I have never really like margaritas from a restaurant because they tasted like they were made with sour syrupy koolaid. But, I happened to watch Alton Brown on Food Network mix up margaritas from scratch- that and I kept looking at a Pampered Chef catalog with a gorgeous display titles “Fajitas & Margaritas”. Once we finally wrapped up our taxes, I decided to go for it and create a new family tradition- Fajitas & Margaritas to end a crappy day of doing taxes and end on a high note.
The first time I made these- I had to hand squeeze everything and it was a LOT of work. The second time- I bought the little juicer at Walmart for $2 and life got way easier.
I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this deliciously tart cocktail- I think it’s the high $ liquor and the agave. Try it and let me know what you think.
Margarita Recipe by Alton Brown Food Network
- 2 ounces 100 percent agave silver/blanco tequila, divided (I used Tequila Reserva 1800 Silver 100% Agave)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (I only had pink Himalayan sea salt)
- 4 limes, divided
- 1/2 small Hamlin or Valencia orange (I could only find navel)
- 2 tablespoons light agave nectar
- 3/4 cup ice cubes, about 3 to 4
1-Pour 1/2-ounce of the tequila into a small saucer. Spoon the salt in a corner of a bowl. Dip the rim of a martini into the tequila. Lift out of the tequila and hold upside down for 10 seconds to allow for slight evaporation. Next, dip the glass into the salt to coat the rim. Set aside.
2-Halve 2 of the limes, cut a thin slice for garnish from 1, and set aside. Juice the halved limes into the bottom of a Boston-style cocktail shaker. Cut the remaining 2 limes and the orange into quarters and add them to the juice in the shaker. Add the agave nectar to and muddle for 2 minutes until the juices are release. I had to hand squeeze all the fruit and did my best to “muddle”. I think I did OK since my drink was delicious. Strain the juice mixture through a strainer into the top of the shaker and discard the solids.
3-Return the juice to the bottom of the shaker, add the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of tequila and any remaining on the saucer. Add the ice to the shaker, cover and shake for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture through a cocktail strainer into the prepared glass, garnish with reserved lime slice, and serve immediately.
We savored ours on our patio as we watched the sunset.
