Brock's House Margarita
I'm actually not much of a tequila drinker, which is probably why this recipe ended up the way it did. I wanted a margarita where the citrus comes first and the tequila supports it rather than dominates it.
This is the margarita I almost always make when friends come over. The citrus mix can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator, so each drink takes less than a minute to shake together.
One ingredient that really makes a difference is a splash of Grand Marnier. It adds a richer orange flavour and rounds everything out beautifully.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is exactly what it sounds like—a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. It's the best way to sweeten cocktails because the sugar is already dissolved.
1. Combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not boil.
3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
4. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Method
1. Combine the orange, lemon and lime juices with the simple syrup. Stir well and refrigerate until needed.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the tequila, citrus mix, Cointreau and a splash of Grand Marnier.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled margarita glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge. If salting the rim, I prefer salting only half the glass so guests can choose each sip.
Notes
Fresh juice is what makes this recipe. Skip the bottled citrus if you can. A small electric citrus juicer makes quick work of the oranges, lemons and limes and is well worth having if you enjoy making fresh cocktails.
Citrus Mix (Makes Enough for 8 Margaritas)
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup simple syrup
For Each Margarita
- 3 tbsp tequila
- 1½ tbsp citrus mix
- 1 tbsp Cointreau
- Splash of Grand Marnier
- Ice
- Lime wedge
- Salt for the rim (optional)
