Cadillac Margarita

Last post was the classic summer appetizer, guacamole, so it is only fitting that I follow that up with a post for the classic summer drink, the margarita. Many people think that the margarita is a hard drink to make...and no, I'm not talking about the kind where you add tequila to a pre-made puke green mix. Ew. For all of you who do use that mix...stop. This recipe is JUST as simple (ok, it has ONE more ingredient...but only one!) and tastes a hell of a lot better.

What is essential to creating a good margarita is balance. One of my mum's favorite drinks is a Cadillac margarita--basically a margarita with Grand Marnier floating on top of it. So a couple of years ago, my brother bought all the ingredients to make the perfect margarita, mixed and shook those puppies up, served them...and was met with a couple of coughs, his little sister (moi) saying how awful they were, and his considerably nicer mother simply putting hers aside and never touching it after that first taste.

The mistake he made was simple...he just kinda threw the right ingredients into the shaker, but in the wrong ratio. And man, let me tell you, I still have nightmares about that margarita. So please, pleaseeee I beg you, follow this recipe, which will give you a delicious margarita with a kick of tequila that won't have you spitting up your drink. Pinky promise!

On another note, can you guys tell that I'm leading up to my Mexican Night post? The full post on that lovely meal is to come, but I'm slowly unveiling the recipes that went into it. 

Cadillac Margarita

Ingredients

3 oz. tequila 
3 oz. triple sec
1.5 oz. lime juice
Lime
Grand Marnier

*of note, one jigger (the top of your standard cocktail shaker) is 1.5 oz. So 2 jiggers of tequila and triple sec, one of lime

Directions

1. Place ice in a cocktail shaker. Add all of the ingredients. Shake well.

2. If you'd like a salt rim, simply get your finger wet (or a wet paper towel if this isn't your drink) and rub it around the rim of the glass. Add iodized salt to a plate and rub the rim of the glass into it.

3. Pour the margarita and ice into the salted glass. Add a quarter lime as a garnish. Pour Grand Marnier on top, to taste. DO NOT MIX!

If you'd prefer just a classic margarita, simply leave out the Grand Marnier floater.

Enjoy (if you're 21 and older only please!)