The best fresh margaritas

From Cook's Illustrated

Makes about 1 quart, serving 4 to 6. Published July 1, 2000.

The longer the zest and juice mixture is allowed to steep, the more developed the citrus flavors in the finished margaritas. We recommend steeping for the full 24 hours, although the margaritas will still be great if the mixture is steeped only for the minimum 4 hours. If you're in a rush and need to serve margaritas immediately, omit the zest and skip the steeping process altogether.

Ingredients

4	teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2	cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
4	teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2	cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
1/4	cup superfine sugar
	pinch table salt
2	cups crushed ice
1	cup 100 percent agave tequila , preferably Reposado
1	cup Triple Sec

Instructions

1. 1. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4 to 24 hours.

2. 2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

Variations

Fresh pineapple margaritas
The pineapple flavor in this variation makes the zest and steeping process in the master Margarita recipe unnecessary.

1	small pineapple (about 3 1/2 pounds)
1/4	cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
1/4	cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
1/4	cup superfine sugar
	pinch table salt
2	cups crushed ice
1	cup 100 percent agave tequila , preferably Reposado
1	cup Triple Sec

Fresh raspberry margaritas
For strawberry margaritas, substitute an equal amount of hulled strawberries for the raspberries.

1	cup fresh raspberries
1/2	cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
1/2	cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
1/4	cup superfine sugar
	pinch table salt
2	cups crushed ice
1	cup 100 percent agave tequila , preferably Reposado
1/2	cup Triple Sec
1/2	cup Chambord (or desired raspberry liqueur)