Top 3 Margarita Recipes

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Its time to celebrate with the top 3 margarita recipes that we've found through friends and followers (on Twitter, that is). Not only will you learn the tastiest Tequila concoctions, but we're also here to offer tips on making the best margaritas.

Make sure you have plenty of tapas - whether chips and dip, or something spicier. You don't want your new found fame as a Cinco de Mayo bartender to go to your head!

Classic Margarita (i.e., rocks with salt)

I've never been a blender girl. I much prefer my margaritas simple and straight-up. That's why this one tops the list.

Ingredients:

3/4 c. tequila (pick something good, like Cuervo 1800)
1/2 c. fresh lime juice (this requires 4-5 limes)
1/3 c. premium triple sec
1/2 c. crushed ice
kosher salt (optional)
1 sliced lime

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, crushed ice. Take each lime, roll them on the counter, pushing hard. Slice in half and squeeze each half over the other ingredients.

Shake for about 20-30 seconds.

Take 4 rocks glasses (please, save those fru-fru Mexican glasses for vacation) and rim them with a sliced lime. Place the salt on a platter and dip the rims of each glass in the salt. Add ice cubes and pour margaritas into each one. Garnish with a lime slice.

Rock Your World Mango Margarita

Your guests won't see this one coming. Its a spicy version of a mango margarita. Be sure to have some water on hand to cool your tastebuds.

Ingredients:

1/3 c. Tabasco Tequila
1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced (or use 1/2 c. frozen)
1/4 c. Triple Sec
1/4 c. fresh lime juice (see above)
1/4 c. simple syrup
3/4 c. crushed ice

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth. Best bet is to serve in a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a speared mango, if you wish.


Beer Margaritas

No, this is not the white trash version of the Mexican cocktail. You'll be surprised at how delicious this one tastes. Adding beer to the mixture cuts down on the sweetness and gives the drink a bit of "heft." Just be sure to consider the extra alcohol content so you don't over-do it.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. tequila
1/2 bottle of beer (go with Corona or a similar light lager)
1/2 c. Grand Marnier
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 lemon (juiced)
1 lime (juiced)
** if you don't have the citrus fruit on hand, you can use 1-2 T. concentrate

Directions:

Add all to a blender with 1 c. crushed ice. Blend well. Garnish with a lime and enjoy responsibly!

Have a great celebration!