Best Fresh Margaritas by the Pitcher

Bev's Note:

This is a wonderful recipe for Margaritas on the Rocks by the pitcher-full! It is best to prepare the lime-lemon juice and zests mixture before hand to allow them to meld appropriately -- Cooking time reflects refrigeration time. I discovered this in Cook's Illustrated Magazine -- just in time for summer! I have altered the ingredients to suit my personal taste. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 24 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 24 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 1.0 quart

• 4 teaspoons grated fresh lime zest
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
• 4 teaspoons grated fresh lemon zest
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
• 1/3 cup superfine sugar (more or less to suit your personal taste)
• 1 pinch table salt
• crushed ice
• 1 cup tequila (Preferably Patron)
• 1 cup triple sec

Directions:

1. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice sugar, and salt in a large measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate (preferably overnight).
2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 to 6 margarita glasses.
3. Strain juice mixture into 1 quart pitcher or cocktail shaker.
4. Add Patron tequila, Triple Sec; stir or shake to combine thoroughly.
5. Pour over ice; serve immediately and enjoy : ).

Reviews

[Chef #271347]

Unfortunately this does not really make a pitcherful of Margaritas. It only serves about 4. It tasted OK, much better than a mix, but when we saw that it wouldn't be enough, we added a can of thawed Bacardi Margarita mix along with a little more than 1/2 can of tequila 1/2 can of Triple Sec. FANTASTIC!!! So much better with these additions. Because these are strong, this quantity was about right for 8 of us. Try this, you won't be disappointed!!!

[dac549]

I only had limes and could only come up with 3/4 cup juice. It was still great! It made 4 drinks. I will make this again and put it up against any bottle mix.