This is such a simple drink, it is a shame that there are so many odd variations out there. The trick to this drink is to use a quality lemon, such as Meyer. The standard American lemon is too sour for this drink. Also, cognac is often suggested as an ingredient, but a good French brandy such as St. Remy XO works equally well, if not better. I find that the smaller chipped ice works better than cubes, but use whatever you have in the freezer. If you opt for the sugar-rimmed glass, use superfine sugar for the best results. Cheers!

Reviewed On: Sep. 15, 2012

Pity the poor Margarita. The original concoction was a relative of the Sidecar: brandy, Cointreau & lemon juice served in sugar rimmed glass. The Margarita substituted tequila, with lime and salt being the traditional accompaniments. Then the mongrelization began. When I came upon the Margarita in the 70’s, it had been reduced to cheap tequila, bar mix and a pound of ice to be processed in a blender: an adult Slurpee. Follow the above recipe as if your life depended on it. Use a quality tequila, Cointreau and fresh squeezed lime juice. Triple Sec has always been used by bars as a cheap substitute for Cointreau, but they don’t taste the same. As far as turnbot’s use of an eggwhite, you are on your own. A Margarita is a cocktail, not the breakfast of champions.

Reviewed On: Aug. 19, 2012

Do not reduce the olive oil or increase the lemon juice. Safad's vinaigrette is perfect. Just whisk the garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in a separate bowl and pour over the chopped ingredients. Do not use canned tomatoes or mushrooms in this salad. They will introduce textural problems. And don't leave out the cumin. It adds a nice note to the flavor profile. This is an excellent recipe!

Reviewed On: Mar. 12, 2012