TJ's Margarita Mix (tastes homemade!)

I made a batch by hand for an afternoon party I was hosting — soaking the juice in the zest overnight, etc. — and when I ran out, I subbed this in, and really couldn't tell the difference 🙃

In some states, TJ's can't sell booze and can't/won't sell mixers. I haven't tried it personally, but I've heard that "Simply Limeade" is a good substitute. (I've also seen a lot of people use TJ's Jalapeño Limeade, but that's not my jam).

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If you don't have any of these options, here's the America's Test Kitchen margarita mix recipe to make ahead:

4 tsp grated zest plus 1/2 cup juice from 2-3 med limes (highly recommend getting the right tool for this — I have a microplane that works so well that I cringe when I see people using any of the options that come on their graters). This is my favorite citrus juicer — they make them for limes, lemons, and oranges. I recommend the lemon one because it can still easily handle limes and people who are excited about orange juice typically use a different sort of juicer.

4 tsp grated zest plus 1/2 cup juice from 2-3 med lemons

1/4 cup superfine sugar

pinch salt

2 cup crushed ice

1 cup 100% agave tequila (pref reposado)

1 cup Triple Sec

Combine lime zest & juice, lemon zest & juice, sugar, and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate until flavors meld, 4-24 hours.

Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker.

Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20-60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

This is my favorite cocktail strainer and my favorite double jigger (though some people like more of an oz measuring cup which can make less of a mess).

Pretty sure no one really needs a cocktail stirring spoon, but if you want one, this one has the appeal of being a bit like a magic wand...

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