Best Margarita EVER!

I learned to mix Margaritas from my friend Geri Castron years ago when my wife and I were dating and she had a place just south of Rosarito Beach.  (Las Gaviotas if you know the area to be precise).  We'd go down and visit, she'd mix up the best kick ass margaritas EVER.  We've all moved forward but still stay in touch.  I still remember her margarita recipe as it was so smooth going down they snuck up on you.

Some 15 years ago, maybe longer, I discovered the Bacardi Margarita Mix in the freezer section of my local grocery store.  Tried it and loved it.  Its not your typical mix of reconstituted lime juice, or worse lime flavored sugar water.  Its the perfect blend of lime juice with just enough simple syrup so its tart but not so tart your throat seizes as you drink it like those nasty premades on the liquor store shelves.  If your grocer doesn't carry the mixer, implore them to order you a case.  You won't go wrong.

The real secret to this recipe is the Cointreau.  Cointreau is a pretty awesome orange liqueur that adds a subtle orange hit that mellows the tartness of the lime juice.  Don't skip it.  You don't use much of this pricey booze, but what it brings to the party of the perfect Margarita its worth it.

You can increase the tequila from 1/2 can which makes for perfect sippin' 'ritas to 3/4 can for those that will kick your ass.  I prefer the sippin' variety as they are thirst quenching and you can have several during the course of the afternoon.  I used to make them by the gallons for our neighborhood July 4th block parties, both versions, and a good time was had by all.  There were several April 4 babies attributed to my Margaritas...they were that good.

Best Margarita EVER

• 1 can Bacardi Margarita Mix, partially thawed
• 1/2 can Tequila
• 1/4 can Cointreau
• 4 c ice

Fill blender with ice. Add Bacardi Mix, tequila and Cointreau.  Blend on liquefy or whatever your highest speed is until its smooth and slushy. Serve with salted or unsalted rims as desired.