Margarita Bars

Prepare: Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. (5 minutes)

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring a 2-inch overhang on all sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray; set the pan aside. (5 minutes)

Craft the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir until the mixture is uniformly combined and resembles wet sand. (5 minutes)

Press and Bake: Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking pan. Firmly press it into an even layer across the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is lightly golden brown and fragrant. (8-10 minutes)

Cool Slightly: Remove the baked crust from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before adding the filling. (5 minutes)

Whisk the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. (5 minutes)

Add the Spirit: Add the blanco tequila and orange liqueur to the filling. Whisk until fully incorporated, approximately 30 seconds, ensuring a smooth and even consistency. (1 minute)

Pour and Bake: Gently pour the prepared filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. (2 minutes)

Bake to Perfection: Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake until the edges of the filling are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. (25-28 minutes)

Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature in the pan on a wire rack. This typically takes about 1 hour. (60 minutes)

Freeze and Set: Once cooled, place the pan (uncovered) in the freezer until the bars are thoroughly chilled and set. This will take at least 2 hours, but can be done for up to 12 hours for optimal firmness. (120 minutes minimum)

Slice and Serve: Using the excess foil as handles, carefully lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut evenly into 16 bars. Trim the edges, if desired, for a cleaner presentation. (10 minutes)

Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the bars with flaky sea salt and additional lime zest for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy the taste of summer! (2 minutes)