Ultimate Margarita Recipe
don julio blanco, grand marnier, hand-pressed lime, agave
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare glass
Choose a rocks glass or coupe. If serving on the rocks, add 1/2 cup fresh ice to the glass and set aside. If serving neat/chilled, chill the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Salt rim (optional)
Rub a lime wedge around the glass rim, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of coarse sea salt or Tajin until lightly coated. Tap off excess.
Hand-press lime juice
Roll 1 large lime firmly on the counter to release juices, cut in half, and hand-press to yield 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. Strain out seeds and pulp with a small fine-mesh strainer into a jigger or measuring cup.
Mix cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Don Julio Blanco, 1/2 oz Grand Marnier, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup. Add approximately 1 cup of ice (enough to chill and dilute).
Shake
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and well-chilled. This ensures proper dilution and integration of the agave.
Strain & serve
If serving on the rocks, double-strain (use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) over the prepared glass with fresh ice. If serving neat/chilled, double-strain into the chilled coupe without ice.
Garnish
Express an orange twist over the cocktail (pinch to release oils), run the twist around the glass rim if desired, then drop it into the drink. Serve immediately.
Notes on balance
Taste for balance: the recipe targets a bright, slightly rich margarita. If too tart, add 0.25 oz more agave; if too sweet, add 0.25 oz more lime. Adjust Grand Marnier up to 0.75 oz for a more orange-liqueur presence.