National Tequila Day is right around the corner, on July 24, and we think that the best way to celebrate this day is to make the most popular tequila cocktail that appeals to tequila fans, Mexican food lovers and anyone and everyone in between — the Margarita!
The Margarita is loved by many people across the globe for good reason. Classic Margarita combines the best tastes: the tangy lime juice, sweet orange liqueur, and distinctive strength of tequila — just what the doctor ordered.
The Origin of Margarita
There are a few versions of how the Margarita cocktail appeared. The most widespread story says that this cocktail was first served in 1948 in Acapulco, Mexico. American socialite Margarita Sames combined Blanco tequila with Cointreau and lime juice for her guests and they loved it.
The other story tells that the man Danny Herrera made the drink in his Tijuana restaurant for the showgirl Marjorie King who was unable to drink any hard liquor but tequila. She asked for a drink with tequila and Herrera, after experimenting, came up with the Margarita cocktail. He named it after Marjorie, as Margarita is a Spanish version of her name.
According to another theory, the Margarita was a twist on the Daisy cocktail, made with tequila, citrus, orange liqueur, and soda. Skip the soda, and you’ll get the Margarita, which is the daisy flower in Spanish.
We don't know for sure which version is the truth, but what we do know is that this drink has become one of the most popular cocktails in the world. If you did'nt have a chance to try it, here is a short guide on making a perfect Margarita.
How to Make a Perfect Margarita?
The key to a delicious cocktail is a high quality liquor. When choosing tequila for Margarita, take a Blanco made from 100% blue agave. Vivir Tequila Blanco is a perfect choice for your best Margaritas. This is a smooth, clean and floral spirit. Made of 100% Blue Weber Agave grown for 9 years in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, double distilled and blended with pure volcanic water.
Then there’s the orange liqueur. You can substitute Cointreau or Grand Marnier with Fair Kumquat Liqueur. This liqueur is the perfect Triple Sec alternative as it has more citrus flavours, less sugar, and less alcohol content. You can also substitute the liqueur with agave syrup and you’ll get a Tommy's Margarita, which was created at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.
The salt is there to enhance the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail. You don't need to salt the whole glass rim, just a pinch will help to balance the bitterness and highlight sweet and savory flavours. Read more about how salt can change your drinks.
The Original Margarita Recipe
The Margarita is an elegant and simple cocktail. No fancy ingredients, it's easy to make even for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Margarita is a highly customizable cocktail. Experiment with different ingredients and look for your perfect match. These can be fresh basil, jalapeno for a spicy kick, fresh ginger, seasonal fruit and berries. These ingredients will work great balancing citrus juice, orange liqueur and earthy and floral notes of tequila.