margaritas

Not sure if this one has been added to T&T, but I know a number of people have tried it. It's the best I've ever had and make it frequently for high end parties.

Jim

* Exported from MasterCook *

Margaritas, Jim's Worlds Best

Recipe By :Cook's Illustrated Magazine
Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 Teaspoons Grated Lime Zest
1/2 Cup Lime Juice -- fresh squeezed
4 Teaspoons Grated Lemon Zest
1/2 Cup Lemon Juice -- fresh squeezed
1/4 Cup Sugar -- superfine
Pinch Salt
To Serve:
1 Cup Tequila, 100% Blue Agave -- preferably reposado
1 cup Triple Sec
Crushed Ice
1 cup Mix

Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt in a large liquid measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4-24 hours.

Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or old-fashion glasses. Strain juice mixture into a 1 quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice. Stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses, garnish with a wedge of lime and serve immediately.

If you prefer salt rimmed glasses, rub the edge of the glass with a wedge of lime, and invert onto a flat pile of kosher salt

Description:
"Worlds Best"
Yield:
"1 Quart"

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Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 325 Calories; trace Fat (0.1% calories from fat); trace Protein; 38g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; trace Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : The longer the zest and juice mixture is allowed to steep, the more developed the citrus flavors in the finished margaritas. We recommend steeping for the full 24 hours, although the margarita will still be great if the mixture is steeped only the minumum 4 hours. If you're in a rush and need to serve margaritas immediately, omit the zest and skip the steeping process altogether.

Make sure you use Triple Sec - the orange flavor is just right. If you use any other orange liqueur you'll throw off the flavor balance (like Grand Marnier or Curacao)