Leave the sour apple martinis to professionals (or better yet, just leave them). The best cocktails can be mastered at home. We asked Kim Hassarud, author of "101 Margaritas," to deconstruct the classic. The key to the perfect margarita isn't just rocks and salt. For Hassarud, it starts with 100% agave tequila and fresh lime juice--no mixes.
2 oz. Gran Centenario Plata tequila
(or another 100% pure agave tequila)
1 oz. Cointreau (for more richness, opt for Grand Marnier)
1 oz. fresh lime juice (about one lime)
½ oz. fresh lemon juice (half a lemon)
1 oz. simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar,
simmered then cooled)
Add contents and ice to a cocktail shaker; shake hard.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, straight up or over ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
