you fancy! Just make sure your cocktail is super cold if you’re using a margarita glass as you won’t have the ice to keep it chilly.
There’s a lot of booze in these bad boys so they’re best sipped and enjoyed slowly, and don’t skimp on the good quality tequila – it really makes a difference.
If you’re struggling with the Cointreau then you can substitute for a good quality (note: strong) Triple Sec but be aware that the flavour might not be as deep. Feel free to squeeze in a little more fresh orange to compensate for the lighter liqueur, or if you’re loking for a lighter cocktail then skip the Cointreau/Triple Sec altogether in favour of half a medium orange – this cuts the calories (and alcohol) in half so you won’t have as much of a sore head the next day….maybe.
Last but not least close your eyes and imagine you’re sat right here with the waves lapping at the pure white sand and palm trees rustling in the breeze…aaaaand relax. Cheers!
xax