Margaritas (by the pitcher!)

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a celebration to mark the victory of the Mexican Army over invading French forces in the 1860's.  It's celebrated more in America than it is in Mexico, in no small part due to the marketing efforts of major beer companies.  Any occasion to have chips, salsa and margaritas works for me so we always have a little celebration! Tonight I will be making chicken fajitas.

I enjoy having cocktails to serve guests but I don't enjoy having to take the time to mix one drink at a time.  I would rather spend time with my guests than playing bartender.  My solution is to make drink mixes ahead of time, so that all that needs to be done is add ice and garnish. Much easier! This margarita recipe makes a big pitcher, easily enough for 10-12 people. I wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and salt, add ice, the mix, and a splash of Grand Marnier. The fresh citrus juice in these margaritas make them so much better than bottled mixes. Yum!  It's the perfect drink for your Cinco de Mayo, or any other, celebration!

Make-Ahead Margaritas

6 cups tequila
2 1/2 cups triple sec
2 1/2 cups fresh lime juice
2 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
2 cups simple syrup**

Mix all ingredients together in a gallon container.  Refrigerate until chilled.  When ready to serve, pour mixture into a glass (salted rim is best!) filled with ice.  Top with a splash of Grand Marnier, if desired.  Garnish with a lime wedge.  Enjoy!

**Simple syrup

Combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in small saucepan.  Stir until dissolved.  Bring to a boil.  Let cool.

If you do a lot of citrus juicing, an electric juicer is the only way to go!