Classic Margarita - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 ounces tequila
2 ounces Cointreau liqueur, triple sec or 2 ounces another favorite orange-flavored liqueur
2 ounces fresh lime juice, takes about 2 limes
1 teaspoon simple syrup or 1/2 teaspoon sugar
lime, rounds (to garnish)

Preparation

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake for 30 seconds. Set aside.
Place a lime round into the base of a salt-rimmed martini glass.
Shake the margarita 15 seconds more, then strain into glasses.
Serve immediately.
If ice is desired place a lime round into the base of a highball glass, fill halfway with ice and pour margarita over the top.
*SIMPLE SYRUP: Easy to make. Take one part sugar and one part water, bring it to a boil, stir to dissolve and cool. Can be made as far in advance as you like, just store it in the fridge.