Twist up your usual Margarita routine with the delightful combination of citrus and tequila in the form of a Limoncello Margarita. The brainchild of Chef Claudette Zepeda, this variant of the classic cocktail brings a splash of Italy to your table with the inclusion of limoncello.

Zepeda's invention departs from the traditional Margarita by ditching the usual orange liqueur and instating limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur. In this formula, she additionally introduces Meyer lemon juice, a sweeter, more floral version of the conventional lemon, alongside fresh lime.

Why does this recipe sway from the Margarita norm? Well, the infusion of an equal measure of limoncello and tequila gives it uniquely prominent lemon accents. While the recipe here gives you two drinks, you can comfortably mix it up into one sizable, extra-potent cocktail.

This novel approach to the cocktail is a hit for numerous reasons. The amalgamation of varying citrus elements – liqueur, zest, fresh juice – gives this Margarita a multi-layered flavor profile. These flavors are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup and limoncello, allowing the tequila's distinct flavor to shine through.

Despite the typical choice of blanco tequila for Margaritas due to its crisp, herbal taste, Zepeda suggests that reposado tequila could be an exciting alternative. The aged tequila adds a hint of rich caramel sweetness to the Limoncello Margarita.

While the Meyer lemon brings a delectable fruity quality to the drink, if traditional lemons are all you have on hand, they'll work just fine. You'll simply need to reduce the lemon juice quantity from 1 1/2 ounces to 1 ounce.

To make this cocktail at home, you'll need:

• 2 ounces tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 2 ounces limoncello
• 1 1/2 ounce Meyer lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest (for glass rim)
• 2 tablespoons flaky salt (for glass rim)
• Lime wedge (for glass rim)
• Candied lemon peel (for garnish)

Take a small plate and mix together the lemon zest and flaky salt. Rub your glass with the lime wedge and then rim it in the salt mixture. Combine tequila, limoncello, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake energetically for about half a minute before straining your Margarita into the prepared glass. Top your drink with the candied lemon peel for garnish, and your Limoncello Margarita is ready to be served.