Drink of the Month: Classic Margarita

CINCO DE MAYO OFFICIAL DRINK: Classic Margarita

CINCO DE MAYO

is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. More popularly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexcan-American culture.

Ingredients:

Ice cubes 3 ounces tequila 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur 1 ounce Simple Syrup, (recipe follows) 1 tablespoon Lime-salt-sugar, (recipe follows) Simple Syrup: 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Lime-salt-sugar: Zest of one lime 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons sugar

Make the Simple Syrup: Put the sugar and water in a small 1 saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.) Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. (yeilds about 1 1/2 cups)

Make Lime-Salt-Sugar: Blend together lime, salt and 2 sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper.

Make Your Margarita: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 3 Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up.) Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.