This is what I understand to be the traditional margarita. The Cointreau works as a natural sweetener eliminating the need for sugar or simple syrup. Some will argue that this cocktail is more potent, but I think it only tastes that way. Sugar in drinks mask the alcohol fooling the palate. Why anyone would want to mask a fine tequila is beyond me.

Ready

• Patrón Añejo Tequila (my favorite, use yours)
• Cointreau
• Fresh lime juice

Set

• Cocktail shaker
• Shot glass
• Ice

Go

1. Place cocktail glasses in freezer for 5 minutes.
2. Mix three (3) parts tequila with two (2) parts Cointreau and (1) one part fresh lime juice.
3. Add a healthy amount of ice, cover and shake.
4. Strain into pre-chilled cocktail glasses and serve immediately.

What you should know

For big parties or when I am short on cash I will make the simple margarita recipe on this site with a cheaper tequila.

You can use ice chips or crushed iced to create little ice-crystals in the drink. Bartenders will often do this little trick. Some purists don’t like it as they claim the crushed ice dilutes the tequila.

The picture shows a glass rimmed with sugar (sorry but it is the only one I have) and it is a good option if you want to make the margarita a little sweeter without messing with the proportions.