By michael vivar
The popularity of the margarita has many people taking credit for it. One possible creator was Margarita Sames, a Dallas socialite who first made the drink when entertaining guests at her Acapulco, Mexico home around 1945.
The strongest claim can be made by Francisco "Pancho" Morales. He reportedly first mixed a margarita in Juarez, Mexico on July 4, 1942. He then moved to the United States, became a citizen and spent the rest of his career as a milkman.
What's not in dispute is that the margarita is the most popular cocktail in the US. Using just tequila, triple sec and lime juice, it's easy to make and gets the job done of improving people's moods.
Connoisseurs of tequila will attest that the effects of the spirit can sneak up on a person. For an alternative with all the piquant flavor but no possibility of accidentally overindulging, here's a recipe for a virgin margarita mocktail.
5 cups limeade 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt A small cocktail plate of coarse salt 2 cups club soda
In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine limeade, fresh-squeezed orange juice, fresh lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until salt is dissolved.
Top with club soda. The mixture can be stored for up to three days in a refrigerator. Add ice to the pitcher or punch bowl when ready to serve.
Salt the rim of a glass by first rubbing a lime wedge on the diameter then dipping it in the plate of coarse salt. A traditional margarita glass, martini glass or rocks glass can be used depending on what's available.
Pour virgin margarita into glasses as guests request so their drink remains cold as possible. Garnish with lime wedge. Additional fruits and herbs can be added to enhance flavor.
On particularly hot days, a frozen margarita is a nice, cooling treat. Pour the mixture into a blender with 1 cup ice. Pulse blend until desired slushiness is attained.
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