Secrets to the Perfect Margarita
Our bartenders share their tips for balancing the perfect blend of tequila, lime, and agave for a refreshing summer drink.
Ask anyone in Forest Grove where to find a great margarita and you will hear La Sierra. We have been pouring them since 2000, and after tens of thousands of glasses our bartenders have a few simple rules that separate a real margarita from a sweet mess. The good news is most of them work at home too.
Start With Real Lime Juice
The single biggest secret is fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice tastes flat and slightly metallic because the oils break down over time. We squeeze limes to order through happy hour and into the evening. Fresh juice has a bright acidity that wakes up the tequila instead of hiding it. If you try one thing from this article, make it fresh lime.
Balance Sweet, Sour and Strong
A margarita is a balance of three things. Strong tequila, sour lime, and a little sweet to tie them together. We use a house made margarita mix built around agave and citrus, not corn syrup, so the sweetness supports the tequila instead of drowning it. The ratio we like is roughly two parts tequila to one part lime to one part sweet, then adjust to taste. Too sweet and it tastes like candy. Too sour and it puckers. You want to taste the agave from the tequila on the finish.
Choose the Right Tequila
Tequila is the soul of the drink. For a House Margarita we use a solid blanco that lets the lime shine. For the Cadillac Margarita we reach for top shelf tequila with a float of Grand Marnier for a richer, smoother finish. If you want to splurge, the Millionaires Margarita uses Patron and is worth every penny. You can see our full tequila list on the drinks page and pick the expression you like best.
The Salt, the Glass and the Garnish
A salted rim is not just tradition. A little salt makes the lime taste brighter and the tequila smoother. We salt to order. For something different, try our Mangonada with a chamoy and Tajin rim, or the Jalapeno Margarita if you want heat. Garnish simply with a lime wheel. A margarita should look clean, not like a fruit salad.
Come Taste the Difference
Reading about balance is one thing. Tasting it is another. Stop by La Sierra, order online for pickup, or join us for happy hour from 2 PM to 5 PM daily when margaritas are $7. Bring friends, order the LS Rita Flight to taste three at once, and decide for yourself which one is perfect. Our bartenders are happy to talk tequila and pour you exactly what you are in the mood for.
