When it gets hot out, and it is getting there pretty quick, for most of us-there's really no better cocktail than a classic margarita. The rocks, salt, lemon-lime juice, orange-liqueur, and all-important tequila combine for a perfectly refreshing drink that goes well with backdeck barbecues.

These days there are so many tequilas it can be hard to pick one from the crowd, but one of the best certainly is Tequila Don Julio, founded in the smalltown of Atotonilco el Alto in the Los Altos region of Mexico in 1942. Look for the Blanco ($45 for 750ml) for margaritas and the Añejo ($55) for sipping. But to really step it up there's the Real ($350), which is made in small batches from 100% blue agave and aged for up to five years in American white oak barrels. It has an intense but smooth flavor that recalls the finest caramel and coffee.

This month Tequila Don Julio launched a limited edition crystal glass to go with this fine spirit, designed by renowned NYC-based architect Jeffrey Beers, who once worked under I.M. Pei. Individually hand blown and cut in the Czech republic, the glass is weighty and substantial in the hand, and cool to the touch, with a jewel-like appearance and perfect clarity. Suffice to say it's not for shots of Cuervo ($350 for a set of two; in LA available at Show; 323-644-1960; in NYC at The Future Perfect, 718-599-6278; in San Francisco at Propeller, 415-701-7767).

June 02, 2008