A great margarita can change your life. One did for me anyway: I was on my friend Lorenzo’s boat off the coast of Mexico, serving him one of my signature margaritas, when we decided to open a Mexican restaurant together. Was it that perfect blend of tangy lime, sweet agave, and good Mexican tequila that sealed the deal? Who knows? Either way, that drink is now a favorite at our restaurant, Copita Tequileria y Comida in Sausalito, California.

Margaritas are my specialty, but I like to offer an array of refreshing, summery cocktails when I have people over. The bittersweet Negroni (a blend of dry gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari) and the daiquiri (the real deal—a crisp mix of citrus, rum, and simple syrup—not frozen or from a machine) both fit the bill. Served over ice, any of them is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. Boat optional.

Need to Know

Shake cocktails that contain thick mixers.If you’re making a margarita, daiquiri, or any cocktail that combines spirits with syrup, dairy, creamy liqueur, or egg whites, you’ll need the agitation from shaking to properly blend the ingredients.

Stir cocktails with clear components.当混合所有精神（例如Negroni）或使用透明的搅拌机（如苏打水或补品水）等烈酒时，搅拌是混合成分所需的所有搅拌。亚搏手机版官方

Strain out the ice after shaking or stirring.The agitation from stirring or shaking has started to melt and chip the ice, so leaving it in will dilute the cocktail too much. I like a hawthorne strainer (shown above), which has large enough openings to allow for free pouring and a spring to strain the cocktail while keeping the strainer in place over the shaker’s opening. (The strainers that are built into many cocktail shakers are adequate, but their narrow openings slow pouring.)

Use simple garnishes that complement and enhance the cocktails’ flavor.We taste with our eyes before our mouths, so cocktails should look pretty. For the margarita, daiquiri, and negroni, simplicity and elegance are key. use a citrus wheel, wedge, or twist.

Home Bar Essentials

• Cocktail shaker and Hawthorne-style cocktail strainer
• Long-handled bar spoon
• Citrus juicer or reamer