Butane's Better Margarita

You’d be surprised how difficult it is to find a properly made Margarita. So the old saying holds true: if you want something done right, do it yourself. I have settled on some rather specific spirits and fixins for this one. If you can’t find the exact brands called for here, thoughtful substitutes should yield a perfectly worthy cocktail. But as with anything simple, the devil is in the details, so choose wisely. Once you perfect this Margarita at home, I promise you’ll have a hard time finding a better one in any bar.

Yields: 2 (drinking alone is not recommended!)

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz El Tinieblo Joven Mezcal

2 oz Gran Centenario Reposada Tequila

1/2 oz Grand Marnier

3 large, or 4 medium limes

Filtered still water

Organic agave nectar, add to taste. You’re just looking to balance the sour/lime. If you like cloying sweetness in your cocktails, we’ll never be friends.

Pinch unrefined sea salt. I use fine ground Real Salt brand from Utah it has a nice mineral element.

STEPS:

1. Fill shaker with cubed or crushed ice.
2. Add Mezcal, Tequila, Grand Marnier, squeeze in the limes, a small shot of agave.
3. Add a splash of water, 1 - 2 oz.
4. Shake. Shake. Shake.
5. Use one of the spent lime halves to wet the rim of your proper tumbler/glass.
6. Run the rim through the salt to your liking.
7. Add one very large ice cube to the glass.
8. Strain cocktail into glass.
9. Drink. Dance.

Butane's Drinking Playlist!

‍