Few things go better together than a warm afternoon and a cold margarita. Sure, there are plenty of refreshing drinks out there, but there’s something about this simple cocktail that makes it the star of summer. Whether it’s on the rocks or blended, you can’t go wrong with this salty-sweet-sour combo. (It’s delicious in these margarita dessert recipes, too!)
For far too long I didn’t know how to make a margarita at home, so I left it to the professionals at bars and restaurants. But this classic drink doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. You only need a few key ingredients and some ice to make your margarita dreams come true. It’s my go-to drink on a hot summer day after gardening, or I’ll whip up a batch when friends stop by to hang out in the backyard.
What Makes a Good Margarita?
A margarita is a classic drink composed of tequila, orange liqueur and lime, usually served with a salt rim on the glass. It’s often mixed with agave syrup, which goes naturally with tequila as they’re both made from the agave cactus. It can be served up (shaken with ice and then strained), on the rocks (poured over ice) or frozen (blended with ice). As for tequila, there are a ton of different types: Some are better for sipping while others are great tequilas for margaritas. The go-to for margaritas is blanco tequila, an unaged, clear tequila.
There are infinite ways to spice up your margarita (including adding actual chiles), but the basic ratio for a good margarita is as simple as 3, 2, 1, meaning 3 parts tequila to 2 parts orange liqueur to 1 part lime. You can find other essential rules in our margarita guide.
How to Make a Classic Margarita
This classic margarita recipe makes 1 cocktail, but can easily be multiplied to make a batch.
Ingredients
- 2 lime wedges
- Coarse salt, for the rim of the glass
- 1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Tools You’ll Need
You only need to have a few bar tools on hand to mix up batches of margaritas like a pro. A good cocktail shaker and a cocktail measuring cup are great basics for any bar. A lime juicer is very helpful, especially if you’re making a big batch. And of course, you don’t need a special glass to enjoy any drink, but if you’re looking to really step up your game, then some fun margarita glasses will be the perfect finishing touch. Here’s our complete list of essential margarita tools.
Directions
Step 1: Salt the rim
If you remember with enough time, chill your glass beforehand in the freezer!
Get a shallow bowl that is slightly larger than your glass and fill with a thick layer of salt. Cut a notch in the middle of one of your lime wedges so it can fit around the rim of your glass. Run the lime all the way around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim in salt. Fill your glass with ice.
Step 2: Shake it up
Fill the shaker with ice then add the tequila, triple sec and fresh squeezed lime juice. Cover well and shake hard for about 20 seconds.
Step 3: Strain and enjoy!
Strain directly into your prepared margarita glass. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
How to Upgrade Your Margarita
There are so many ways you can upgrade your margarita recipe! Try out some of these varieties to shake things up a bit.
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Spice up your salt rim. I like to add lime zest and a pinch of cayenne to the salt. You can also add a bit of sugar to the mix.
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Try it with mezcal! A mezcal margarita is a very different experience but just as delightful. Mezcal is an Oaxacan spirit—like tequila, it’s from the agave plant, but has a smokier profile. It can make a lovely margarita with a complex flavor.
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Add some fruit for a flavored margarita. This is a classic way to personalize your margarita. I love to add fresh berries in the summer, either muddled into a drink on the rocks or blended in a frozen margarita.
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Cointreau is a type of triple sec, or orange liqueur, which is a classic choice for margaritas. But there are many types of triple sec out there that would be just as delicious. You can also try other types of orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Curacao, which will change the flavor slightly.
Tips for How to Make a Margarita
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Whatever tequila you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s 100% de agave or puro de agave. My favorite tequila for margaritas is Espolon Blanco Tequila, but some other crowd-pleasers are Casamigos Blanco and Patron Silver.
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Fresh limes are key to a great margarita. They’re easy to squeeze with the citrus juicer, and you’ll be glad you made the extra effort since they make the drink so fresh and flavorful.
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Triple sec is another key ingredient for margaritas, but if you don’t have any you can still make a delicious cocktail using some type of simple syrup or sweetener in lieu of it. Try this Texas red river margarita or a batch of frozen lemon-berry margaritas, neither of which need triple sec to have a good time.
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A salt rim is an important part of a margarita, both aesthetically and to give it that salty kick. Some people like to do just half of the rim, which looks elegant and is great for folks who want some sips without the salty component. Other people like to do a pretty thick salt rim, about 1/2-inch deep. The most important part of the salt rim is to make sure your glass is wet enough for the salt to stick! If you run out of lime, just wet it with some water.
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If you’re looking for something even simpler, there are some great margarita mixes out there. Try the Tres Agaves Organic Mix or Stirrings Simple Margarita Mix. Just add tequila and you’re ready to roll.
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Margaritas are a great cocktail for a small gathering or a not-so-small party, because they’re easy to batch up. Dust off your pitcher and check out how to make margaritas for a crowd.
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And of course, we can’t leave frozen margaritas out of the conversation! Here’s how to whip up a delicious batch of frozen margaritas—I find them particularly thirst-quenching and I love them on the hottest days of summer. But they’re great anytime, especially next to a pool.
Classic Margarita
A classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Want more tips? Learn exactly how to make a margarita.
Texas Red River Margaritas
When I lived in Texas, I decided to create a cocktail that represented my new home. I've found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice in this spicy margarita recipe. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, NE Here are more tequila drinks to sip on.
Amaretto Margarita
With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor These are the essential ingredients in a margarita.
Frozen Sriracha-Mango Margarita
The sweetness of the fruit helps offset the spiciness of the Sriracha, giving this mango margarita a unique and fun twist. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor This is what you need to know about mezcal.
Grapefruit Margarita
When you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Caribbean Blue Margarita
For a fun spin on a classic cocktail, substitute Blue Curacao for Triple Sec. The vibrant blue margarita will make you think you're on the shores of the Caribbean. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Ginger-Raspberry Margarita
Ginger and lime form a wonderful flavor combination, so I thought I'd try adding them to my raspberry margarita. This cocktail is perfect for spring or summer parties. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Margarita Floats
On a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Refreshing Beer Margaritas
I'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing cocktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri Find exciting ways to take your margarita to the next level.
Melon Margarita
Melon liqueur dramatically changes the flavor and color of a classic margarita and also makes it sweeter. If you'd like your melon margarita a little more tart, cut back on the liqueur just a tiny bit. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Coconut Margarita
Take your cocktail to the tropics with this coconut margarita. It's very refreshing! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Learn how to make a pitcher of margaritas.
Watermelon Margaritas
Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Frozen Cherry Margaritas
When summer rolls around, I start thinking about all the fun drinks I can whip up to stay cool. This frozen cherry margarita is a favorite of mine. It's so delicious, and the deep red color is amazing. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado Psst! Here's how to make a frozen marg.
Pomgaritas
Pomegranate juice gives a tart and tasty twist to the traditional margarita. The ruby color is great for Christmas, but we enjoy the refreshing beverage all year long.—Bernice Knutson, Danbury, Iowa See our complete list of essential margarita tools.
Margarita Sangria
This sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Frozen Blueberry-Mint Margarita
Refreshing and fruity, you need a frozen blueberry margarita in hand this summer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas
I came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, CaliforniaThe post How to Make a Margarita Like a Professional Bartender appeared first on Taste of Home.
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