The Margarita is a cocktail found on the ‘classics’ list in a cocktail menu. It is one of those cocktails that a bartender can make for you even if it’s not advertised. They know what it is, you know what it is, everyone knows what it is, and it doesn’t have an embarrassing name to say. Its origin is contested but the most accepted historical account is that it came about in Mexico a long time ago and was named after a girl named Margarita. History lesson over.
The Mexicana craze is still thriving with bars like El Loco and Tio’s Cerveceria (mind you I think this is technically a Guatemalan bar but whatever) that do make a good Margarita.
But for such a simple drink, the Margarita is so often screwed up. Here’s how!
1. Adding sugar - Margaritas are meant to be tart. If you don’t like sourness then order something else! Argave syrup is sugar too so don’t you try fancy up the way you ruin my drink.
2. Triple Sec is NOT the same as Cointreau - Don’t cheap out on me, I am paying a lot for this drink so I want the goods. Also, Cointreau is 40% alcohol while Triple Sec can be as little as 15% alcohol so think about that.
3. Silver Tequila over Gold Tequila - Gold might be more commonly found especially if you think of Jose Cuervo when you think tequila, but unless you want your Margarita looking a sickly olive-poo colour, go for silver. Silver also mixes better as its flavour is smoother. Gold has a more stand alone, smoky flavour which is good for shots.
4. Lemon instead of Lime - I have tried a few experimental Margarita-style cocktails which use other fruits and other liqueurs and that is fine as long as it is understood before purchase. I would not stand for it if I bought a ‘Classic Margarita’ and lemon was used instead of lime. I think Mr Bartender is trying to cheap out on me again. They do not have interchangeable flavours. The recipe calls for lime, so use lime!
5. Concentrate over fresh - Do I even need to explain myself here? Fresh lime juice is essential. This is not kid’s cordial or a juice popper, this is the real deal. I won’t bother to mention pre-made ‘margarita mixes’. Bars that serve fresh juice of all kinds include Midnight Special and Shady Pines.
Disclaimer: If you’re drunk, you probably don’t care what you’re pouring down your throat (or all over yourself).
So tell me if you have ever had a Marred-garita or indeed a Piña Colamity, a Quick F*ck Up, a Wrong Island Ice Tea, a White Rushed-one, a Cruddy Mary or a Screwed-Up Driver (I could go all night).
Leave a Comment