Melanie Hebert's Margarita Recipe

This is the best margarita I have ever had. And I have had a lot being from Texas:) My parents have these every Friday night in their backyard by the pool. Great tradition isn't it?

~Melanie

Margaritas

Serves 6

Stay away from silver, white, or gold tequila here because their young flavors will taste harsh and raw, and don't waste money on expensive aged (anejo) tequila for this simple drink either. Use a reposado (rested in wood) tequila made from 100 percent blue agave (aged 12 months of less) for the smoothest, and most affordable, flavor.

½ cup fresh lime juice

½ cup fresh lemon juice

4 teaspoons grated lime zest

4 teaspoons grated lemon zest

¼ cup sugar

Pinch salt

1 cup tequila

1 cup Triple Sec

1 cup crushed ice, plus extra for serving
1. Combine the juices, zest, sugar and salt in a liquid measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the flavors meld, about 2 hours.

2. Strain the juice mixture into a pitcher and stir in the tequila, Triple Sec and 1 cup of the crushed ice. Pour over additional crushed ice before serving.

Recipe can be prepared through Step One up to 2 days ahead.