For some Texans, Feb. 22 is the most important day of the year: National Margarita Day. That classic concoction of tequila, lime or lemon juice, and an orange liqueur like triple sec — with salt on the rim of the glass, of course — is a drink as beloved in Texas (and many other states) as the other Mexican beverage Topo Chico. (Our love for that sparkling water is a story for another day.)
Here are a couple of margarita recipes that will satisfy your craving on the most important holiday: one as traditional as can be, another that riffs a bit by using mezcal, a slightly smoky spirit that also derives from agave plants grown on Mexico's rugged landscape. The Juan to Juan also serves up spiciness with the use of Ancho Reyes, a chile liqueur with a reborn recipe dating back to 1927.
The Horseshoe Margarita
2 oz. Tequila Herradura
1 oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. agave nectar
Garnish 1 lime wedge
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake hard so that some of the ice melts. Then strain over fresh ice. Garnish with the lime.
— Tequila Herradura
Juan to Juan
1 oz. Montelobos Mezcal
1 oz. Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Serve in a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
— Montelobos Mezcal
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