Do you know of any good margarita mixers? Are they really even necessary?!
So I decided to mix one up 1 part "tequila", 5 parts mixer. It was so disgusting and the salt tasted like soap. The drink itself had an odd petroleum like smell to it and had an aftertaste.
I dont know if it was a function of the "tequila" (my sister actually purchased mezcal thinking there was no difference between that and tequila) or if it was a function of the mixers themselves which, when not mixed with the "tequila" still smelled plasticy/oily.
Anyway, does anyone know if using mixers is the only way to make margarita? If no, can u tell me how to make a margarita "from scratch" Id like to make them at home and stop spending $ out for them.
Answers: I dont know why but I just felt like margaritas are something I have when Im out. I have never made them at home. However, over the Thanksgiving holiday my sister bought some strawberry daiquiri/margarita mix and some lime margarita/daiquiri mix that came in the huge bottle, brand "Master of Mixes". She had salt for the glasses also.
So I decided to mix one up 1 part "tequila", 5 parts mixer. It was so disgusting and the salt tasted like soap. The drink itself had an odd petroleum like smell to it and had an aftertaste.
I dont know if it was a function of the "tequila" (my sister actually purchased mezcal thinking there was no difference between that and tequila) or if it was a function of the mixers themselves which, when not mixed with the "tequila" still smelled plasticy/oily.
Anyway, does anyone know if using mixers is the only way to make margarita? If no, can u tell me how to make a margarita "from scratch" Id like to make them at home and stop spending $ out for them.
I have never tasted a good margarita mix. They are made from lots of weid stuff that does not go into a margarita.
Making your own from scrath is easy. There is only 3 ingredients, which is only one more than a mix and tequila.
Feel free to play with the proportions, but I make my margarias as follows:
juice of half a lime OR 1/2 oz bottled Key Lime Juice (Don't use the little bottles of juice shaped like plastic limes. It is worth it to buy the fresh limes.)
1/2 oz of triple sec or Cointreau (which is just fancy triple sec)
1 oz tequila
Shake with ice for 15-25 seconds, and serve on the rocks.
If you like your margaritas sweeter, add a little more triple sec. For a nice addition, you can add a splash of orange juice to sweeten it up and round it out a little if the drink above is too strong for your tastes.
Warning: If made with decent tequila, these can be very smooth, but are much stronger than what most people are used to, so be careful and drink slowly.
I think all the mixers have that funny petroleum taste. Even Jose Cuervo mixers aren’t that good. I don’t have a recipe here- but I’ve made some homemade ones- use Minute Maid frozen limeade- look online- they’re super simple and you’ll be glad you made them!!
I make mine out of Squirt soda Tequila and a shot of Grande Marinier.
I would tend to think that this odd taste you are referring to comes from the tequila, or in this case the mezcal. Tequila is like a high quality form of mezcal (think cognac to brandy). To the best of my knowledge, a liquor is only tequila if it is made in the Jalisco state of Mexico and is produced from the blue agave plant (on the best tequila labels you will see the words "100% blue agave" or something similar) . I have heard mezcal defined as anything made outside of Jalisco. I have also heard mezcal defined as a tequila made from different kinds of agave (including blue). Both of these definitions I have gained from reliable sources. Regardless, you seem to already know that tequila and mezcal are very different.
The reason I feel that the taste could be from the mezcal (or perhaps the salt) is that the margarita is a drink which varies greatly in taste according to ingredients. The higher quality ingredients you use, the taste of a margarita vastly improves. I have never personally used the Master of Mixes margarita mix, but I HAVE used other Master of Mixes brands and have never noticed the plastic/oil smell or taste you mention.
Another option is the salt used. I would make sure the salt you are using is specifically margarita salt. You should be able to find this in any liquor store or decently sized grocery store. In case you are not aware, I suggest using lime juice to attach the salt to the rim of the glass so the salt does not fall off when the liquid dries.
Finally, here is my suggestion for making a margarita.
This can be made in a glass (about a 10 oz. glass) with ice, or with ice in a blender. Sweet and sour mix is reconstituted lemon juice with superfine sugar. You can buy this from various manufacturers (again, liquor store or some grocery stores) and I like Mr. & Mrs. T. You won't find a plastic/oil taste from this. If you wish to make your own sweet and sour there are many recipes on the internet.
1 oz. tequila (I like Jose Cuervo)
1/2 oz. Triple Sec (many brands to choose-take your pick)
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
Lime garnish
Alternatively, if you want a frozen strawberry margarita, also grab some Mr. & Mrs. T strawberry/daiquiri margarita mix. Put ice in a blender, add the same ingredients except go with 1 oz. sweet and sour, 1 oz. strawberry. Adjust portions accordingly for how many you are making.
Hope this helps!