My quest for the best margaritas ⋆ Witch Crafts of Salem, VA

Many moons ago, when I worked as journalist at our daily newspaper, I spearheaded one of the most important projects of my career: The Quest for the Best Margarita.

For one summer, our small group of writers and editors met at local restaurants to taste the best our little city had to offer. Yes, our collective mission was to help our readers find the tastiest margarita in town. But the BEST outcome was bringing our team together for some relaxed conversation. Never forget the function of a good cocktail: In moderation, they help bring us together. Those summer evenings were hilarious — and are still some of my favorite memories at the newspaper.

In the end, we had a tie for the highest-scoring margaritas: One from a (long-closed) local Mexican restaurant and … in a huge shocker … the Italian Margarita at the OLIVE GARDEN, of all places. We hated ourselves for loving it so much … but it’s a good drink.

Our final part of the quest was a party at my little condo, where we taste-tested two different recipes. Our tasters agreed they are both excellent to make at home. To this day, I still Google my newspaper story from 2006 to find the recipes whenever I need them.

I consider them both “Midnight Margaritas,” a la my favorite scene in “Practical Magic.” (I even make glow-in-the-dark necklaces inspired by the movie.)

My “Midnight Margarita” charm necklace, which actually glows green in the dark!

The recipes are below … and I make them both, but for very different audiences: (1) Fresh Margaritas for when you have MORE time and fewer people and (2) Mambo Margaritas for when you have MORE people, but less time.

1.FRESH MARGARITAS (When you have MORE time and fewer people)

The first “Fresh Margaritas” recipe comes from “The America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook.” These Cooks Illustrated test cooks, who approach recipes like experimenting scientists, learned a few key lessons: Use reposado tequila, triple sec for the orange flavor, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: Add a punch of citrusy flavor by steeping the grated zest of limes and lemons in their juices for up to 24 hours.

Because the flavor really sets overnight, I consider these “Midnight Margaritas” to serve with close friends and family members.

Fresh Margaritas
Makes about one quart, serving 4 to 6

4 tsp. grated zest plus ^1/₂ cup juice from 2 or 3 medium limes
4 tsp. grated zest plus ^1/₂ cup juice from 2 or 3 medium lemons
^1/₄ cup superfine sugar
Pinch of salt
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup 100-percent agave tequila, preferably reposado
1 cup triple sec

1. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, four to 24 hours.

2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, triple sec and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

Source: “The America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook”

2. MAMBO MARGARITAS (When you have MORE people, but less time)

This one is so easy to whip up … just use ONE CAN of each ingredient. This could also be considered a “Midnight Margarita,” especially if it’s midnight and you need a margarita QUICK.

Mambo Margaritas

Makes 1 ^1/₂ quarts