Tequila and Cointreau Cocktails

Tequila and orange liqueur is the Margarita minus the lime, and the Margarita is the third most ordered cocktail in the world, so this is a pair worth owning. The classic ratio is 2:1:1, tequila to Cointreau to lime, and it is a good starting point rather than a law.

The variations mostly swap the citrus or add a third element. Grapefruit makes it lean toward a Paloma, agave syrup in place of the liqueur makes a Tommy's Margarita, and a float of red wine makes a New York Sour's cousin.

Skip the salt rim on half the glass rather than all of it. It lets you decide mid-drink and it is what most bars do when asked.