Now You See Me: Make Your Own Clarified Margarita Cocktail

Cocktails are on the rise but some fan favourites will never go out of style. The Margarita is one of them. The classic cocktail has been the drink of choice for many a boozy brunch and girl's nights in and is beloved for its versatility and can be made unique with small fruity additions to suit any taste. 

The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim, California has been making waves on social media with its signature cocktail the ‘Now You See Me, Now You Don’t’, which is a clear drink that is crafted with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Bols Triple Sec, and Clarified Lime Juice served over ice with a salted rim for a drink that looks innocuous but packs a punch. The cocktail was named the Best Cocktail In America in 2022. 

Also Read: Margarita Cocktail: If Life Gives You Lime, Make Margarita

According to mixologist and creator of the cocktail, Cristina Smith, the secret is the in the lime juice which has been clarified using agar-agar and temperature-specific cooking techniques. “The result is a juice that is not only clear but the “bite” aspect has been tamed. In essence, we have removed some of the tannins, thus removing the mouth-drying, astringent component.” The result is a drink that has a “beautiful harmony of Blanco tequila, triple sec, clarified lime and a touch of sweetener.”

Netizens however are confused by the creation, claiming that the recipe sounds more like a clarified margarita than an original cocktail. And that of course begs the question, what is a clarified margarita? A clarified cocktail is simply one that is clear thanks to the removal of any textures from the ingredients. This can be done using a fine strainer or muslin cloth depending on the clarity you wish to achieve for margaritas, using a citric solution rather than straight lime juice is an easy way to get the tart edge without having to rely on actual limes. In this case, The Ranch has stepped up its game by clarifying the lime with agar-agar to remove all the impurities and tannins from the lime. 

While the restaurant hasn’t revealed the secrets behind their award-winning cocktail, you can try your hand at making your own clarified margarita by combining tequila, citrus, orange liqueur and simple syrup in a 1:2:3:4 ratio. 

Ingredients: 

• 20 ml orange liqueur (cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 40 ml white Tequila
• 30 ml Citric Solution or clarified lime juice.
• 10 ml Simple Syrup
• Ice

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
• Add ice and shake until well-chilled
• Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass