Margarita - Cook's Illustrated

By BlueSchmoo

Cook's Illustrated Recipe
The best margarita recipe would produce a drink with a balanced blend of fresh citrus flavors and tequila. We discovered the correct proportions (equal parts juice, orange liqueur, and tequila) for the best balance. The right alcohol (Triple Sec and a resposado tequila, made from 100 percent blue agave) gave our margarita recipe a mellow, delicate flavor. And the best citrus mix (lemon and lime zest steeped in their juices) gave it a deep, refreshing citrus flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons grated lime zest
• 1/2 cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
• 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
• 1/4 cup superfine sugar
• pinch table salt
• 2 cups crushed ice
• 1 cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
• 1 cup Triple Sec

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from cooksillustrated.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4 to 24 hours.

2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.