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Dirty Margarita

A quick and savory tequila cocktail balanced with fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and olive brine, served in a salt-rimmed glass.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 168
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces silver tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • 0.5 ounce olive brine
  • Kosher salt for rimming the glass
  • 2 to 3 pitted green olives for garnish
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: lime wheel for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with tight-fitting lid
  • Jigger or measuring shot glass for accurate portions
  • Bar strainer or fine-mesh strainer
  • Cocktail glass or coupe glass chilled in the freezer
  • Mixing spoon or bar spoon
  • Small plate or shallow dish for salt rim
  • Citrus juicer or hand juicer for fresh lime juice
  • Paring knife for lime wheel garnish

Method
 

  1. Chill the cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Moisten the rim of the chilled glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into kosher salt to coat evenly.
  3. Fill the cocktail shaker or mason jar three-quarters full with ice cubes.
  4. Pour 2 ounces of silver tequila into the shaker using a jigger.
  5. Add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  6. Add 0.5 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec to the shaker.
  7. Add 0.5 ounce of olive brine to the shaker.
  8. Secure the lid and shake the mixture vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts over.
  9. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice using a bar strainer.
  10. Garnish with 2 to 3 pitted green olives on a pick and add an optional lime wheel, then serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately while ice-cold. Adjust olive brine or salt rim to taste.