Classic Margarita Recipe

Margarita Recipe lovers, you’re in for a treat. This fresh, no-fuss margarita recipe is everything a classic cocktail should be—bold, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, having taco night at home, or just need a quick sip of something citrusy and refreshing, this recipe delivers bar-quality results in just minutes. With a short list of high-quality ingredients and zero bottled mixes, you’ll wonder why you ever bought margarita mix in the first place. Trust me—this is the one margarita recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Margarita Recipe

this recipe

• Quick and easy – From start to sip in under 10 minutes. Shake, pour, enjoy.
• Only real ingredients – No neon-green mixers here. Just tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur.
• Tastes like your favorite restaurant’s margarita – Crisp, clean, and perfectly balanced without being too sweet or too sour.
• Easily customizable – Add a touch of agave for sweetness, or scale it up for a party pitcher.
• Crowd-pleaser – Pairs perfectly with tacos, chips and salsa, or grilled shrimp skewers.

This margarita recipe brings that sunny, vacation-in-a-glass vibe any time of year.

Ingredients

Single Serving

• 1.5 oz silver tequila (100% agave preferred)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier)
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Optional: 0.25–0.5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup (to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge (for rim)
• Coarse salt (for rimming the glass)

For a Pitcher (Serves ~8)

• 3 cups silver tequila
• 2 cups orange liqueur
• 1.5 cups fresh lime juice
• Optional: 0.5–1 cup agave nectar or simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wedges & coarse salt for glass rims

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass

1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass.
2. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of coarse salt, coating evenly.
3. Set aside to dry slightly while you prepare the drink.

2. Mix the Margarita

4. In a cocktail shaker, combine:
   • Tequila
   • Orange liqueur
   • Fresh lime juice
   • Optional sweetener (if using)
5. Add a handful of ice.
6. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve

7. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
8. Strain the margarita mixture into the glass.
9. Garnish with a lime slice on the rim.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, homemade margarita!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5–10 minutes
• Servings: 1 (single) or ~8 (pitcher)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)

• Calories: 150–180
• Carbohydrates: 10–12 g
• Sugar: Varies based on sweetener used
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: Trace amounts (from salted rim)
• Alcohol Content: Moderate (depends on pour strength)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brand of tequila, liqueur, and added sweetener.

Tips & Variations

✅ Expert Tips

• Always use fresh lime juice – Bottled versions can dull the flavor and ruin the balance.
• Chill your glass – Pop it in the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving for a frosty, refreshing experience.
• Salt rim technique – Use a lime wedge to moisten the glass, then dip at a 45° angle into coarse salt—not table salt.

🔄 Variations

• Sweeter Margarita – Add 0.5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup.
• Spicy Twist – Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker or use Tajín for the rim instead of salt.
• Frozen Margarita – Blend all ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy version.
• Mezcal Margarita – Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky profile.

Margarita Recipe

This classic margarita recipe is crisp, citrusy, and bar-worthy. Made with silver tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur—it’s the perfect drink for taco night or happy hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 drink

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1.5 oz silver tequila
• – 1 oz orange liqueur Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier
• – 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• – Optional: 0.25–0.5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup to taste
• – Ice cubes
• – Lime wedge for rim
• – Coarse salt for rimming glass

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• – Measuring jigger
• Serving glass
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• – Salt plate or shallow dish

Method

 

1. Rub lime wedge around the glass rim and dip into coarse salt.
2. In a shaker, add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and optional sweetener.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
4. Fill prepared glass with ice and strain margarita mix over it.
5. Garnish with a lime slice and serve immediately.

Notes

– Always use fresh lime juice for best results.
– Add sweetener to balance tartness, if desired.
– For a frozen version, blend ingredients with a cup of ice.

FAQs

What’s the best tequila for a margarita?

Silver (blanco) tequila is ideal for its clean, bright flavor. Look for 100% agave on the label—brands like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Milagro Silver are solid choices.

Can I make margaritas ahead of time?

Yes! Mix all ingredients except ice and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving over fresh ice.

Is Triple Sec the same as Cointreau?

They’re both orange liqueurs. Cointreau is smoother and higher quality, but Triple Sec is a more budget-friendly option.

How do I make it less sour?

Try adding ¼ to ½ oz of agave nectar or simple syrup to balance the acidity.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Fresh-squeezed lime juice makes a big difference in flavor.

Conclusion

With this margarita recipe, you’re just minutes away from enjoying a crisp, refreshing cocktail that tastes like it came straight from your favorite cantina. Whether you’re serving one or mixing up a pitcher for guests, it’s a simple, satisfying drink that never goes out of style. Don’t forget to pair it with tacos, guac, or grilled shrimp for the ultimate flavor combo.