Cinco de Mayo (a way fun way of saying ‘the 5th of May’) is this Sunday so it’s only fitting that my bi-weekly cocktail series should feature the classic Marrrgarrrita! Mexican food is one of my all time faves; tacos, burritos, and churros, oh my! The best spot for Mexican in Toronto has to be Playa Cabana. We have been regulars there since it opened a couple of years ago (there is now a second location) and it never disappoints. Their classic margarita is pretty killer too so I decided to take a stab at a homemade version. It was potent, refreshing, and the perfect way to top off a long week, but nothing beats the frenzied atmosphere of a bustling little restaurant churning out crazy fresh guac and Mexican beats.

You’ll need:

– 1 1/2 oz. silver tequila (I like Patron, Avion, or Tromba)

– 3/4 oz. Cointreau

– 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice

– 3/4 oz. simple syrup (recipe here)

– ice

– coarse salt for glass rim (optional)

– extra limes cut in to wedges for garnish (optional)

– cocktail shaker

Now what?:

– take two small shallow dishes and pour a couple of spoonfuls of water in one and shake coarse salt out in the other

– holding your cocktail glass upside down, dunk the rim first in the dish of water and then in the dish of salt to create a salty edge, add ice cubes if you desire and set aside.

– pour tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup into your cocktail shaker

– add ice, cover and shake  for 1 minute (feel free to take this opportunity to do your favourite Beyoncé choreography)

– strain into salt-rimmed glass and garnish with lime wedge. Olé!

Having a party? This recipe yields a cocktail for one, but margaritas are way more fun with friends! If you want to serve a group (or make a whole pitcher after a particularly tough work week), then use these simple guidelines: 2 parts tequila, 1 part Cointreau, 1 part lime juice, 1 part simple syrup.

Féliz Cinco de Mayo!

xo Ali