National Margarita Day 2010 Real Recipes: Celebrate Responsibly

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February 22 is National Margarita Day, and what a special day it is. For Margarita Day 2010, Let's bring the Margarita back to its basic form... That means no blenders, just classic Margarita recipes. The primary ingredient is Tequila, which should be front and center.

(By the way, National Tequila Day is on July 24)

There are several versions of the Margarita genesis story, but my favorite is the one set in 1938, in which Ensenada bartender Danny Herrera developed the Margarita through trial and error in order to impress American actress Marjorie King, who hated the taste of straight tequila.

The Margarita consists of only three ingredients:

• Tequila (blanco)
  
• Cointreau (not Triple Sec... Cointreau)
  
• Lime juice (from a real lime, not a bottle)

How to make the Margarita:

• Run a lime wedge around the outer rim of the glass and add salt, tapping off the excess. Add ice to the glass.
  
• Pour in two parts tequila, one part Cointreau and one part lime juice.
• Stir and serve.
  

Note that there's no sugar and no blender involved. The Margarita is best enjoyed on the rocks, and not in a giant cartoon wine-glass with a paper flag. Trust me.

There are variations, of course. Some people add a dash of [REDACTED TO PROTECT JORDAN'S BARTENDING SECRET]. Some use simple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Others add a dash of absinthe. 

Did you know that the Margarita was Esquire's Drink of the Month in December 1953? You do now.

Always designate a driver or pilot.