The Perfect Margarita: Blanco Tequila Done Right

Most margaritas are a crime scene. Sour mix, cheap triple sec, and a lime wedge that's been sitting in a garnish tray since Tuesday. Here's how to make one that actually tastes like the bottle you paid for.

The ratio

2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave, not mixto). 1 oz fresh lime juice. 0.75 oz agave syrup (1:1). Shake hard with ice, strain over fresh ice, garnish with a lime wheel. That's it. No triple sec needed — the agave syrup does the sweet work without the artificial aftertaste.

Bottle pick

Espolòn Blanco or Fortaleza Blanco if you want to flex. Don Julio Blanco if you want it smooth and easy. Avoid anything labeled "gold" or "reposado" for this — you want the bright, peppery agave front and center.

Salt the rim only if you like it. A Tajín rim is the move — chili-lime, not plain salt. It cuts the sweetness and makes you want another one.