The Beautiful Margarita – Tequila time
I’m in love with everything about this emerald beauty. I love the Margarita’s pure drinkability factor. I love its simplicity and its complexity, how it brings together three commodities of substance to create something whose sum is truly greater than its parts.
Like many of the world’s greatest discoveries, the Margarita’s origins are shrouded in mystery. There are no fewer than a dozen compelling stories of Margarita’s invention but I cannot verify any of these tales. What is understood is that this classic cocktail was likely created somewhere between the mid-1930s and 1940s. The place of birth varies from the US West to Mexico, most commonly in the popular seaside towns of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. We also know that Tequila has long been mixed with fresh juices and has had a historical affinity with lime.
My favorite (and perhaps most credible) tale goes like this – Americans Bill and Margaret Sames kept a home seaside in Acapulco, Mexico. They traveled with the jet set and counted among their friends several prominent hoteliers and restaurant owners. While entertaining a group of friends near Christmas, Margaret was dreaming up a new cocktail to serve her guests. Tequila was plentiful, and Cointreau was her favorite liqueur. After a few experiments, she decided upon a mix of white Tequila, Cointreau, and limejuice. She served the cocktail in Champagne glasses with salt adorning the rim. Her new cocktail was a hit, and after days of enjoying the new creation, the group decided that it needed a name. No name seemed more appropriate than the name of its creator, albeit in its Spanish translation, Margarita.
Tips for a Great Margarita
- Hopefully, it goes without saying that we should start with quality ingredients. 100% agave Tequila, a good orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed limejuice.
- Make mine with Blanco, please! I know that many versions of the Margarita utilize reposado or even añejo, but I feel this cocktail should be wood-free.
- This cocktail should be shaken – not stirred and NOT BLENDED!
- This great cocktail can be served in a cocktail glass or on the rocks. When it’s hot, and hydration is king, choose the rocks option.
- Salt is optional but can enhance the drink, so consider salting just half the rim of the glass.