Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo -- and beyond

Try one of these recipes for either classic or unusual margaritas -- perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party, a summer weekend taco party, or many other occasions one can create around these tasty drinks.

Blood Orange Margarita with Ginger (pictured)

1. 4 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
2. 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh blood-orange juice
3. 3 tablespoons tequila
4. 1 tablespoon Cointreau
5. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
6. Lime slice, for

Put the grated ginger in a small sieve set over a small bowl and press to extract the juice. Combine the ginger juice with the orange juice, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with the lime slice and serve. (Makes one drink)

Classic Margarita

1. 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
2. 3/4 ounce triple sec
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4. 1/2 tablespoon Simple Syrup (optional)
5. Ice
6. Lime slices and salted rim, for garnish

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into chilled, stemmed glass. (Makes one drink)

Blackberry-Mint Margarita

1. 8 blackberries, 2 skewered on a pick
2. Ice
3. 10 mint leaves
4. 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
5. 1 ounce fresh lime juice
6. 1 ounce simple syrup

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 of the berries. Add ice, the mint, tequila, lime juice and Simple Syrup; shake well. Pour into a rocks glass; top with the 2 berries. (Makes one drink)

Source: Food and Wine Magazine