“If life gives you limes, make MARGARITAS!.”-Jimmy Buffet

“If life gives you limes, make MARGARITAS!.”-Jimmy Buffet

I am a tequila freak and an even bigger margarita fanatic! I have spent the last 15 years (at least) trying to devise a recipe that comes out great every time. I've tried making sweet-and-sour mixes from scratch. I've tried doctoring up commercial mixes with fresh lime juice. I've tried using various quantities of lime-aid and I've tried fresh lime juice with bar sugar and simple syrups. Once in a while I'd have a real winner but then when I tried to recreate it...garbage. I have now tested the following recipe umpteen times and of course had lots of fun doing it :) and I now, finally have a go to recipe that works every single time! This is Ina Gartens recipe and the only thing I did to modify it was add some white soda like a 7-UP or Sprite. This is a trick I learned way back in my restaurant days from a bartender who was known to make the best ritas in town. It's great because it cuts that sweet/sour that can be very cloying. The next time you have some friends over or just want to celebrate that its Monday or that you got all of your laundry done...give these a try! And yes, tequila does make my clothes fall off!

 Recipe: Real Margaritas (On The Rocks)
Adapted from Ina Garten
Serves 6

1 lime, halved
Kosher salt
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 limes)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
1 cup Triple Sec
1 cup white tequila
1/2 cup white soda(or more to taste)
3 cups of ice
If you like margaritas served in a glass with salt, rub the outside rims of six glasses with a cut lime and dip each glass lightly into a plate of kosher salt.

In a pitcher, mix all of the ingredients including the ice. Stir until well chilled and pour into glasses with more ice.

(If your making this for 1 or 2 people, put everything except the ice into a pitcher and mix well. Pour as needed into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well and pour over more ice).


Recipe: Dani's Frozen Margaritas (That Rock)

I came up with this about 12 years ago after many of the same trials and disasters as I mentioned before. Everybody loves these no matter who I make them for.

1 cup gold tequila
1/2 cup triple sec
1/2 can Minute Maid Limeade (don't use the cheap stuff)
3-4 cups of ice

Put the tequila, triple sec and limeade in a blender and fill with as much ice as you can. Blend until creamy. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!