Margarita March

Income taxes are due at the normal time this year – April 15! No quarantine extensions for 2021. That officially makes March “Tax Season,” which means we probably need a stiff drink right about now. Why not sip everyone’s favorite south-of-the-border specialty – the margarita! 

Nothing quenches your thirst and lights up your palate better than a margarita. The tang of fresh limes, the fiery bite of good tequila, a hint of orange, and the zip of salt crystals all work together to create a little piece of heaven on earth. But what’s the secret to a good margarita? The ingredients, of course!

The base of a top-notch margarita is tequila. Go quality or go home! Don’t bother with the cheap stuff. It’s filled with artificial coloring and who knows what else. All of those additives are responsible for the very worst hangovers. If you choose a fine tequila, not only will the taste be pure, but your body won’t suffer for your questionable choices the morning after.

When purchasing tequila, look for the words “100% Blue Weber Agave” on the label. Any tequila worth its salt is crafted exclusively from this succulent plant. The blue weber agave is native to our southern neighbor, Mexico, known for its hot climate, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and the actual town of Tequila, in the state of Jalisco, the birthplace of the spirit.  

Tequila is divided into five categories: gold, blanco, reposado, anejo, and extra anejo. Gold tequila is simply a low-quality “mixto” – a blend of tequila and neutral cane spirit with colors, flavors, and thickeners thrown in. It’s easy on the wallet but hard on the gut. Avoid it at all costs!

A margarita can be made with any of the remaining categories depending on the preference of the drinker. Blanco (also called “silver”) tequila offers a fresh, citrusy taste and a savory pepper bite. Pungent in nature, blanco tequila carries the true essence of the blue weber agave plant, unaffected by wood or age.

But some prefer their tequila aged! The aging process allows the spirit to mature and develop fine secondary aromas and flavors of vanilla, spice, and wood.  Reposado or “rested” tequila is aged in barrel for three to twelve months. Pale amber in color, a reposado tequila has a more mellow taste than a blanco but still offers up plenty of that notorious tequila fire. Anejo or “aged” tequila is aged one to three years in old Kentucky bourbon barrels. Anejo tequila is deep amber in color and full-bodied, with sweet notes of vanilla and toffee rounded off by that classic peppery agave. Extra anejo is the most expensive tequila and aged three to four years in old bourbon barrels. Always made with a distillery’s finest spirits, extra anejo is best served neat or splashed onto the top of a margarita for added intrigue.

For something decidedly different, a margarita can be made with mezcal in the place of tequila. Whereas tequila must be crafted with the weber blue agave, mezcal can be made with any agave plant. Tequila’s clean, fresh flavor is created by steaming the heart of the agave plant while mezcal’s strong, smoky notes comes from roasting this heart with lava rocks. Although some love it and some love to hate it, mezcal added to any cocktail contributes a distinctly earthy flavor and ashy aroma.

A classic margarita is made with tequila, an abundance of fresh lime juice, and a citrus liqueur. In a pinch, triple sec can be used, but for a truly divine margarita, Cointreau or Grand Marnier is preferred. Both liqueurs are of French origin, but Cointreau possesses a bright, zesty orange flavor while Grand Marnier boasts an orange essence with lofty notes of vanilla and oak. Cointreau is a little sassier while Grand Marnier is richer, heavier, and a bit sweeter than Cointreau. Sample them both and choose your favorite!

When you’ve assembled the finest ingredients – 2 oz. tequila, 2 oz. liqueur, 2 oz fresh lime juice – add them to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled. For authenticity, don’t forget to salt the rim of the glass with coarse salt! Pour over fresh ice and serve.

The margarita has arrived. Salud!

Questions or comments can be sent to 4elizabethkate@gmail.com. Follow Elizabeth Kate on Instagram at @ielizabethkate!