Margarita Nation Best of the East: Lincoln’s Last Ride

The Original Margarita has been around for 70 years, and is made with three simple ingredients: Cointreau, tequila, and lime. There are so many twists to the Original Margarita that Cointreau and The Infatuation joined forces to find the best of the best. Bartenders from around the country submitted their take on this classic cocktail, and The Infatuation judges, along with the public, have now chosen the top 3 margaritas in the nation. The Best Margarita, East winner is Dolly Varden, with Lincoln’s Last Ride Margarita.

Joe Neis is the beverage director at Dolly Varden in New York City. The secret to his creation: breaking down the margarita into its flavor profiles, and balancing spice with sweetness. Montelobos Mezcal provides a mellow base, ginger spice agave adds a bit of spice, and it’s all complemented with peppery Jalapeño-infused Cointreau. Top it off with a rim mix of cane sugar, granulated sugar, and Aleppo pepper, and you get a Goldilocks’ thumbs up of just right.

Lincoln’s Last Ride Margarita

• 1 oz. jalapeño-infused Cointreau

• 2 oz. Montelobos Mezcal

• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1 oz. muddled pineapple

• 3/4 oz. ginger-infused agave syrup

• Rim with cane sugar and Aleppo pepper

• Garnish with orchid flower, ginger candy, lime wheel