We’re all about flavor and fun, and what embodies that better than a perfectly crafted Margarita?
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Margarita: A Mystery Wrapped in a Lime
The Margarita – it’s a bloody icon, but where it came from is a bit of a mystery. There are a few stories floating around, each as colourful as the drink itself. Some reckon it was invented in 1938 in Acapulco for a fancy lady named Margarita. Others say it was first mixed up in Juarez in the 1940s for a bloke who couldn’t handle tequila (apparently, the lime and orange liqueur helped with that!). Whatever the true story is, one thing’s for sure: the Margarita is a legend, and we’ve got Mexico to thank for it.
Why We Love the Margarita
- A taste sensation: The Margarita is all about balance – sweet, sour, and salty all at once. The tart lime juice mixes with the sweet orange liqueur, and the tequila gives it a bit of a kick. And if you like, a salt rim adds a bit of crunch.
- Easy peasy: You don’t need a million ingredients to make a top-notch Margarita. Just a few simple things, and you’re good to go.
- A taste of paradise: Every time you have a Margarita, it’s like you’re on a Mexican beach, soaking up the sun. It’s the perfect drink for a hot day, or any day you want to feel like you’re on holiday.
Making the Perfect Margarita: An Aussie Twist
Ready to shake up your own Margarita masterpiece? This recipe is a ripper starting point:
- 60ml Tequila: Use a good quality silver or blanco tequila. There are heaps of different brands out there, so have a try and see what you like.
- 30ml Orange Liqueur: Triple Sec is the classic choice, but you can mix it up with other flavours if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 22ml Fresh Lime Juice: Don’t use that bottled stuff – fresh lime juice is where it’s at!
- 15ml Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup: This adds a bit of sweetness. Use more or less depending on how sweet you like it.
- Kosher Salt for Rim (optional): A salt rim is classic, but it’s up to you.
- Lime Wedge for garnish: Gotta have that lime wedge!
Here’s how you make it:
- Salt the rim (optional): If you want a salt rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in some kosher salt.
- Fill with ice: Chuck some ice in your glass.
- Shake it up: Put the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it like mad for about 20 seconds to get it nice and cold.
- Strain and serve: Pour the drink into your glass through a strainer.
- Garnish: Add a lime wedge to finish it off.
Tips for a Top-Notch Margarita
- Tequila matters: Use a good tequila, mate. Don’t skimp on this – it’s the most important ingredient.
- Fresh is best: Always use fresh lime juice.
- Sweeten it up: Agave nectar has a nice flavour that goes well with tequila, but simple syrup works too.
- Shake it like you mean it: A good shake is essential for a good Margarita.
- Try different rims: Salt is classic, but you can try other things like Tajin (a Mexican chilli-lime spice) or even smoked paprika.
Margarita Madness: Mix It Up
The Margarita is a versatile drink, and there are heaps of ways to make it your own:
- Spicy Margarita: Chuck a slice of jalapeno in the shaker for a bit of heat.
- Frozen Margarita: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen treat.
- Fruity Margarita: Use a flavoured liqueur instead of Triple Sec, like mango or passionfruit.
- Tommy’s Margarita: This one skips the orange liqueur altogether for a really tequila-forward flavour.
More Than Just a Drink
The Margarita is more than just a cocktail – it’s a taste of Mexico, a symbol of good times, and a bloody delicious drink.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Read more:
- Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- French Martini
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Margarita
- Mojito
- Whiskey Sour
- Negroni
- Espresso Martini
- Gimlet
