Margarita Perfecta

The feminine form of perfecto -- a double-tapered cigar from the nineteenth century -- perfecta is also a paramutual bet that combines various elements into a common pool. Thus, it's a fitting and symbolic name I gave to a rather simplistic yet exacting margarita.

by Richard Carleton Hacker

Its secret lies in substituting Grand Marnier for Cointreau, but not just any Grand Marnier; I use Grand Marnier Cuvée du cent-cinquantenaire, their 150th anniversary bottling made by blending oranges with 50-year-old cognacs, produces a much deeper and lingering flavor.

The Recipe

• 2 ounces Patrón Silver tequila
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier Cuvée du cent-cinquantenaire
• 1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled glass, straight up.
Leave off the salt -- it will only taint this perfect trilogy — and garnish with a wedge of lime, which you can then squeeze into the tequila to fine-tune the citrus intensity as it plays against the Patrón.