Classic and refreshing: Mexico’s margarita tequila cocktail

articles Food & Cuisine Recipes

Daniel Wheeler

GastroNomad in Mexico

Ingredients for the classic margarita include tequila, Cointreau, the juice of fresh limes (limones) and bar syrup, a sugar-water mixture. Salt adorns the rim of the glass. © Daniel Wheeler, 2010
Ingredients for the classic margarita include tequila, Cointreau, the juice of fresh limes (limones) and bar syrup, a sugar-water mixture. Salt adorns the rim of the glass.
© Daniel Wheeler, 2010

When you think of Mexico and its hot summer days, think of a cool, and flavorful cocktail with the national drink, tequila — like the classic margarita.

Many legends surround the margarita, but all of them affirm that this drink was created for a special lady who — in most of the stories — stole the heart of its creator. In all of these, the name of that special lady was Margarita. And just like the lovely lady, this cocktail has made its way into people’s hearts.

In fact, it has made its way all around the globe and people ask for it even in some of the most remote places in the world.

This drink has basic three basic ingredients: tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Many versions of this very Mexican cocktail are icy frappes, which are served with a salt on the rim of the margarita glass and a lemon wedge. There are versions made with sugar or with a basic syrup.

Tequila margarita on the rocks, hold the salt. © Daniel Wheeler, 2010
Tequila margarita on the rocks, hold the salt. © Daniel Wheeler, 2010

Due to its popularity, this drink has all the alterations imagined and some of the best ones are the fruit flavored ones, which can range from the cherry margarita to mango, tamarind and even passion fruit.

But you can’t forget the most important and the most Mexican ingredient of this drink — the tequila with a denomination of origin in only five states of the country. The one most recognized is Jalisco with the lovely Pueblo Mágico of Tequila.

This recipe is for the most basic frappe tequila. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or just to get the party started.

Frozen tequila margarita, or margarita frappe. © Daniel Wheeler, 2010
Frozen tequila margarita, or margarita frappe.
© Daniel Wheeler, 2010

Margarita Frappe

  • 1 1/2 oz tequila
  • 1 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime (limón) juice
  • 1/2 oz bar syrup or simple syrup (jarabe natural)
  • ice to taste.

Pour salt in a plate. Moisten the rim of a margarita glass by rubbing it with a lime half. Invert the glass in the plate of salt so that it adheres to the rim.

Place the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and syrup in the blender with ice, to taste, and blend to a frappe. Pour into the glass. Serves 1.

Margarita on the Rocks

Same as above, but stir the margarita ingredients together and pour over ice cubes. Serves 1.

Cherry Margarita

Add 10 cherries.

Blue Margarita

Omit the Cointreau and add Curacao Bleu.

Golden Margarita

Omit the Cointreau and add Grand Marnier y damiana.

¡Salud! (“Cheers” in Spanish)

 

Published or Updated on: July 29, 2010 by Daniel Wheeler © 2010

 

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