Classic Margarita Recipe

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Here is my favorite margarita recipe, with a simple mix of good tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur, perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and a hint of salt on the rim.

This margarita has become my go-to drink for summer gatherings and taco nights. I usually make a big pitcher so everyone can help themselves throughout the evening. Nothing better than a cold margarita with friends, right?

What Kind of Tequila Should I Use?

Silver (also called blanco or white) tequila is the best choice for a classic margarita since its clean, pure flavor lets the lime and orange liqueur shine through. While you might be tempted to grab the cheapest bottle on the shelf, look for one that’s labeled “100% agave” – this means there are no added sugars or fillers that could make your drink taste harsh. Some reliable brands that won’t break the bank include Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Milagro Silver. If you’re wondering about aged tequilas like reposado or añejo, they’ll work too, but their oak-barrel flavors will give your margarita a different character than the traditional recipe calls for.

Options for Substitutions

While a classic margarita has some must-have ingredients, there’s still room for some smart swaps:

• Silver tequila: This is pretty much non-negotiable for a true margarita, but you can use reposado tequila if you want a slightly warmer, oak-aged flavor. Just don’t skip the tequila – it’s what makes a margarita a margarita!
• Orange liqueur: Cointreau, Triple Sec, and Grand Marnier are all good choices. If you’re in a pinch, you can use 3/4 ounce of fresh orange juice plus 1/4 ounce simple syrup, though the taste won’t be quite the same.
• Fresh lime juice: Always use fresh lime juice – bottled lime juice just won’t cut it. In an absolute emergency, you could use a mix of lemon and orange juice (2 parts lemon to 1 part orange), but the flavor profile will change.
• Sweetener: Agave nectar, simple syrup, or even honey syrup all work well. Each brings its own character – agave pairs naturally with tequila, while honey adds a nice floral note.
• Coarse salt: For the rim, you can swap regular coarse salt with kosher salt, sea salt, or even try Tajín for a spicy-citrusy kick. Sugar works too if you prefer a sweeter touch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making margaritas is using bottled lime juice instead of fresh – the artificial taste can completely throw off the balance of your cocktail, so always squeeze your limes right before mixing. A common error is eyeballing the measurements rather than using proper jiggers or measuring tools, which can lead to a drink that’s either too strong or too sweet – precise measurements ensure the perfect balance of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur every time. Using warm glasses can quickly melt your ice and dilute your drink, so make sure to chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. For the perfect salt rim, run a lime wedge around the glass edge first, then dip it in coarse salt at a 45-degree angle – avoid using table salt as it will dissolve too quickly and can make your drink overly salty.

What to Serve With Margaritas?

When it comes to margaritas, Mexican-inspired snacks and appetizers are your best friends! Chips and fresh guacamole or salsa are classic choices that never disappoint, while warm queso dip brings a creamy contrast to the citrusy drink. If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a taco bar with both soft and crispy shells, seasoned meats, and all the fixings – the combination of zesty margaritas and tacos is always a crowd-pleaser. For lighter options, try serving some grilled shrimp skewers or Mexican street corn, which pair perfectly with the lime and tequila flavors in the drink.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you’ve made a big batch of margarita mix (without ice), you can keep it in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fresh lime juice is what limits the storage time, but keeping it cold helps maintain that zesty flavor!

Make Ahead: Planning a party? Mix up your margarita batch (minus the ice) a few hours before guests arrive and store it in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors blend together nicely. Just give it a good stir before serving over fresh ice.

Serve: Pour your chilled margarita mix over fresh ice when ready to serve – never store with ice as it will water down your cocktail. If you’re using the salt rim, do this just before serving so it stays crisp and doesn’t dissolve in the fridge.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	5-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces silver tequila
• 1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur (like cointreau, grand marnier, or triple sec)
• 0.75 ounce fresh lime juice
• Optional: agave nectar or simple syrup for sweetness
• Ice cubes
• Lime slice and coarse salt for glass rim
• For a larger batch:
• 3 cups silver tequila
• 2 cups orange-flavored liqueur (such as cointreau, grand marnier, or triple sec)
• 1.5 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
• Optional: agave nectar or simple syrup, to adjust taste
• Ice
• Lime slices and coarse salt for glass rims

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Start by running a lime wedge (the juicy part) around the top rim of your serving glass to moisten it.

Fill a shallow bowl or plate with salt.

Dip the moistened rim into the salt until it is covered to your liking.

Set the prepared glass aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix the Margarita

In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.

Add a few ice cubes to the shaker to chill the mixture.

Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to blend everything thoroughly.

Taste the mixture, and if you prefer it sweeter, stir in a teaspoon or two of sweetener until dissolved.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Fill the rimmed serving glass with ice.

Strain the margarita mix into the glass over the ice.

Garnish with a fresh lime slice on the rim for an appealing touch.

Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing margarita.

Cheers!