May 3, 2017
We kicked off this year celebrating my husband’s birthday with friends at a gloriously relaxing and toasty warm trip near Manzanillo, Mexico.
My cute friend Michelle snapped this photo while we were crossing the harbor.
It was obnoxiously idyllic – days at the beach, paddle boarding, morning platters jammed with tropical fruit and afternoons filled with boatloads of chips, guacamole, and margaritas poolside. Our incredible margaritas came compliments of our house bartender, Paco. Yes, the house came with its own bartender. I warned you, obnoxious and so idyllic. I did a plethora of margarita research on this trip.
photo by my sister, Patricia.
Fast-forward a few months to a different Mexico adventure – spring break in Cabo San Lucas with the kids.
In typical family fashion, just as I was bellying up to the bar to continue my margarita work, my oldest daughter broke her collarbone and we were off to the Mexican ER. Thank God, all was okay, just a little soreness and a sling. She was back in the pool (we fashioned a sling out of a swim shirt) and I was back to my margaritas.
My wounded soldier…
Two very different trips across the border landed on one perfect margarita recipe just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Triple sec, fresh lime juice, and top-notch tequila, no simple syrup needed; you’ll get great flavor without that overly sweet vibe.
I recommend a quality reposado for these cocktails it adds a wonderful flavor and depth. You will notice that most of my recipes don’t have a ton of ingredients; it’s about using the best quality possible in a simple way to have the best results. Great tequila and triple sec, fresh lime juice and sea salt.
For the garnish; If you really want to bring the heat, try sprinkling a few shakes of Tajin with your sea salt. This chile-lime spice makes a killer rim for a margarita. It’s also delicious sprinkled on jicama, avocado, mango and so much more.
Try this out for a perfectly spectacular margarita. Actually, double the recipe because no one should drink a margarita alone.
Some more favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes:
Turkey enchiladas with green sauce
Don’t’ forget the Guacamole!
P.S. I’ve been fielding some emails about trouble with the recipe box. Please know that we are still working on these issues. More soon!
Dry Margarita
Makes one cocktail
2 ounces tequila, reposado
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1.25-ounce triple sec
Garnish
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 teaspoon Tajin (optional)
Lime wedge
Slide a lime wedge over the perimeter of a juice glass and dip into a plate with the sea salt mixture. To a shaker add ice, add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake for seven counts and strain into the rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.
