Margarita -
1. Good tequila (no generic labels or plastic bottles)
2. Fresh limes and oranges
3. Ice
4. Bar cup with lid (for shaking)
Squeeze limes (5) and a full orange into the bar cup. Slice one lime and optionally orange into wheels and wedges and set aside. Add 2 oz. tequila and ice to bar cup. Shake (don't forget lid...this gets harder the 4th and 5th time around
). If a salt rim is wanted rub used lime squeeze on rim of your drinking glass and dip glass into salt. Shake mixing cup again and then pour everything directly into glass. Garnish with sliced lime and/or orange.
Do's and Don'ts:
1. Do use good tequila. Life is too short to drink cheap stuff. The better the tequila the better the buzz and less of hangover
2. Don't blend. This waters everything down and ruins the drink.
3. Do use fresh fruit. Avoid bottled lime juices (sweet & sour) unless you are making for a large crowd. Then at least doctor up with fresh fruit.
4. Do use fresh oranges. This is better and cheaper than orange liqueurs (Grand Marnier) and adds less sugar (another hangover component)
Don't be afraid to be creative. Enjoy.