Rio Grande in Fort Collins

Bill and I had an opportunity for a quick meet-up and shot up to Fort Collins for a few hours.  We took full advantage of our time by visiting some of my favorite places when I was there 25+ years back.  

One of those was Rio Grande known for its strong margaritas!

I always appreciated how clear their classic margarita was as well.  We inquired on its ingredients and learned this classic margarita actually doesn't contain lime juice.  Their fancier margaritas do. 

The other notable thing was the weather.  It snowed throughout our trip to the Fort and was cold!

Great Pitcher of Margarita Recipe

Here's a proven recipe for whipping up a pitcher of real margarita's on the fly.

2 cups of tequila - reduce to 1.5 cups if you don't want them quite as strong
1 cup of triple-sec
3/4 cup sweetened lime juice
3 cups of ice

To make it early put in all of the ingredients except the ice.  Then stir and refrigerate.  When ready to serve add the ice, stir again and enjoy! 

Getting Ready for Dad's Visit Next Week! Margie Style

Limes - Check
Orange Liqueur- Check
Good Tequila - Check

 

Tequila Mockingbird

I did a comparison test of tequilas. On the right, my usual brand: 1800 Reposada. Good stuff, 100% agave, and $29 for 750 ml locally. On the left, Cabo Wabo anejo, also 100% agave and $46 for 750 ml locally.

On the rocks: the 1800 is pretty smooth, the Cabo far smoother.
In a margarita: same thing. 1800 a fine drink using my recipe below.
Cabo Wabo: a better and truly outstanding drink.

My judgement: for daily use, the 1800 is the one to use. If you just want deluxe, go the other way. You can of course pay more than $46 and probably get even better.

My margarita recipe:

1.5 ounces tequila
3 ounces Jose Cuervo Margarita mix.
.5 ounces Grand Marnier

Shake it up and serve over the rocks in a highball glass with salted rim.
Or strain into a margarita glass with salted rim.

Summer of the Margarita Continues!

Here are Erin, Steph, Bill and I continuing to celebrate the Summer of the Margarita!

These are the "super premium" versions featuring Corzo Silver tequila

and Cointreau liquor. Good...but strong. One is plenty!

Summer of the Margarita!!!

A few weeks ago we were at a 4th of July party where frozen margaritas were served. That got me thinking and I realized that while I have had several "real" margaritas over the years I had never personally made one. The best margarita I've ever had was at Rio Grande in Fort Collins...It looks like the place has now expanded to multiple locations throughout Colorado.

Anyway - I researched the ingredients I'd need - which are simple but not quite as simple as Cuervo tequila dumped into Cuervo Margarita Mix (aka - lime flavored high fructose corn syrup (ingredient list below)). Three things are needed: tequila, Cointreau (or triple sec - I haven't been able to find the actual Contreau brand yet) and limes.


These are the ingredients/brands I used for my first batches of margarita. I followed the guidance of 3:2:1 - meaning three portions of tequila, two portions of triple sec and one portion of fresh squeezed lime juice.

Enjoy the summer of the margarita!

Cuervo Margarita Mix IngredientsJose Cuervo mix: Water, high fructose corn syrup and/or sugar, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (to preserve flavor), cellulose gum, polysorbate 60, gum arabic, glycerol abietate and FD&C Yellow No. 5