Ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
1/4 oz. agave syrup
Salt (for rimming the glass)
Lime wheel (for garnish)
Directions:
Rim a rocks glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and then dipping it into a plate of salt.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add tequila, lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec, and agave syrup. Shake well.
Strain the cocktail into the salt-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
The story of the Margarita cocktail is one that has evolved over time, with several versions and variations of its origin story. While the details may differ, the common thread in all of the stories is that the Margarita is a quintessentially Mexican cocktail that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world.
One of the most popular origin stories is that the Margarita was created in 1938 by Carlos "Danny" Herrera, a bartender at his family's restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. According to the story, a customer came in and asked Herrera to create a cocktail that she could enjoy, despite being allergic to all types of alcohol except tequila. Herrera set to work, experimenting with different ingredients until he came up with the Margarita, a refreshing and tangy mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Another version of the story credits a Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames with the creation of the cocktail. According to this story, Sames was hosting a party at her vacation home in Acapulco, Mexico, when she mixed up a batch of the Margarita for her guests, using tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. The cocktail was a hit with her guests, and soon became a staple at her parties and among her social circle.
Regardless of which story is true, it's clear that the Margarita gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, as tourism to Mexico increased and Americans were introduced to the country's vibrant culture and cuisine. The cocktail's simple yet delicious recipe made it an instant classic, and it was soon being served in bars and restaurants across the country.
As the Margarita's popularity grew, so too did its variations. Bartenders and mixologists began experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, creating new and exciting twists on the classic recipe. Some added fruit juices, such as pineapple or mango, while others infused the tequila with spices like jalapeño or cinnamon. There are even variations made with different types of tequila, such as reposado or añejo, for a more complex and nuanced flavor.
Today, the Margarita remains one of the most popular cocktails in the world, with countless variations and adaptations created by bartenders and mixologists. Whether you prefer it on the rocks or blended, with a classic salt rim or a spicy Tajín rim, there's a Margarita out there for everyone. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the cocktail's simple yet perfect balance of flavors, and its place in the canon of classic cocktails is well-deserved.
