Fresh Margaritas on the Rocks

The key to a great margarita is fresh lemon and lime juice (and a good-tasting tequila, of course). The store-bought sour or margarita mixes just can't compare. This recipe serves six because it's an effort to freshly-squeeze the citrus, so you might as well make a big batch while you're still sober!

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 cups tequila

1/2 cup orange liqueur

ice

Kosher salt

Make simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and allowing the sugar to dissolve in the water. Once dissolved, remove from heat and set aside.

In a shaker filled half full with ice, combine all ingredients with half of the simple syrup. Shake and taste. Adjust the flavors adding more syrup or booze as needed. 

Rub the rim of four margarita glasses with a piece of lemon or lime wedge that you already juiced and dip the rim into kosher salt to line the glass (optional).

Pour margaritas and ice into prepared glasses and serve.