PERFECT MARGARITAS

Perfect Margaritas image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Yield 6 margaritas

Number Of Ingredients 15

Lime wedges, for the glasses and garnish
Coarse salt or flavored salt, for the glasses (recipe follows)
12 ounces silver tequila
6 ounces fresh lime juice
3 ounces orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
3 tablespoons superfine sugar
3 oranges
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt
4 limes
Kosher salt
Large pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
3 tablespoons kosher salt

Steps:

Moisten the rim of 6 rocks glasses with a lime wedge or water, then dip each glass in coarse salt.
In a pitcher, combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add ice just before serving. Divide among the prepared glasses.
Grate the orange zest onto a microwave-safe paper towel-lined plate. Microwave until the zest is dry, tossing every 30 seconds, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Transfer the dried zest to a spice grinder along with the smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Process until combined, then mix with 1 1/2 tablespoons more kosher salt.
Grate the lime zest onto a microwave-safe paper towel-lined plate. Microwave until the zest is dry, tossing every 30 seconds, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Transfer the dried zest to a spice grinder along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Process until combined, then mix with the cayenne, sugar and 1 more tablespoon salt.
Using a spice grinder, process the hibiscus flowers until powdery, then mix with the kosher salt.