Classic margarita on the rocks
Ingredients:
Simple syrup- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Margarita
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1⁄2 ounce cointreau
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup (from above)
Optional garnishes
- kosher salt
- 1 lime wheel
Directions:
Simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until all of the sugar has dissolved, but do not bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat, allow the simple syrup to cool, and then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Margarita: combine tequila, cointreau, lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Shake the cocktail for 20 seconds, and then strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Notes:
If you want to rim the glass with salt, add some kosher salt to a small plate. Use a lime wheel or a leftover piece of lime to moisten the edge/lip of the glass and then roll the edge of the glass in the kosher salt until the salt sticks to the rim. After the rim is salted, add ice to the glass and then make the cocktail.
If you want to make more or less simple syrup, just keep the ratio the same. So 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup sugar will work just fine. Don't bring it to a boil.
If you prefer, you can serve this margarita up with no ice. You don't need to change the recipe because you're shaking the cocktail with ice, just strain it off and the drink will still be nice and cold.