A proper Margarita is a thing of beauty. Like other classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, it's a wonderfully simple drink.  However, many Margaritas are too strong, watered down, or just messed up.  Stick to the basics.  The history of the Margarita (the earliest versions of it appeared in the 1930s and 1940s) is hazy, but many of the origin stories have a common theme -- an attractive female entertainer.

2 ounces blanco tequila
1 ounce triple sec (I like Cointreau)
Juice from 3/4 lime

Combine in a shaker with ice, shake with the spirit of some south of the border fun, and strain into a chilled margarita glass.  Salt rim optional.

This is simple, right?  The three ingredient combination lends itself to all manner of  variations.  For example, if you want a stronger bite, use more tequila.  You can use Grand Marnier or another triple sec (orange liqueur), but for me Cointreau gives the Margarita a clean and powerful taste.  Whatever you do -- use fresh lime juice.  It's less expensive and tastes much better than the pre-made Margarita mix mierda.

Help bring this staple of cocktail menus everywhere back to its roots.  Viva la Margarita!