Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt for rim
- 1½ ounces Sauza Commemorativo
- ½ ounce E&J or Presidente brandy
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, brandy, orange liqueur, lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
Variations and Substitutions
Although the Presidente margarita calls for specific ingredients, if some are outside of your budget or you simply can't find them, rest assured you can still enjoy this margarita with a few easy swaps.
- If you can't locate the Sauza Commemorativo tequila, any añejo tequila will suffice without losing the spirit of the cocktail.
- Should you be unable to locate the Presidente brandy, any mid-range brandy will work just as well.
- For a slightly sweeter flavor, add additional simple syrup, to taste.
- Add extra lime or lemon juice if you want your margarita to have a tarter flavor.
- A splash of freshly squeezed orange juice adds a whisper of bright citrus notes.
- Swap agave or honey for simple syrup.
Garnishes
Just because the Presidente margarita calls for a lime wedge doesn't mean you're limited to this choice.
- Opt for a lime wheel or slice instead of a wedge.
- For a colorful look, use a lemon or orange. These can be a wedge, wheel, or slice.
- Citrus can also be used in the form of a peel or ribbon for added color without altering any flavors.
- Dehydrated citrus wheels also offer a similar option while adding an eccentric touch.
- Skip the salt rim in favor of a sweeter sugar rim. However, a rim can be skipped entirely if you don't want it.
About the Presidente Margarita
The classic margarita has slowly morphed over the past hundred years or so, starting as a riff on the brandy daisy to become the modern margarita available today. The Presidente margarita finds a middle ground between the original riff and the contemporary margarita.
The original brandy daisy called for gum syrup, curaçao, lemon juice, and brandy, while the first margarita called for the same recipe with tequila in place of brandy. Today, the Presidente margarita opts for añejo tequila instead of silver, along with the smooth, caramel notes of brandy to round out the taste.
Brandy may seem an unusual addition to a tequila margarita. Still, Chili's quickly popularized this drink, proving to the masses that brandy more than belongs in this illustrious cocktail.
New World Margarita
Whether you enjoy brandy or tequila more, the Presidente margarita doesn't make you choose. With the splash of brandy, this margarita breathes new life into the regular rotation of margarita choices.
