Ina Garten’s Unexpected Advice For An Upgraded Margarita

In an episode of her series “Barefoot Contessa,” Ina Garten gave a few unconventional pointers to perfecting a margarita, including using a little lemon and a lighter tequila.

While the chef’s recipe still calls for a good amount of limes (about five), Garten also adds the juice of one lemon into the mix, adding “more depth of flavor” to her margaritas.

Incorporating a bit of lemon juice into your lime base can help mellow the lime juice’s bitterness — and add a hint of lemony flavor. To kick up the sweetness, use a Meyer lemon.

Garten also prefers using blanco tequila as the shorter aging time gives clear tequila a sharper, almost citrus taste that goes perfectly with cocktails like margaritas.