Careful what you wish for...

All week long my Gemini twin down the street has been longing for the perfect margarita. Something smooth and strong and flavorful, no high fructose corn syrup, real fruit juice, maybe an egg white - that's supposed to be good, and a high quality tequila. She made it sound healthy, more like a smoothie than rocket fuel.

We should have seen this coming. We decided earlier in the week (pre-margarita) to start blaming stuff on our "other personality," the one every Gemini has. Harriet has been with me for a while. Harriet is fearless, but doesn't have very good judgement. Norma only introduced herself this week. Norma scares me a little, but she's a LOT of fun.

So... at Norma's urging, Harriet initiated the research for the perfect margarita. After intensive R&D, exhaustive analysis and one really reckless and sticky evening of hysterical laughter... we bring you:

Harriet & Norma's WEAPONS GRADE Margarita

Makes 16 servings
NOTE: 16, not 4

You saw the title right? So you can't say we didn't warn you.
Please check the box before proceeding
[   ]  I've been warned

-Step One-
Make a simple syrup.

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water

Stir water and sugar together and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Set it aside to cool.

- Step Two-
Homemade sour mix. This is key - sooo much better than purchased sour mix. And you skip all that high fructose corn syrup - which is bad for you. Don't worry about consuming tequila - it's medicinal.

1 egg white* - whisk it up until it's loose and starting to get a little frothy
2 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar

Stir the above ingredients together - set aside.
*Eeew! An egg white ( ! )  you say?? It takes the harsh edge off the Tequila. It's a good idea - take my word for it.

-Step Three-
2 cups ice cubes - CRITICAL, do not skip the ice!
2 cups premium Tequila*
1 cup Cointreau**
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) - or more, I like more - of the simple syrup
1/2 cup of the homemade sour mix

Mix all the above in a pitcher and stir. Serve over ice.

*Silver, or clear tequila is considered standard for margaritas. Buy 100% agave tequila - mucho better. Supposedly produces a less vicious hangover. Should you be foolish enough to overindulge. And forget the worm thing - only a mad hatter would buy tequila with a worm.

** Triple Sec is for youngsters. We're old now. We have certain standards. Treat yourself to Cointreau, it's the good stuff.

-Optional-
Use a lime wedge to moisten the glass rims and dip in coarse salt (sea salt is best) for the rims, garnish with lime slices.

-Caveat-
I know, I know -- a lot of citrus squeezing. Stop your whining and go buy a cheap juicer, it's gonna be a long hot summer.