Margarita in a Hurry!

I get it.  Sometimes you need a margarita now.  Not tomorrow.  So, my ultimate party pitcher margarita recipe, found here, is not going to cut it.  Not to worry, I’ve got you covered.

A good fresh margarita is so simple and refreshing, it amazes me how there is an industry that creates pre-made mixes, when really you only need three ingredients.  Well, four if you include salt for the glass rim.  All you need to make a great fresh margarita in a minute is tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice.  The biggest difference with this recipe compared to my party pitcher recipe is the omission of lemon juice.  When you make the syrup in advance, the citrus has time to come together, creating a delicious flavor perfect for a margarita.  If you need a quick margarita, there isn’t time to develop this citrus syrup, and bringing lemon juice to the party just creates a competing flavor that is not welcome.

I have the same advice on the liquor here as with the party pitcher:  reposado tequila and Cointreau.  If you have a silver or gold tequila and triple sec, you are still perfectly fine.  It is important to use fresh lime juice.  There really is no good substitute for that.

I’ve seen many versions of this recipe all slightly varying the amount of tequila, lime juice and triple sec, but the best and easiest recipe is right here:  Equal parts of each.  I make mine with 2 oz. pours of all three.  There is no need to add sugar or syrup.  In fact, if you did, I think you would take away from the fresh tartness of the lime juice.  This is a great margarita, and it packs a punch.  You can reduce to 1.5 oz. pours for a bit less alcohol, and same great margarita.