In the age of the 32-ounce Big Gulp, an average-size drink may not seem all that impressive. Unless, of course, it really delivers, evoking comments like “wow, this is the real deal” or “now, this is what a cocktail should be.” Quantity rarely relates to quality, as is attested by most mammoth margaritas, based, as they often are, on artificially flavored sweet-and-sour mix. This margarita is pure and refreshing freshness that's strained into martini glasses after a vigorous rumble with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Just before your guests arrive, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, agave syrup, and lime juice in a pitcher, and you'll be poised for the shaking to begin.
Ingredient Notes: For brightness, choose a blanco tequila and a clear orange liqueur like Cointreau. For smoothness choose a reposado or añejo tequila and a dark, brandy-based orange liqueur like Grand Marnier. For purity of flavor, always go for 100% blue agave. The greater quantity of lime ensures a tangier, more refreshing drink, while the greater quantity of agave syrup mellows the impression. Agave syrup gives more body than simple syrup.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 750 mL bottle tequila (see notes above)
- 3/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1/2 cup agave syrup or simple syrup
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus a lime to cut for rimming the glasses
INSTRUCTIONS
In a half-gallon pitcher, stir together the tequila, orange liqueur, the agave or simple syrup, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the flavors, keeping in mind that when the mixture is chilled and diluted by shaking it with ice, the flavors will be brighter, less sweet and more harmonious. (Have you ever tasted room-temperature Champagne?) Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pour several tablespoons coarse salt onto a small plate. Have small martini glasses at hand (I like the ones that are about 6 1/2 ounces because the drink will stay cold from first sip to last). For an added touch, chill them.
As your guests ask for their margaritas, rub a cut lime to moisten the rim, then lightly dip it into the plate with the salt. For each drink measure 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of the margarita mixture into a cocktail shaker (I can do up to 3 drinks at a time comfortably in mine). If you have a 4-ounce ladle that you can keep in the pitcher, measuring goes much faster. Add ice cubes (I put in 5 cubes for 1, 8 for 2 and 10 for 3). Secure the lid and top and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into the salt-crusted glasses, add lime wedges and hand off to the lucky recipients.
