Classic margarita on the rocks

1. Fill glasses with ice.

2. Stir together tequila and next 3 ingredients in a small pitcher, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

3. Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add desired amount of margarita until thoroughly chilled. Strain into prepared glasses. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediated.

4. Tested with Jose Cuevo and Triple Sec.

5. Pomegranate Margarita; Decrease lime juice to 1/4 cup. Stir 1/2 cup pomegranate juice into tequila mixture in Step 2. Makes about 2 cups.

6. Strawberry Margaritas: Substitute red decorator sugar crystals for margarita salt. Reduce powdered sugar to 1/4 to 1/3 cup and lime juice to 1/4 cup. Process 1 (10-oz.) package frozen strawberries in light syrup, thawed, in blender 30 seconds or until smooth. Stir strawberry puree into tequila mixture in Step 2. Makes 2 1/2 cups.