From Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, two recipes for real margaritas. Her blog and cookbooks are always worth consulting when searching for great American recipes.
For one
2 ounces silver (or blanco) 100% agave tequila
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
simple syrup, to taste
ice cubes or crushed ice
1 to 2 fresh lime wedges
coarse salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
If you like a salt-rimmed glass, moisten the rim of your glass with a lime wedge. Then turn the glass over and dip into a small plate of coarse salt.
Pour tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into glass. Add simple syrup, according to your preference of sweetness. I usually add about 1 teaspoon per drink. Give the drink a quick stir and then fill glass with ice. Squeeze a wedge or two of fresh lime over the top and then add the wedges to the drink. Promptly enjoy!
For a crowd (12 margaritas)
3 cups silver (or blanco) 100% agave tequila
1 1/2 cups Cointreau
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
simple syrup to taste
ice cubes or crushed ice
12 to 24 fresh lime wedges
coarse salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
About 1 hour before guests are to arrive, measure tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into a small pitcher. Give it a stir and then place in the refrigerator to chill.
As you are creating margaritas for individual guests, moisten the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and then dip rims in a small plate of coarse salt, for those who prefer a salt-crusted rim. Then pour 1/2 cup of your chilled premix into each glass, followed by simple syrup (a little or a lot, depending on each guest’s preference), and give a little stir. Fill with ice almost to the top of each glass, and then squeeze another small lime wedge over the top of each drink for those who like a little extra pucker. Hand off to your guests to enjoy.
Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Prepare simple syrup up to a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a covered jar or container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Use to sweeten any of your favorite beverages.