Mastering the Margarita

[Arty50]

It might make some purists cringe but Simply Limeade with tequila makes a great quick n dirty marg.

I've had many of these. As long as you use a halfway decent tequila, this will beat out a margarita from 90% of the bars on the planet.

[counterfeitfake]

Grand marnier, which is brandy based, has a flavor which overwhelms the tequilla and fresh juice. Triple sec type liquers, such as Cointreau, Citronage and good triple sec (look for the 80 proof stuff, such as Luxardo), have the orange flavor, but are a neutral spirit background.

Lime juice and tequila are pretty powerful, if your GM is overwhelming them, try putting less in.

There are no rules, you can put anything in anything, if it tastes good. I like many unorthodox cocktails as much as the old standards.

[Tippster]

Around here Cointreau and GM are the same price, give or take a dollar (~$30.)

Citronge is the shit. As good as Cointreau and $20. All I buy now.

[Chainsaw_Willie]

I've had many of these. As long as you use a halfway decent tequila, this will beat out a margarita from 90% of the bars on the planet.

Just finished one of those a little while ago.

I have been working my way through the lowest priced 100% agave tequilas at the local liquor store. Latest is Chimayas Reposado. Not that great for sipping but tasty in a Simply Limeade + Cointreau margarita.

[Arty50]

That reminds me. Call me crazy, but I'm all about Hornitos for margaritas. It's the perfect balance of price and performance. Any cheaper and it ruins the drink. Any better and it's just a waste of money. For me a margarita is all about the non-booze ingredients. If you use crappy lime juice and/or a shitty triple-sec, it doesn't matter what level of booze you put in it; it's going to taste like ass. If however you use good stuff for the former, then using top shelf doesn't matter all that much for the latter. Bloody Marys are the same.

[irul&ublo]

That reminds me. Call me crazy, but I'm all about Hornitos for margaritas. It's the perfect balance of price and performance. Any cheaper and it ruins the drink. Any better and it's just a waste of money. For me a margarita is all about the non-booze ingredients. If you use crappy lime juice and/or a shitty triple-sec, it doesn't matter what level of booze you put in it; it's going to taste like ass. If however you use good stuff for the former, then using top shelf doesn't matter all that much for the latter. Bloody Marys are the same.

El Jimador (100% agave) = bang for your bucks.

[pappag]

Espolon blanco is the Skyy vodka of tequila.

[esseff]

El Jimador (100% agave) = bang for your bucks.

+1. Also, Milagro silver or Reposado are ~same price. Always go 100% agave or pay the price manana. Don't waste your $ on Anejo for margs; you'll never taste the difference.

Been using Tommy's recipe for 15 years w/slightly less agave syrup as I don't like it too sweet. Its about as clean as you can get.

[RootSkier]

I'm with Arty on the Hornitos. Love that shit for a marg.

[brice618]

El Jimador (100% agave) = bang for your bucks.

This is the fucking truth.

I like Cazadores for cheaper sipping, but El Jimador is probably the best liquor you can buy for the price range to flavor ratio.

[Mazderati]

Recently had a drink branded "Mexico City Margarita" that consisted of reposado, lime juice, and confectioners sugar. Pretty tasty. Smaller drink served in an old fashioned with no ice.

[brice618]

Sounds like a mexican tom collins. (and tasty)

[Hugh Conway]

Espolon blanco is the Skyy vodka of tequila.

shitty, overpriced and trendy?


Add me to the Hornitos chorus. Grand Marniers more expensive last I checked; different effects

[Chainsaw_Willie]

I have been having surprisingly good results with the cheapest of the 100% agave tequilas. At the state stores they run $16-$19 a fifth. Sauza and Lunazul were both pretty decent too, with the Lunazul blanco not being bad for sipping either. Got a long way to go still, there's quite a few brands in this price range that offer a 100% agave option.

[pappag]

shitty, overpriced and trendy?

$20 for a handle of something not shitty, not trendy is not overpriced.

As for Espolon, it IS the best value tequila out there. Usually around $20 for 750ml, and you can actually sip on the blanco... enjoyably.

[Meadow Skipper]

And I've found what works best is a mix of lime juice and meyer lemon juice.

Tried this - Very good.

And re: Hornitos fans, I get Milagro Silver at my LLS for $22. Great buy.

[Benny Profane]

Well, since this turned into a tequila thread, has anybody seen this stuff?:

http://tastetequila.com/2011/kah-teq...ty-scary-face/



I tried the reposado, which is good, although not as good as Cazadores, and more expensive at 55, but, I was buying the bottle.

[Meadow Skipper]

Well, since this turned into a tequila thread, has anybody seen this stuff?:

http://tastetequila.com/2011/kah-teq...ty-scary-face/



I tried the reposado, which is good, although not as good as Cazadores, and more expensive at 55, but, I was buying the bottle.

Hey! We got one of those as a gift at our Xmas party. Great bottle, and the tequila isn't bad:

[Chainsaw_Willie]

Cazadores is middle of the road. Very good for the price (around $35 a bottle in these parts), but not the best or even close to it by a long shot.

If I'm going to drop $40+ on a bottle of tequila, it's going to be Herradura.

[Benny Profane]

Cazadores is middle of the road. Very good for the price (around $35 a bottle in these parts), but not the best or even close to it by a long shot.

If I'm going to drop $40+ on a bottle of tequila, it's going to be Herradura.

I beg to differ. I have yet to taste a reposado as good as Cazadores. Their silver and anejo suck, but the repo is excellent, and, of course, a great value.
I recently tried the Herradura silver, and it's gone dowhill.

[Fritz]

Just finished one of those a little while ago.

I have been working my way through the lowest priced 100% agave tequilas at the local liquor store. Latest is Chimayas Reposado. Not that great for sipping but tasty in a Simply Limeade + Cointreau margarita.

X2 on the Simply. Pour it strong and squeeze 1 lime to sour it up a bit. Easy.

[esseff]

Cazadores is middle of the road Very good for the price (around $35 a bottle in these parts)

$35/bottle? I can get it for ~$23 here in SF. Milagro and El Jim ~$17. Maybe your State Gov is sticking it too you (no state controlled liquor in CA.

Now, if we can get the Gov to treat it as 'food' like milk) it would not be not taxed.

[Vandeezy]

Well, since this turned into a tequila thread, has anybody seen this stuff?:

http://tastetequila.com/2011/kah-teq...ty-scary-face/



I tried the reposado, which is good, although not as good as Cazadores, and more expensive at 55, but, I was buying the bottle.

If you are in Denver Kegs Liquors at Colorado and Yale has these bottles on $10/off per bottle. Just bought the blanco and it mixes up extremely well.

[Hugh Conway]

Maybe your State Gov is sticking it too you

there's been no fucking "maybe" in Washington State. But it changes soon so maybe that shithole will get more civilized.

Cool thing, if it could be said, was the online inventory and pricing of booze including wholesale and tax.

[That was Pontus]

Haven't read this thread but god damn.... 3-2-1 shaken over ice poured into a salted glass served with a jalapanose stuffed olive.


Sent from the skintrack.