Best Orange Margarita

Combine ½ cup of sugar with ½ cup of water in a pot set over medium high heat. Cook the sugar and water, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool before adding it to the drink.

Note: This recipe makes about ¾ cup of simple syrup. You won’t need very much for this recipe, so be sure to save the leftovers for another cocktail or mocktail later. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays.

Mix the sweet and smoky rim ingredients in a shallow bowl or plate. Run an orange wedge around the rim of a glass, and then press the glass into the sugary, smoky, salty, spicy mixture until the rim is coated. Set the glass aside.

Alternatively, you could brush some orange juice onto part of the side of a glass, then roll that part into the rim mixture.

Add the margarita ingredients and a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Place the lid and cap on the shaker and shake a few times to combine.

Add some crushed ice to the rimmed glass. Remove the cap from the shaker and strain out the liquid into the glass. Garnish with an orange and lime wedge, if desired.