Looking for the perfect margarita recipe? Look no further! This recipe is easy to follow and makes the perfect drink every time. Not to mention, it’s delicious. So what are you waiting for? Get mixing today!
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Why you’ll love making a margarita
These summer cocktails are so easy to make.
Don’t be put off by the salted rim, that’s a simple thing to make and looks great.
You’ll love how the salt contrasts with the lime, giving a wonderful refreshing taste.
There are three ingredients, so it doesn’t cost the earth to make.
We’ve made sure that this is the easiest and the best margarita recipe you’ll ever make!
What’s in a margarita?
A classic margarita on the rocks is made from just 3 ingredients:
- Tequila
- Triple sec or Cointreau
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (if you only have fresh lemon juice then why not try our lemon margarita instead?)
Some people add agave syrup or agave nectar, but we prefer this simple, perfectly balanced margarita recipe.
What are the different types of margarita?
There are three ways that you can make a margarita.
- Straight up – while you shake your margaritas with ice in the shaker, there’s no ice in your drink.
- On the rocks – the margaritas are served over ice – this classic margarita recipe is an ‘on the rocks’ version.
- Frozen – a frozen margarita is made in the blender with ice cubes and when blended has a consistency like a slush puppy.
The beauty of this classic margarita recipe is in its simplicity, with just 3 ingredients, we show you how easy it is to make one of the world’s most popular cocktails.
What’s the best tequila for a margarita?
We’ve used tequila reposado for its smooth flavor, but you could use tequila Blanco also.
Buy a mid-priced tequila, you don’t want entry-level tequila, but equally, you don’t want to use top-shelf tequila in a classic margarita recipe either.
Do I need triple sec to make a margarita?
You could use either triple sec or Cointreau to make a margarita.
They are both an orange liqueur, Cointreau is smoother, higher in alcohol content, and more expensive than triple sec.
Use whatever your budget permits.
Can I use orange juice instead of orange liqueur?
If you don’t have an orange liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau, then it is possible to use orange juice instead.
If you’re going to use orange juice, then make sure you use freshly squeezed orange juice to maximise on the freshest of flavors.
It’ll work well if you are looking to make a margarita with less alcohol in it.
Can I use a margarita mix?
Ok, we’re just going to put it out there and say… NO!
Please don’t use a margarita mix, not only do they use a whole lot of sugar in the mix, but you also just don’t get that wonderful zingy lime flavor popping out throughout the drink.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must and our margarita recipe is seriously easy, so why would you want to compromise on flavor?
How do I make a salted rim for a margarita?
Some people are put off by the salted rim, they think it’s difficult to make, but that’s not the case – it’s so easy!
All you have to do is place kosher salt on a flat surface, wipe the rim with a fresh lime wedge and then swirl the rim in the salt – simple!
You can even buy margarita salt, which is in a round tub that you can simply swirl your rim straight into, but it’s more cost-effective to do it our way.
What equipment will I need?
You’ll need 4 items to make this margarita recipe (but they aren’t deal-breakers, check our margarita tips for alternative ideas.)
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Margarita glass
Can I scale this margarita recipe up?
Yes, you can!
They make perfect party cocktails, just go to our recipe card below and input how many servings you’d like, and it’ll instantly calculate the margarita ingredients for you.
It’s easy to make a pitcher of margarita, keep it chilling in the fridge and serve when needed.
Margarita recipe tips and notes
- No shaker?
No problem, just follow the instructions but instead of using a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar with a lid or over, this is a great workaround. - Missing a jigger?
Just use a measuring jug or shot glass. - Not got a Hawthorne strainer?
Just use a sieve or tea strainer! - Don’t have a margarita glass?
You can use a tumbler instead. - Tempted to use bottled lime juice?
Please don’t use it, it has to be fresh lime juice all the way, to really bring out the fresh classic margarita flavor.
How to make a margarita, step-by-step instructions
First, you’ll have to make your salted rim. Sprinkle kosher salt on a small plate, then rum a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, place the rim down onto the salted plate and swirl until the rim is evenly coated.
Fill a shaker with ice cubes and then add tequila, triple sec (or Cointreau), and lime juice.
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for around 20 seconds.
Now put a handful of ice cubes in your glass and, using a strainer, pour your margarita mix into your glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, serve to your guests and enjoy!
More margarita recipes you’ll love
- Lemon margarita – a refreshing lemon twist on the classic cocktail
- Classic margarita – this lime fueled classic sour but sweet iconic cocktail is still one of our favorites!
- Fruity watermelon margarita – sweet, but tart, this is a great summer cocktail
- Passion fruit margarita – refreshing with a taste of the tropics, you’ve got to try this recipe!
- Frozen strawberry margarita – A fruity strawberry frozen margarita that tastes so good! Coming soon!
Classic margarita – 3 ingredients
Ingredients
For the salted rim
- Kosher salt
- 2 Lime wedge
For the margarita
- Ice cubes
- 2 oz Tequila reposado
- 1 oz Lime juice
- ¾ oz Triple sec
Instructions
For the salted rim
- First, you'll have to make your salted rim. Sprinkle kosher salt on a small plate, then rum a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, place the rim down onto the salted plate and swirl until the rim is evenly coatedKosher salt, 2 Lime wedge
For the margarita
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes and then add tequila and lime juice
- Add triple sec and then secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for around 20 seconds
- Now put a handful of ice cubes in your glass and, using a strainer, pour your margarita mix into your glass
- Garnish with a lime wedge, serve to your guests and enjoy!2 Lime wedge
Notes
- No shaker?
No problem, just follow the instructions but instead of using a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar with a lid or over, this is a great workaround - Missing a jigger?
Just use a measuring jug or shot glass - Not got a Hawthorne strainer?
Just use a sieve or tea strainer! - Don’t have a margarita glass?
You can use a tumbler instead - Tempted to use bottled lime juice?
Please don’t use it, it has to be fresh lime juice all the way, to really bring out the fresh classic margarita flavor
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
We hope that you love making our classic margarita and our margarita recipes and would love to hear how you got on with them.
Please leave a comment or ask a question below.
Did you make this recipe?
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Tina G says
This recipe looks so good! I’m gonna be trying it out tonight!
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
Hope you enjoy it!