You’ll have to try to get yourself in a tropical frame of mind today, to celebrate National Margarita Day. With the help of some of my nearest and dearest, we spent yesterday evening exploring a few way to enjoy the combination of tequila, lime and Triple Sec. With no further ado, allow me to present: Margarita’s Three Ways!

#1: The Classic!


There is some argument as to the proper proportion of a classic on the rocks margarita.
Our recipe stuck to simple proportions and used a LOT of fresh limes (and owing to our lack of a citrus press or reamer – lots of man power!).

2 ounces tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt for garnish

Combine tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice in cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Moisten rim of Margarita or other cocktail glass with lime juice or water. Holding glass upside down, dip rim into salt. Shake and strain drink into glass and serve.

This margarita is surprisingly smooth given that there is very little mix in it. I enjoyed the fresh lime flavor. Personally I might have given it a little bit more triple sec, to just give it a hint of sweetness.

While most of the jokes and *ALL* of Ian’s double-entendre’s do not bear repeating, the best line of the night goes to Michelle: “I like it on the rocks – it’s just more efficient.” 🙂

#2: Beergaritas!


This party pleaser has been a favorite of my friends for many summers now. It’s a great way to make a pitcher of cocktails for a party. It has a nice fizz because of the carbonation in the beer–though I miss the hint of orange.

1 can limeade
1 cup of tequila
2 beers (something light like Coronoa or Pacifico)

Combine ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice, in a glass with a salted rim.

#3: Tourista Classic–The Frozen Margarita

My friends Michelle and Teddy were recently in Phoenix Arizona for a holiday, and they learned that most margaritas there are made with what our American friends call “sweet and sour mix”. S&SM is basically just lime and lemon juice, water and a simple syrup mixed together, and if you can’t find it to buy it, you can make some of your own.  I have to admit I was a little concerned by the rather lurid yellow-green color. If you’re going to use this mix, make sure you read the bottle carefully-from a quick review of different brands on the internet, it seems it comes in a variety of strengths and concentrations.

Our bottle of S&SM recommended ratio of 4 oz mix to 1oz tequila and 1 oz triple sec for one (largish) drink. We scaled this up to serve four, and whizzed it in the blender with 2 cups of ice cubes. Again, serve with salted rims.

The sweet and sour mix was Ok – not cloyingly sweet as I had feared, but lacked the fresh citrus punch of the classic margarita. I’ve always enjoyed blended drinks… they just kind of scream “I’m on Holiday!”. And isn’t that what we’re all really looking for in a cocktail??

Yours, in search of water and aspirin,

~Deanna