The Key To A Perfectly Balanced Margarita
Who doesn't love a margarita on a hot summer day or when you're out at your favorite Mexican restaurant? The margarita is a perfect blend of sweet, citrusy, and fruity and it can also be customized to suit your needs. This classic drink has had several variations over the years and there are at least seven known legends regarding the creation of the margarita, each one using different tequilas and proportions (via Southern Food & Beverage Museum). You can make this classic drink slightly savory like this avocado and cilantro margarita or use a mix of tequila and mezcal for a touch of smoky flavor.
Whether you enjoy a margarita that leans a bit more on the boozy side, or you prefer drinking it virgin-style, margaritas are a sweet way to jazz up your day. But, let's be honest, if you're making a margarita for a group of people, you should try to make a balanced drink so everyone is happy, but what's the best way to do that?
Make sure you have the proper ratio of ingredients
When you take a sip of a well-balanced margarita, you can really taste the difference. Oftentimes people add too much mixer, which makes your drink too syrupy, or they add too much tequila, which can make your casual girls' night out suddenly feel like a frat party. America's Test Kitchen suggests that for perfectly balanced margaritas, you must portion out everything equally. In order to have the right amount of citrus flavor, the site recommends making your own sour mix using the juice and zest of limes and lemons, sugar, and salt. From there, pour equal parts of the sour mix, triple sec, and tequila into your mixer, shake with ice, and enjoy. This trick will ensure a well-balanced drink.
Serious Eats also advises that if you really want your margaritas to become the talk of the town, don't skimp on the ingredients. Since a margarita only has a few components, each one should be high-quality. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the number of choices in the tequila aisle, we have a list of the best tequilas for margaritas. The citrus that you use is also important, the fresher your limes and lemons are, the more vibrant your margaritas are going to taste. And last but not least, don't forget to salt the rim of your glass.