Post #35794 by woofmutt on Sat, May 24, 2003 1:19 AM

I like Gusano Rojo mezcal in margaritas, it has a full flavor with a distinct smokiness (Just like Lucky Strikes). I don't really want to shell out the clams for the supposedly good tequila, so I stick with Red Worm (which I first bought believing it was tequila...Several bottles later I actually read the label). I ate the worm (I think Gusano Rojo started that whole thing) and it wasn't memorable. Apparently there's better and lesser quality worms. I have no plans to find out.

Despite the association with Parrot Heads and bachelorette parties I really like margaritas. They're a great summer drink to serve guests as they're easy to make and you don't have to explain them to anyone. Make them on the rocks, of course (that part may need explaining to your friends who are expecting a tequila spiked Slurpee). Use fresh lime juice. Jab's recipe is a good one for a dry drink, I actually like 'em sweeter and put in equal parts triple sec* to Gusano Rojo. That sounds too syrupy but it's not, the smokiness of the Gusano Rojo probably helps (and I make sure the margaritas are very cold). For something 10% more fun you can use blue curacao instead of triple sec and end up with a blue margarita. Use a toothpick to mix a few drops of blue food coloring (or blue curacao) into your rimming salt. Your guests will be wowed.

*I'm too tight to go with the Cointreau...I even use a triple sec syrup from a restaurant supply place. It's about a third the price of real triple sec, which has a really low alcohol content making it's mostly syrup.