How to Craft an Authentic Italian Margarita

If it’s undeniably true that a Margarita is as perfect as it can be on its own, there is no doubt that many variations can help you achieve new flavor experiences you might have never thought of. Well, this is just the case: we’ve all seen the iconic amaretto liqueur bottle lurking from some old school cabinet in family houses, and now it’s time to add it to your cocktails and pair it with the unique depth of Grand Marnier, for a surprisingly delicious Italian style Margarita.

Mind you, it’s not just a matter of mere patriotism in the name: amaretto liqueur, with its sweetness and notes of almond and apricot, beautifully complements the silky, round body of Grand Marnier, and they both are the perfect protagonists in a match with high quality tequila. You will then only need some fresh lime juice for acidity, and your Italian Margarita will be ready to be enjoyed.

Following are the ingredients you will need for an Italian Margarita:

• 50ml 100% Tequila Blanco such as Espolòn
• 10ml Grand Marnier
• 20ml amaretto liqueur
• 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice

If you want to know how to make an Italian Margarita, here are the key steps you should follow:

• Pre-chill your shaker by stirring a few good quality ice cubes in it; then remove the ice and excess water;
• Pre-chill a cocktail glass by storing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving, or filling it up with ice while concocting the cocktail;
• Add all the ingredients in the shaker;
• Add more good quality ice cubes and shake vigorously;
• Strain into the pre-chilled cocktail glass

To achieve the best Italian Margarita recipe, try adopting some, or all of the suggestions that follow, to elevate your drinking experience:

• The older, the better: Being a creamy, voluptuous cocktail, Italian Margarita should call for a base spirit tending towards a more complex, rich side. Try to experiment with different aged tequilas, starting from the regular blanco, and then laddering up to some reposado: a longer ageing implies a rounder and a tad woodier feel, just what you need for the perfect sipping experience.
• Watch your balance: Both amaretto liqueur and Grand Marnier impart the sweet element to the Italian Margarita. Depending on your personal taste, you could choose to augment or reduce one or the other, until you find your ideal solution: for a fruitier sip try a drop more of amaretto, while do the same with Grand Marnier if you are looking for a deeper, more luxurious structure. Regardless from your choice, make sure the sweetness is not overpowering.

Silky, smooth, sweet: an Italian Margarita is definitely better enjoyed as an after dinner drink, and leaves very interesting margin for some food pairing. If you want to keep it Italian, try a spoonful of tiramisù, intriguing companion with its coffee presence. Amaretto biscuits are obviously a safe choice, but don’t rest on your comfort zone: a rich platter of cheeses can really take your experience on a different level.