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Classic Margarita

America's most-ordered cocktail: tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice shaken and served with a salt rim, tracing its origin to 1940s Mexico.

tequilaEasy~18% ABV
MethodShakeGlassCoupeIcenoneGarnishlime wheel and optional salt rim
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 2 ozblanco tequila
  • 1 ozfresh lime juice(freshly squeezed)
  • ¾ ozorange liqueur(such as Cointreau)
  • ¼ ozagave syrup(optional, to taste)
  • lime wheel and optional salt rimgarnish
Instructions
  1. 1If desired, rim half the coupe glass with salt and set aside.
  2. 2Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and agave syrup to a shaker.
  3. 3Fill the shaker with ice.
  4. 4Shake hard for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
  5. 5Strain into the chilled coupe glass.
  6. 6Garnish with a lime wheel.
#classic#sour#summer
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History & Origin

The Margarita's exact origin is disputed among several claimants, but most cocktail historians trace the first documented recipe to the 1940s. Popular theories credit bartender Carlos Herrera, who allegedly created the drink at his Tijuana-area restaurant Rancho La Gloria in 1938 or 1941 for a customer named Marjorie King. Another origin story attributes the drink to Dallas socialite Margarita Sames, who says she invented it in 1948. The Margarita first appeared in print in a December 1953 issue of Esquire magazine. Regardless of its exact origin, the cocktail's combination of tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice quickly became America's most-ordered cocktail — a position it still holds today. Its popularity accelerated dramatically in the 1970s when blended frozen Margaritas were introduced and Jimmy Buffett's 1977 hit Margaritaville made it the anthem of beachside escapism.

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Reviewed & Verified byGayle PerreaultBar & Service Manager · 25+ Years Industry Experience · About Us

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