Margarita

Ingredients

• ½lemon
• 20 mltequila
• 10 mlcuraçao liqueur
• 20 mllemon juice
• 1ice cube
• to tastesalt
• to taste (optional)olives, to serve

Instructions

1. 1

   Salt the rim

   Rub the cut side of the half lemon around the cocktail glass rim. While it is still damp, sprinkle salt over the rim.

2. 2

   Mix the drink

   Pour in the tequila, curaçao liqueur and lemon juice, then stir to combine.

3. 3

   Add the ice

   Add the ice cube at the end.

4. 4

   Serve with olives

   Serve with olives if you like.

What is a Margarita?

A Margarita is a cocktail made with tequila, citrus and an orange liqueur, usually served with salt on the rim. This version is a simple, quick mix, with lemon juice providing the citrus note.

Although the recipe lists Romanian cuisine, the drink is recognisable as a Margarita-style cocktail. Its salted rim and ice cube give the short ingredient list a few distinct finishing touches.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 20 calories, 0g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat.

The tequila and curaçao contribute most of the energy, while the lemon juice adds a small amount of carbohydrate; there is very little protein or fat. Pair the drink with a small savoury snack, such as the suggested olives, for a more substantial serving.

The citrus and liqueur

Lemon: The half lemon is used to moisten the glass rim, while the separately listed lemon juice goes into the drink. Keeping those jobs distinct makes it easier to salt the glass without adding extra juice to the mix.

Curaçao: This liqueur brings an orange flavour alongside the tequila. Measure the listed 10 ml carefully so it complements rather than overwhelms the lemon.

Getting a neat salted rim

Moisten the rim with the cut side of the lemon, then apply salt while the glass is still damp. A small plate of salt makes it easier to coat the rim evenly.

Try to keep most of the salt on the outside edge of the glass, so it does not fall into the drink as you pour.

Mixing and serving

Stir the tequila, curaçao and lemon juice together before adding the ice cube, following the recipe’s order. Stir just enough to combine the liquids.

Serve soon after adding the ice, while it is still firm. Olives are an optional accompaniment in this recipe.

Balancing the flavours

Taste the drink before serving if you want to check the balance of citrus and liqueur. The recipe gives fixed amounts, so any adjustment should be made sparingly.

A clean glass and fresh lemon help the citrus taste bright. Apply the salt to the rim rather than stirring it into the drink.

What to serve alongside

The recipe suggests olives as a savoury accompaniment. You can serve them on the side so guests can choose whether to have them with the drink.

If serving this as part of a spread, salty nibbles are a natural match for the salted rim; keep them separate from the cocktail itself.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use the cut side of the lemon to dampen the rim evenly.
• Salt the rim before pouring in the drink.
• Measure the tequila, curaçao and lemon juice rather than pouring by eye.
• Stir the liquids together before adding the ice cube.
• Serve promptly so the ice does not have much time to melt.
• Keep the olives on the side if you prefer them separate from the drink.

Variations

• Orange emphasis: Add a little more curaçao for a more pronounced orange note.
• Less sweet: Reduce the curaçao slightly and keep the lemon juice as listed.
• Extra citrus: Add a small splash of lemon juice for a sharper drink.
• No salted rim: Skip the salt and serve the cocktail in a clean glass.
• Olive garnish: Serve with an olive on the side, as suggested in the recipe.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wet rim: Salt will not cling well if the glass edge is dry; moisten it with the lemon first.
• Salt in the drink: Avoid dipping the inside of the rim into salt so it does not fall into the cocktail.
• Over-stirring: Stir only until the liquids are combined, then add the ice.
• Adding ice too early: Follow the recipe and add the ice cube after mixing.
• Skipping the measure: Pouring by eye can upset the balance; use the listed quantities.

How to store

This drink is best made and served straight away, before the ice melts. Do not store it with the ice in the glass; if you need to prepare ahead, mix the liquids and chill them briefly, then add the ice just before serving.

Frequently asked questions