Margaritas
There are as many tales about who first concocted that most popular tequila drink, the margarita, as there are variations on making one. Since the drinking of mezcal and tequila with citrus juice has been around for centuries, and a lick of salt is a traditional accompaniment, only a slight modification was necessary to change this most Mexican of flavors into one of today’s favorite cocktails.

3 oz. tequila gold
1 oz. Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 cup coarsely cracked ice
simple syrup to taste.
Coarse sea salt for coating rims of glasses

In a cocktail shaker or a jar with a lid, combine the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and ice. Shake 12 to 15 times. Remember, the more you shake, the more the ice will diffuse into the drink.

Spread salt on a small, flat plate. Moisten the rims of two 6-oz. glasses, preferably long-stemmed, with the lime wedges and invert onto the plate of salt, then shake off any excess. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses and serve immediately. Serves 2.

Better still, invite friends and make a pitcher full.