Tequila is one of those drinks that has more stories than the Sears Tower. Most of them start with, "Dude, seriously, no way. The last time I drank tequila..."

I have one of those stories. It involves a dive bar, a curly-haired Canadian girl, one very angry meter maid, and a pounding three-day hangover. And that's all I'm saying.

Tequila's bad rap is mostly because there's so much cheap, bad tequila out there being poured shot glass after shot glass down the throats of drunken idiots who don't know when to quit. But some really good tequilas have hit the shelves recently. Good enough that you need to give the drink another shot. Or sip. Partida Tequila is an authentic, all-natural, family estate-grown premium tequila made from 100% blue agave in the heart of Mexico's Tequila region. Their un-aged Blanco is clean, clear and crisp, not like the harsh stuff you drank in college. The Reposado is aged six months in Canadian oak, giving it a rich, smooth flavor. The Añejo, aged 18 months, has a deep golden color and full-bodied taste you won't get from any other tequila. And all have won top tasting awards.

They're great for sipping after dinner or mixing into Partida's Agave Nectar Margarita, a new and better twist on the classic, with fewer calories and less alcohol. It's getting great reviews and here's the recipe so you can enjoy one this weekend. Just try not to piss off any meter maids.

www.partidatequila.com

Partida Tequila Agave Nectar Margarita
• Juice from 1 lime
• 3/4 ounce pure agave nectar
• 3/4 ounce pure spring water
• 1 1/2 ounces Partida Tequila Blanco, Reposado or Añejo

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a margarita glass. Serve over ice or straight up. And Partida recommends leaving out the salted rim.