The ideal margarita recipe ratio: 3-2-1? 1-1-1?? The only way to find out is to mix up a batch of margaritas and taste for yourself! But some of the best recipes include more than just the standard tequila, orange liqueur/triple sec and lime juice…

Liquid assets: Margarita Makeovers

What makes a good margarita? That’s easy: high-quality tequila, fresh lime juice and orange liqueur.

(If you really want to geek out about the formula, the International Bartenders Association defines the ratio as 7:4:3 — 50 percent tequila, 29 percent Cointreau triple sec and 21 percent fresh lime or lemon juice.)

Frozen or on the rocks, the margarita has become one of America’s favorite cocktails.

But what makes a great margarita? There is no perfect recipe, but bartenders and tequila connoisseurs agree it’s all in the fresh ingredients.

You can read the full article as well as more Margarita Makeovers at the StarTribune.com

JJ’S Winning Margarita

Note: Denver bartender J.J. Ahern won a cocktail contest in Mexico with this recipe.

  • 11/2 oz. (3 tbsp.) Olmeca Altos Silver tequila
  • 1/2 oz. (1 tbsp.) fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) coconut water
  • 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) cinnamon- infused tangerine juice
  • 3/4 oz. (11/2 tbsp.) ginger-peach juice
  • 3/4 oz. (11/2 tbsp.) agave syrup (nectar)
  • Cinnamon-sugar
  • Sliced white peaches
  • Peeled and sliced fresh ginger

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add tequila, lime juice, coconut water, tangerine and ginger-peach juices and agave syrup. Shake well. Strain into an ice-filled glass rimmed with cinnamon-sugar. Garnish with peach and ginger slices.

More recipes at the StarTribune.com

Give it a try and tell us what you think in teh comments below…