The world famous Margarita has an illustrious and disputed history dating back to the late 1930’s during the dreaded Prohibition. Cocktail historians claim is was merely the cocktail called ‘daisy’ that was made with orange liqueur, lime juice and Brandy. When brandy became scarce certain hero’s were known to drop below the border in search of a perfect stiff Daisy that had tequila replacing the hard to acquire brandy.
Also claiming the invention was Carlos “Danny” Herrera at his Tijuana restaurant Rancho La Gloria in 1938 where he created for customer and former Ziegfeld dancer Marjorie King, who was allergic to many spirits, but not to tequila
Another legend claims that the original Margarita was made in 1941 at Cantina Hussong in Ensenada by bartender Don Carlos Orozco. While he devised this most excellent concoction he had the visiting Ambassador of Germany’s daughter Margarita Henkel give it sip. The overwhelming conclusion. ‘ most excellent!’
Others say the inventor was Dallas socialite Margarita Sames, when she concocted the drink for her guests at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. However, Jose Cuervo was already running ad campaigns for the margarita three years earlier with the slogan, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.
In any event we are delighted to know and love this most excellent elixir, this sayer of desert truths and the gods gift from the sacred blue agave. Let us now watch as we make the perfect stiff Margarita.
First step take Jose Cuervo mix and violently shake it for 5 minutes, then toss it in the trash along with that bottle of Cuervo Gold. We are striving for the classic style Margarita not a mango marg nor a frozen strawberry variety.
Step two- Use a decent Reposado Tequila that is 100% blue agave. Today we are using Don Julio Reposado and we make them fuerte or strong in order to enjoy the delicious taste of this fine tequila. Typically two ounces to one Cointreau mixed together in a metal shaker. Fill the shaker with high quality ice then the tequila and Cointreau.
Step Three-Squeeze fresh lime approximately one ounce and add to the mix. Note-Never use lime juice from a bottle, ever, nunca, nada like never! And please do not pretend that a pre-made mix is a Margarita.
Step Four- Take pre-chilled glasses of choice out of the freezer use the lime to wet half the glass and salt it lightly on the OUTSIDE of the rim. You don’t want too much salt effecting the blend. A quality sea salt is preferred. Add ice to the glasses.
Step Five- shake the mix in the shaker for 15 seconds of until bottom of shaker ices up. Strain mix into ice filled glasses and add your slice of lime.
Final Step- Enjoy it with a friend or lover while watching the sun set over the ocean. But remember that a well made margarita can be enjoyed any place and at any time of day or night with others or drink it alone since there will be no one there to observe your improved behavior
