The Only Margarita Recipe You Need

ABOUT THE MARGARITA COCKTAIL

The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in North America—for good reason. Combining the tang of lime and the sweetness of orange liqueur with the distinctive strength of tequila, our classic Margarita strikes all of the right keys.

Although many people reach for premade sour mix, we highly recommend using fresh lime juice. The end result is—let’s face it—superior.

When talking Margaritas, it’s easy to get lost in stories about who invented the drink or get mired in debates over salt versus no salt; blended or frozen; triple sec, Cointreau or Grand-Marnier. In our opinion, this version is the tried-and-true recipe for the best Margarita you can make. Memorize it, and you’ll always impress.

INGREDIENTS IN THE MARGARITA COCKTAIL

3/4 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
1 oz Cointreau, triple sec or another orange liqueur
1 1⁄2 oz Blanco tequila Kosher salt (optional)

Garnish: Lime wheel
Glass: Cocktail or rocks

HOW TO MAKE THE MARGARITA COCKTAIL

Add the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

For a slightly sweeter drink, add a dash of agave syrup (one part water, two parts agave nectar) before shaking.

OTHER INFORMATION

Watch top bartender Jacques Bezuidenhout make a twist on the classic Margarita in our How to Cocktail video.

SPIRITS USED IN THE MARGARITA COCKTAIL

Herradura Blanco

COCKTAIL PROFILE

Flavor: Fruity/Citrus-forward Sour

Base Spirit: Tequila

Cocktail Type: Classics Margaritas

Served: Neat/Up On the Rocks

Preparation: Shaken

Strength: Medium

Difficulty: Medium

Hours: AfternoonDinner/Paired with foodEvening

Occasions: Cinco de Mayo

Brands: Cointreau

RUBY RED NEGRONI COCKTAIL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays have arrived! Parties are in full swing, and the crush will be on this weekend to get some last minute shopping done. It’s always great to pause during the hustle and bustle of the holidays for a good cocktail. Today’s libation comes to us from the fantastic new coffee table book, Southern Living’s Christmas All Through the South.

The book is chock full of gorgeous photographs, recipes for all types of food and drink, traditional and not so traditional. Southerners may be known for their fondness of bourbon, but there are plenty of campari lovers south of the Mason-Dixon line as well.

In less than ten minutes, you can whip up this gorgeous cocktail, perfect for the holidays. I’ll have more to say about this book on my companion blog, Savory Exposure coming soon.

Ruby Red Negroni

Makes 6 servings

2 cups fresh red grapefruit juice (3 large grapefruit)
1 cup gin
1 cup Campari
1 cup sweet vermouth
Crushed ice
1 1⁄2 cups club soda
Garnish: fresh orange slices

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a pitcher. Cover and chill.
2. Fill 6 double old-fashioned glasses with crushed ice. Divide juice mixture evenly among glasses. Top each serving with 1⁄4 cup club soda, and stir gently. Serve immediately.