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Dorothy Dean presents: For National Margarita Day, here’s a twist on a classic

Beerita (Audrey Alfaro/For The Spokesman-Review)
By Audrey Alfaro For The Spokesman-Review

Gather your amigos as you all have a big decision to make: Salt or no salt?

With National Margarita Day on Friday, this is a serious question that needs answering.

And deciding on that is probably the hardest part of this tasty beerita recipe that puts a hoppy twist on that famous tequila cocktail.

But there’s no need to break out the blender or shaker. A pitcher – along with five ingredients – is all that’s needed to mix up this tangy concoction that comes together in minutes.

Limeade, water, lemon-lime soda, tequila and your favorite Mexican beer are combined in a pitcher and poured over ice – and here’s where that big decision comes into play – into a salted, or saltless, rimmed glass and garnished with a wedge of lime.

It’s a refreshing, limey and sweet cocktail that definitely doesn’t lack bite. So I don’t recommend finishing a pitcher off on your own, unless you’re really trying to join Jimmy in Margaritaville.

Now, I found the mixture a little on the tart side while my hubby said it wasn’t at all – so I guess it all depends on your taste. If you happen to agree with me, just add in a bit more water or beer as they’ll balance it out. And, if you prefer fruity margaritas, swap out the lemon-lime soda for a fruit-flavored one, like strawberry or mango. Also, you can muddle in flavors, like basil, cucumbers, berries or jalapeños.

Now that you’ve got the beerita basics down, better get a taste test batch going so you’re fully ready to celebrate the upcoming “holiday”!

Now, where did that salt shaker go?

Beerita

Adapted from genuiskitchen.com

1 (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup lemon-lime soda

1 1/2 cups tequila

1 1/2 cups of your favorite Mexican beer

1 lime, cut into wedges

Kosher salt

Ice

Pour limeade, water, soda, tequila and beer into a large pitcher. Stir to blend until limeade has melted. Taste and adjust with extra water if needed. To serve, rub rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip into a small shallow bowl of kosher salt. Then fill glass with ice, pour in beerita mixture, and serve with a wedge of lime.