House Margaritas Recipe

Make simple syrup (if not using store-bought)

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator. Yield: 1/2 cup.

In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Use freshly squeezed citrus for best flavor.

Add 1/2 cup cooled simple syrup and 1/2 cup orange liqueur to the citrus juices.

Stir in 1/2 cup cold water to slightly dilute and round out the mix. Taste and adjust: add up to 2 tablespoons extra simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or 1–2 tablespoons more lime juice for brighter acidity.

Measure 2 cups (about 480 ml) silver tequila and pour into the pitcher with the prepared margarita mix. Stir thoroughly to combine. Chill the full pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry (up to 2 hours).

Pour 1/2 cup coarse kosher salt onto a small shallow plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each serving glass to moisten, then dip the rim into the salt to coat. Shake off any excess.

Fill each prepared glass with 1 cup of ice (crushed or cubes, depending on preference).

Stir the chilled pitcher once more, then pour approximately 6 oz (3/4 cup) of margarita per serving into each glass over the ice. Adjust amount per glass to preferred strength.

Garnish each drink with a lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately. Provide extra lime wedges on the side.