Best Fresh Margaritas by the Pitcher

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!

• Ready In: 24 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 1 quart

Ingredients

• 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 : ).