Favorite drink?

[zina10]

Zina, if you're on the search for the perfect margarita and not too sweet, try replacing your Cintreau with Grand Marnier. Cointreau is nothing more than over-priced triple sec. Grand Marnier is an orange flavored liqueur, but not nearly as sweet as Cointreau.
I spent 14 years behind a bar, 10 of which were at an upscale, private country club where I was the bar manager for 4 years. I would try that switch to start, it will cut the sweetness. Then play with different flavors and mixers to find your perfect margarita!

Oh, someone with experience !!!!

Let me pick your brain

I've always liked Margaritas. Because they aren't so sickly sweet like some fruity drinks. That said, I do like them balanced, so not overly sour or bitter, either. Hard to explain..
In Restaurants its often a hit and miss, but every so often, one tastes great. Which lead me to try my hand at making them myself.
So far I've done a lot "wrong". LOL. Bought "Jose Cuervo" only to find out that is a no-no. Not 100% Agave. So then I bought Patron silver only to find people think its not the best, jeesh, but I'm using it.
I had Tripple Sec. That actually went into the Garbage and I bought Grand Marnier AND Contreau, since a lot of people say Contreau is great. But some recipes call for Grand Marnier.

Then I've been playing with the "percentages". Only to find out, holy cow, all of them way stronger then what is served at Restaurant bars !!

Yesertday I tried the 3-2-1 method. 3 parts Patron, 2 Contreau, 1 lime. Only I tweaked it some as I went along and it ended up being 3 Patron, 2 Contreau 1 1/2 lime, 1 cold water (i know..) 3/4 (ounce jiggers) of the syrup and actually 1/2 simple syrup, because it didn't seem balanced. It was not "sweet" when done, seemed pretty good actually. But gosh does it pack a punch!!

I do shake with ice and then strain.

So what do I do wrong? I mean, it was great actually, but is there a way to cut the alcohol just a bit while still not messing with the greatness and taste? Or just make it authentic and stick with 1. And drink it slowly. LOL.