The Margarita, a timeless blend of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, is a beloved cocktail enjoyed worldwide. Serving it “straight up” means it’s chilled and served without ice in a stemmed glass, offering a more concentrated and refined experience. Here’s how to make the perfect Margarita straight up.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of quality Blanco/Silver tequila (100% agave recommended)
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- ½ – 1 ounce of orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier)
- Optional: A dash of agave syrup for extra sweetness
- Coarse salt for the rim (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Coupe or martini glass (pre-chilled)
- Lime squeezer
- Small plate or saucer
How to Make a Margarita Straight Up
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled. A cold glass keeps your Margarita at the perfect temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Salted Rim (Optional)
If desired, rim the glass with salt. Run a lime wedge around the outside rim of the chilled glass. On a small plate, spread a thin layer of coarse salt. Gently roll the moistened rim in the salt, ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Add a dash of agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter Margarita.
Step 4: Add Ice and Shake Well
Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, until well-chilled.
Step 5: Strain into the Chilled Glass
Remove the glass from the freezer. Double strain the Margarita into the chilled glass to remove any ice shards.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly balanced Margarita straight up.
Tips for the Perfect Margarita
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a bright, vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, which often contains preservatives and lacks the same zest.
- Quality Tequila Matters: Opt for a high-quality blanco tequila made from 100% agave. This ensures a smooth, authentic taste.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of orange liqueur or agave syrup. Start with less and add more to achieve your desired sweetness.
- Shake Vigorously: Shaking the cocktail well with ice is crucial for proper dilution and chilling.
- Salt Strategically: Only salt the outside of the glass to avoid the salt contaminating the drink. You can also use flavored salts like chili-lime for an extra kick.
Margarita Variations
- Spicy Margarita: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy twist.
- Tommy’s Margarita: Replace the orange liqueur with agave nectar for a cleaner, agave-forward flavor.
- Fruit Margarita: Muddle fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or mangoes in the shaker for a fruity variation.
- Smoky Margarita: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky, complex flavor.
The History of the Margarita
The origin of the Margarita is shrouded in mystery, with several competing stories. One popular tale attributes its creation to Carlos “Danny” Herrera in 1938, who allegedly concocted the drink for a tequila-averse patron. Another story credits Margaret Sames, a socialite who supposedly invented the cocktail at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. Some cocktail historians propose the Margarita evolved from the “Daisy” family of cocktails, which feature a base spirit, citrus, and a sweetener. The Spanish word for “daisy” is “Margarita,” lending credence to this theory. Regardless of its true origin, the Margarita gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple in bars and restaurants worldwide.
Enjoy responsibly!
