The longer you let the zest and juice mixture steep, the more intensely citrusy your margaritas will be. We recommend steeping for the full 24 hours, although the margaritas will still be great if the mixture is steeped for the minimum four hours. If you’re in a rush and need to serve the drinks immediately, omit the zest and skip the steeping process altogether. We suggest using reposado (“rested”) tequila, which is made from 100 percent blue agave and aged for between two and 12 months. Tasters liked its mellow flavor and thought it blended perfectly with the other ingredients.

In addition to serving this salsa with tortilla chips, you might try mixing it in with pasta—about a tablespoon or so per serving. You’ll still get a good dose of heat.

The classic cocktail known as a Greyhound combines vodka and grapefruit juice. Weve added a unique twist by stirring in fresh pineapple juice as well. Preparing your own fresh juice ensures an exceptionally delicious drink.

CALORIES 74(0.0% from fat); FAT 0.0g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.0g); PROTEIN 0.1g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 7.6mg; SODIUM 2.7mg; FIBER 0.5g; IRON 0.0mg; CARBOHYDRATE 19.4g

CALORIES 52(5% from fat); FAT 0.3g (sat 0.0g,mono 0.0g,poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0.6g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 17mg; SODIUM 1mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 0.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 13g

Amaretto provides an interesting twist on the traditional margarita’s orange curaçao 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

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