A Bright, Balanced Margarita

Forget the neon sour mix. A proper Margarita is three honest ingredients and a couple of minutes of work.

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
• Salt, for the rim (optional)
• Lime wheel, to garnish

Method

Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in salt, if using. Add the tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to a shaker with ice. Shake until cold, about 15 seconds. Strain into the glass over fresh ice (or serve up). Garnish with a lime wheel.

Tips

Reposado tequila adds a gentle oaky warmth if you want a slightly richer take. A bar spoon of agave nectar rounds out sharper limes.