Our July kits are on their way to subscribers, so now it’s time to tell you a little more about what’s in this month’s kit, the history of the recipes and ingredients, and how to mix the drinks. If you’re not a subscriber, you can join now with the first box for just £19, and £24 per month after that. If you just want to try this kit on its own, you can buy one through our shop.
The Margarita
A real classic drink that almost everyone knows, but it’s certainly one that splits the crowd in terms of taste. If you think you don’t like tequila, or you didn’t like the last Margarita you tried, skip straight to the Tommy’s for a mellower version, or upgrade your drink to a Million Dollar for a richer (pun intended) flavour.
The Margarita is one of those drinks that has as many origin stories as it has different ways to serve it. Even the classic can be served straight up, over ice, frozen with crushed ice, or in a variety of glasses. Most bartenders I know always opt for the Tommy’s Margarita instead of the recipes with Triple sec, I think because they appreciate the flavour of the Tequila. The best Margarita I’ve had is still the one I make myself, and this is definitely one for you to experiment with, much like a Martini, and find your own perfect serve.
For more on the different origin stories of the Margarita, check back to our blog soon, or follow us on twitter and facebook for an update.
The Recipes
You will need:
- Tumblers, rocks glasses or other cocktail glasses
- A bar spoon
- A jigger or measuring cup
- 3-4 limes
- A Margarita Kit
- (optional) salt
- (optional) orange
The Classic Margarita
- 30ml Tequila (your choice of Blanco or Reposado. Try both!)
- 15ml Triple Sec
- 15ml Lime juice
- 1 spoon agave syrup
- lime wedge or wheel to garnish
- salt rim (optional)
If you’d like a salt rim, take a pre-chilled glass and run a lime wedge around the rim to wet it. Pour out salt onto a plate and place the glass upside-down into the salt. You could salt just half the rim, to try the drink with and without.
On the rocks:
Build ingredients in a glass with ice, stir for 30-45 seconds, garnish with the lime and serve.
Straight up:
Build ingredients in a mixing glass or shaker with ice, stir or shake for 30-45 seconds, fine-strain into a coupe or martini glass, garnish with the lime and serve.
Tommy’s Margarita
- 40ml Tequila (your choice of Blanco or Reposado. Try both!)
- 20ml Lime juice
- 10ml agave syrup
- lime wedge or wheel to garnish
Make in the same way as the Classic Margarita above. I think this works best on the rocks, and with no salt. Simple.
The Million Dollar Margarita
- 30ml Tequila (I prefer Reposado, but try both, or a mix!)
- 30ml Grand Marnier
- 10ml Lime juice
- lime and/or orange twist
Make in the same way as the Classic Margarita above. I think this works best on the rocks, no salt, and preferably in cut crystal to look extra-fancy! It works well straight-up too, especially with both citrus peels inter-twined as a garnish.
Alternative Recipes
Not a fan of the margaritas above? Here are some other ways to use your kit to mix a drink you’ll prefer.
Something Spicier?
Our friends at Shoreditch Shaken have put together this great Margarita video, and they go in for a spicier drink, with a few dashes of tabasco. They also make it straight up, and Sam even suggests using a paprika rim instead of salt if you want even more spice!
Or go herbal with some sage leaves for a Sage Margarita
Need something less strong?
Try a Paloma – A long, grapefruit margarita variation. You’ll need soda and a pink grapefruit, or find a grapefruit-flavoured fizzy drink in a can.
Or a Tequila Sunrise – another well-known classic, using grenadine and orange juice as well as the tequila.
Something sweeter?
Try a little Agave syrup in any of the main recipes (or a little more in the Tommy’s) if the lime is too much for you.
With some coca cola, you could make a Batanga – a Mexican rum and coke!
A Cactus Jack is basically a load of fruit juice with Tequila thrown in. Substitute Blue curacao for Grand Marnier for a similar flavour, without the blue colour.
And if you have Angostura bitters at home:
A Chihuahua Maragita is a nice option if you have Angostura bitters left over from a previous kit, or on your home bar.
Also with the bitters, and some ginger beer, you can mix up an El Burro – a longer, refreshingly ginger tequila drink. It’s a Mexican version of a Moscow Mule.
Or a Tequila old fashioned, called the Estilo Viejo (literally “Old Style). This is actually one of my favourite drinks, and we featured it way back in April 2014!
Loved the ingredients this month? Here’s how to buy more:
5% off Montezuma Tequila, as well as all other spirits on The Spirit Cellar!
Use the code “tastecocktails” when ordering on http://www.thespiritcellar.com
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge and Giffard Triple Sec can be found in most good online bottle shops, or maybe your local off-licence with a good range. We recommend www.masterofmalt.com
Find more agave syrup at your local supermarket, or online.
Would you like to try all these ingredients and recipes without the cost of full-size bottles?
Buy a Margarita kit from TASTE cocktails.
Or Subscribe for a new box every month.