Classic Margarita

I'm not much of a drinker. But now and then I'm in the mood for a Margarita--always on the rocks. This recipe reflects my reluctance to buy some Triple Sec or Margarita mix since it would take years to use it up at my rate of imbibing.

I have to explain my Margarita motivations. Once I went to Garduno's Mexican food restaurant. I asked for a Margarita. The waitress wondered what kind I wanted--premium, super-premium or whatever. I asked about the difference between the choices. She said the expensive ones were "smooth." I replied, "If I wanted smooth, why would I be drinking Tequila?"

A Margarita is supposed to be sort of rough, by my way of thinking. This recipe has just enough of that.

Serves one drink each for two people.

Put these in a small bowl:

• 1 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
• zest from 1/2 orange (optional: substitute some lime zest but don't replace all the orange zest). About 1 tsp.
• 2 Tbsp tequila (or vodka)

Microwave for 30 secs and set aside to steep for as much as 30 min. (Or sooner if you are in a hurry.) These add the bite to the drink with the bitterness in the zest.

In a measuring cup add together:

• 1 cup tequila (I used Milago Silver brand.)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (the juice of two limes if they are big enough)
• 1/3 cup corn syrup (or 1/2 cup white sugar)

When the steeping is over, strain the orange stuff into the measuring cup with the above ingredients. (I used a tea strainer.)

Note that if the ingredients are not room temperature or if you skip the ice, there will not be enough melted ice in the drink. In that case you will need to add a small amount of water to keep the flavors under control.

Prepare the two glasses by getting the rim wet with lemon or lime juice and then coat with coarse salt. (Regular salt works, too.)

Fill the glasses with ice cubes. Stir the liquid well and pour carefully into the glasses making sure not to mess up the salt stuck to the rim.

Drink and enjoy.