Margarita on the RocksCocktail recipe
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Margarita on the Rocks is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved favorite around the world. The combination of Cointreau, a premium orange liqueur, with fresh lime juice and tequila creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a smooth finish.
This refreshing drink is traditionally served over ice with a salt rim, adding an extra hint of saltiness to balance out the sweetness. The cocktail's vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a perfect choice for a hot summer day or as a festive drink at parties.
Its roots can be traced back to the 1930s, but its popularity has only grown over the years, making it a staple in bars and restaurants everywhere. With just a few simple ingredients, Margarita on the Rocks delivers a complex and delicious taste that will keep you coming back for more.
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Margarita on the Rocks is a timeless symphony of flavors, brilliantly balancing the robust kick of tequila with the crisp, acidic brightness of lime juice and the subtle sweet notes of Cointreau. The addition of a salt-rimmed glass introduces a savory counterpoint that enhances each sip, offering a harmonious clash that tantalizes the palate, making it an enduring favorite among cocktail aficionados.
Method
How to make a Margarita on the Rocks
- Tequila Blanco 60ml, Cointreau 30ml, Lime juice 30ml, Salt Pinch
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- Moisten the rim of an cocktail glass with lime juice, then roll in salt and add ice
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- Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into the rock-filled rimmed glass
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- Garnish with a slice of lime and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled lime juice lacks the same zing and can make the cocktail taste flat.
- Try using a high-quality, 100% agave tequila, such as a Reposado or Blanco, to enhance the depth of flavor.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Margarita on the Rocks?
The Margarita is a cocktail that has a contested origin, with several stories claiming its creation. However, the most widespread credits its invention to Carlos "Danny" Herrera at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria, located between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, around 1938. He supposedly created it for a customer who was allergic to all spirits except tequila but didn't enjoy drinking it neat.
How does the alcohol content of a Margarita on the Rocks compare to other cocktails?
A Margarita on the Rocks typically has an alcohol content of around 30%, making it a moderately strong cocktail. This is higher compared to light cocktails like the Mimosa or Pimm's Cup, but lower than some of the more spirit-forward cocktails like a Martini or Manhattan.
Can I use a substitute for Cointreau in a Margarita?
Yes, you can substitute Cointreau with other orange liqueurs like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. These substitutions may slightly alter the flavor profile of your Margarita, with Grand Marnier offering a richer, more brandy-like taste, and Triple Sec being lighter and slightly more citrusy.
Is there a specific type of tequila recommended for a Margarita on the Rocks?
For a Margarita on the Rocks, it's typically recommended to use a high-quality Blanco (or silver) tequila for its clean, crisp flavors that blend well with the other ingredients. Blanco tequila is unaged and offers a pure expression of the agave flavor.
What is the best way to garnish a Margarita on the Rocks?
The traditional garnish for a Margarita is a salt rim on the glass and a lime wedge. To achieve the salt rim, moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a plate of salt. The lime wedge can be either placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.
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