Classic Margarita

1. 1Rub a lime wedge around the outside of half the glass rim, then roll that half in flaky salt. Salting only half lets the drinker choose, and keeping it on the outside stops salt falling in and oversalting the drink.
2. 2Chill the glass in the freezer while you mix.
3. 3Fill a shaker two-thirds with ice and add the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Use bottled lime juice and you'll taste it immediately — the fresh stuff is not optional here.
4. 4Shake hard for 12–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is painfully cold and frosted. You're chilling, diluting and aerating all at once, and under-shaking leaves it harsh.
5. 5Taste from a straw. If your limes were especially sharp, add the agave syrup and give it one more short shake.
6. 6Strain into the chilled glass — over fresh ice if you like it longer, or straight up if you don't. Never pour in the shaker ice; it's already half melted and will keep diluting.
7. 7Garnish with the lime wedge and drink it cold.

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