Raise a glass to a pitcher of margaritas

It might sound funny, but the Super Bowl is probably the one football game where I try not to think about cooking. In fact, I actively avoid it when I can. After a season of planning regular weekend tailgates — I’ve had season tickets to USC almost every year since I graduated — and random barbecues around NFL Sunday, weeknight and playoff games, I really look forward to that one day when I can just enjoy the game, halftime and all those commercials. Inevitably, my partner and I will get together with the gang to watch the game at our neighborhood sports bar or a friend’s house. If we decide on the latter, I like to bring a pitcher of margaritas. There’s nothing like a ready batch of cocktails to liven a party, even when your team is losing.

My only rules? I insist on using a good tequila reposado and homemade sweet and sour. The ratio is simple: Combine two parts each tequila and sweet and sour mix with one part orange liqueur (I prefer Cointreau over Grand Marnier). Homemade sweet and sour is surprisingly easy to make — I prefer two parts each lemon and lime juice, and one part each orange juice and sugar — and it’s almost criminal to use one of those artificialtasting, store-bought mixes with so much great citrus in season now. Stir or shake everything together with plenty of ice, and don’t forget the salt and lime wedges. No cooking, and almost no work or cleanup involved. Sure, I’ll toast to that.