A Brief History Of The Margarita
The origins of the Margarita cocktail are somewhat ambiguous, with multiple stories and theories surrounding its inception. However, the most recognized tale suggests that it was first crafted in Mexico during the 1930s or 1940s.
One popular account credits Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender in Tijuana, Mexico, with creating the Margarita. In 1938, he reportedly made this drink for a customer named Marjorie King, who could not tolerate most spirits aside from tequila. Herrera mixed tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, serving it over ice in a glass rimmed with salt, and named it after Marjorie, whose nickname was “Margarita.”
Another narrative places the Margarita’s roots in Acapulco during the 1940s, where socialite Margarita Sames supposedly created the cocktail for her guests, blending tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a refreshing drink.
Regardless of its true origin, the Margarita has blossomed into one of the most popular and cherished cocktails globally. Its classic mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur is often served in a salt-rimmed glass, inspiring numerous variations and flavors.
The Grand Margarita
One of the most luxurious variations is The Grand Margarita. This cocktail elevates the Margarita to a new level, featuring Grand Marnier, a cognac-based orange liqueur. This refreshing drink artfully balances the sour notes of lime with the herbal nuances of tequila. The unique blend of oaked cognac and bitter orange essence found in Grand Marnier (established in 1880) creates a smooth and harmonious experience, infusing the traditional Margarita with richness, character, and a pronounced orange flavor.
Grand Marnier contributes sumptuous notes of toffee, oak, and hazelnut, combined with the aromatic Bigardia oranges known for their bright, zesty character. This sophisticated combination enhances The Grand Margarita, distinguishing it from the classic by offering a more balanced flavor profile.
Ultimately, the quality of the ingredients plays a crucial role; pairing Espolon Tequila with Grand Marnier elevates The Grand Margarita, introducing complexity through the cognac notes and the bitterness of the oranges.
Ingredients
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Method
- Fill a wide, shallow dish with 2-3 mm of fine salt.
- Cut a lime in half horizontally, and rub the lime around half of the rim of a margarita glass. Slice a thin crosswise piece from one of the lime halves for garnish.
- Hold the glass upside down and dip the wet rim into the salt gently.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine Grand Marnier, Espolon tequila, and lime juice with ice. Shake well, strain into the prepared glass, and add the lime garnish. Now you are ready to savor the ultimate Grand Margarita.
Win 1 of 4 Grand Marnier Cocktail Kits To Make The Ultimate Margarita
Ape to Gentleman has partnered with Grand Marnier to give away 1 of 4 cocktail-making kits:
- Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
- Espolon tequila
- Bespoke Grand Marnier shaker
- Bespoke Grand Marnier jigger
- Bespoke Grand Marnier juicer
Win 1 Of 4 Grand Marnier Cocktail Making Kits And Serve The Grand Margarita
A paid partnership with Grand Marnier – words and opinion are Ape’s own
