Prepare the Glass:

1. Create Salt Rim: Pour coarse salt onto a small shallow plate, spreading evenly. Take a lime wedge and run it around half the rim of your glass (some prefer full rim, but half allows option to drink with or without salt). Dip the moistened rim into salt, rotating to coat evenly. Tap off excess. Set aside.
2. Add Ice to Glass: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice cubes. Set aside.

Make the Margarita:

3. Juice Fresh Limes: Cut limes in half and juice to get 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of fresh juice. Strain out seeds if desired.
4. Add Ingredients to Shaker: Fill cocktail shaker about ¾ full with ice. Add tequila (2 ounces), fresh lime juice (1 ounce), and orange liqueur (¾ ounce).
5. Shake Vigorously: Seal shaker tightly and shake hard for 10-15 seconds until the outside becomes frosty cold. The vigorous shaking properly chills the drink and provides essential dilution for smooth balance.
6. Taste and Adjust (Optional): If you want to check balance, strain a tiny bit into a spoon. Too tart? Add ¼ ounce more orange liqueur or simple syrup. Too sweet? Add a squeeze more lime. Perfect margaritas balance sweet and tart.

Serve:

7. Strain into Glass: Strain the margarita over the ice in your prepared salt-rimmed glass. The drink should be cold, clear, and beautifully balanced.
8. Garnish: Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim for visual appeal.
9. Serve Immediately: Margaritas are best enjoyed fresh while ice-cold and flavors are bright.

For “Up” (No Ice in Glass): Skip adding ice to the glass. After shaking, strain into chilled martini or coupe glass. Elegant presentation!

For Frozen Margarita: Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and 1 cup ice in blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into salt-rimmed glass.