Classic Margarita Cocktail
This Classic Margarita Cocktail combines just three simple ingredients to create a perfectly balanced drink that's tart, refreshing, and dangerously easy to make at home. Using fresh lime juice and quality tequila, this recipe delivers a crisp, citrusy cocktail with just the right amount of sweetness that rivals any high-end bar.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer or handheld reamer
- Margarita glass or rocks glass
- Small plate for salting rim
- Fine-mesh strainer optional, for catching pulp
Ingredients
For the Margarita
- 2 ounces blanco or silver tequila 60ml, 100% agave recommended
- 1 ounce orange liqueur 30ml, Cointreau or triple sec
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 22ml, about 1 large lime
- 1/4 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup 7ml, optional for sweetness
- ice cubes for shaking and serving
For the Salted Rim (optional)
- coarse salt or margarita salt
- 1 lime wedge for rimming glass
For Garnish
- 1 lime wedge or wheel
Instructions
- Pour salt onto a small plate. Run lime wedge around outer rim of glass, then dip rim into salt to coat evenly.
- Roll lime on countertop, cut in half, and juice to yield 3/4 ounce (about 1 large lime). Strain if desired for smoother texture.
- Fill cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes. Use standard ice cubes rather than crushed ice.
- Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur, 3/4 oz lime juice, and optional 1/4 oz agave nectar to the shaker.
- Seal shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until outside becomes frosty and very cold to touch.
- For rocks: fill prepared glass with fresh ice and strain margarita over ice. For straight up: strain directly into chilled glass without ice.
- Garnish with lime wedge on rim or lime wheel floating on top. Serve immediately while ice-cold.
Notes
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor - bottled juice cannot compare to fresh-squeezed limes
- Choose 100% agave tequila, preferably blanco or silver, for the most authentic margarita taste
- Cointreau is worth the investment over cheap triple sec for a more refined orange flavor
- A vigorous 15-20 second shake chills the drink properly and creates perfect dilution
- Only salt the outer edge of the glass so salt doesn't fall into the drink
- Traditional margaritas are quite tart - add agave nectar if you prefer sweeter drinks
- Pre-mix tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice for parties, store refrigerated up to 24 hours, shake with ice when serving
- For frozen margaritas, blend all ingredients with 1-2 cups ice until smooth and slushy
- Try variations: add jalapeño slices for spicy, fresh strawberries for fruity, or replace tequila with mezcal for smoky flavor
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving straight-up margaritas
Nutrition
Serving: 1CocktailCalories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 10gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 45mgSugar: 8gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
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