ready in about 5 minutes; serves 1

This recipe doubles well if you’re partying with a crowd.

ready in about an hour and 15 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • fresh lemon juice
  • sugar
  • loosely packed fresh basil leaves plus 8 to 10 sprigs

Amaretto provides an interesting twist on the traditional margarita’s orange curaƧao liqueur. We start with a homemade sweet-and-sour mix that can be prepared several days in advance. When guests arrive, add the remaining ingredients. To serve in salt-rimmed glasses, pour sea salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, and then dip the rim in the salt.

Spirit note: The most important words in choosing a tequila are “100 percent agave.” Unless you spot this phrase on the label, you’re getting as little as 51 percent agave, with lots of sugar added to make up the difference. An exceptional value is 1800 Reposado ($24). “Reposado” indicates the tequila was “rested” in oak, imparting flavors of citrus zest and butterscotch, which complement the nutty amaretto in this innovative margarita. —Jeffery Lindenmuth

CALORIES 209(0.0% from fat); FAT 0.1g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0.4g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 9mg; SODIUM 2mg; FIBER 0.2g; IRON 0.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 31g

ready in about 15 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • tequila
  • orange juice
  • water
  • sugar
  • lime slices