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