Guadalajara Silver

There are countless ways to tweak a Margarita, and New York City bartender Junior Merino (also known as The Liquid Chef) made his mark on the classic with this apple, grapefruit and ginger-accented variation, which he originally created for Don Roberto tequila in 2009. The Guadalajara Silver has stuck around since then for a reason—it’s bright, complex and expressive, and while it may seem like a lot of ingredients at first glance, this ultra-refreshing Margarita riff couldn’t be easier to make.

For this recipe, Merino originally used Don Roberto’s Plata expression, but for the sake of convenience or preference, you can use virtually any unaged tequila when making the Guadalajara Silver at home. This style of tequila, which is commonly referred to as “blanco” or “silver,” typically do not undergo the barrel aging process and are often matured in stainless steel tanks, though some do spend up to 60 days in oak casks. Blanco tequilas are known for having fresh, youthful qualities, such as citrus elements and distinct grassiness along with notes like baking spices and garden herbs on the nose and palate. Merino’s use of this type of tequila in the Guadalajara Silver mirrors the freshness of three different just-squeezed juices, while ginger liqueur and a cinnamon-sugar rim tie it all together with a sharp, spicy bite. Here’s how to make your very own Guadalajara Silver at home.