The Best Classic Margarita Recipe

Master the art of blending tangy, sweet, and zesty in perfect harmony to produce the unforgettable taste of the Best Classic Margarita.

What’s better than a perfectly made margarita to chill with on a sunny afternoon or during an all-out friends’ get-together, right? The citrusy lime, the punch of tequila, and the sweet undertones of triple sec don’t make your usual cocktail, it makes an icon!

It sure stands tall beside the sun-soaked Daiquiri or the chic Mojito, but what makes the classic margarita a real star is its perfect mix of sweet, sour, and liquor kick. This recipe’s aim is to give you that same flavor balance, along with the pure joy a margarita brings to every hangout.

INGREDIENTS

Ready to whip up a Margarita? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz. tequila (preferably silver or blanco)
• 1 oz. triple sec (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• salt for rimming the glass (optional)
• lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Bar Utensils Needed

• Margarita or rocks glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Citrus juicer
• Jigger
• Dish or flat plate – to salt the glass rime
• Sharp knife and cutting board

INSTRUCTIONS

Rim

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a chilled margarita or rocks glass, and then dip the rim into a shallow dish filled with salt.

Combine

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.

Shake

Shake the ingredients well until the shaker feels cold to the touch, usually 15-20 seconds.

Strain

Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.

Garnish

Garnish with a lime wedge. (optional)

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Classic Margarita

There’s a reason they don’t serve margaritas at the gym. These boozy treats will set you back 150 to 200 calories a pour (depending on whose tequila and triple sec you’re splashing in). But, don’t worry! We’ve devised some hacks that will result in a healthier but still delicious cocktail.

• If you have the option (and the hand muscles), squeeze real limes and go for natural sweet stuff like honey or agave syrup over anything store-bought. Your margarita will taste livelier and you’ll cut out a lot of the sugars they pack into the processed stuff.
• Spend a bit more time at the liquor store and find light or diet versions of your go-to tequila and triple sec. They still taste like the original stuff but without as many calories.
• A typical margarita glass is a lot bigger than you might thought. I suggest using something smaller like a rocks glass to give you the sense of drinking a full glass without actually having to consume all that cocktail.
• For a non-alcoholic version, leave the tequila and triple sec out and splash in some orange juice and extra lime juice. The taste should be similar to the adult version but without the booze.

Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Classic Margarita

• Don’t do your margarita a disservice by picking up low-quality alcohol. Go for brands that are 100% agave tequila and premium triple sec like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
• Shake the cocktail shaker until it feels significantly cold. Once it hits that magic temperature, your ingredients will be well mixed and your Margarita should stay cold for the duration of the drink.
• When rimming your glass with salt, try to get salt only on the outside of the glass. That way, the salt won’t dribble into your drink and over-salt it. I also recommend coarse salt and not table salt; it provides a more pleasing crunch with each sip.
• Sure, the lime garnish looks cool and fancy, but it also adds a fresh aroma that heightens the drink’s overall sensory experience, so don’t forget it!

FAQs

how many calories are in a Classic Margarita?

On average, you’d be looking at somewhere between 150 to 200 calories for each Margarita. It really does depend on your tequila and triple sec brands of choice. If you want to look at ways to bring that calorie count down, take a look above. I’ve listed some tips that might help.

how do i enjoy a Margarita?

It’s all about sipping. Sample the salty rim, then dive into those tantalizing cocktail flavors. Just take your time and cherish each sip.

Is it ok if I swap lime juice for lemon juice?

If you don’t have any limes handy, you can totally use lemon juice. Naturally, this switch will affect the overall taste.

Any foodie tips for my Margarita sesh?

Well, Margaritas pair best with spicy Mexican dishes, like my Mini Bell Pepper Nachos, Keto Ground Beef Casserole, Chipotle Slow-Cooker Pork Tenderloin Tacos, and my Green Chicken Enchiladas. The refreshing hit of a margarita complements that spice found in Mexican food.

 Delicious Classic Margarita Variations

• The Strawberry Margarita: Introduce a fruity element by blending fresh strawberries along with the standard margarita ingredients. The result? A sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing take on the classic.
• The Spicy Margarita: Bring the heat to your cocktail by infusing the traditional recipe with slices of jalapeno or a touch of chili salt on the rim.

• The Mezcal Margarita: Use smoky mezcal instead of tequila for a unique flavor twist while remaining true to the cocktail’s Mexican roots.

How To prep and store classic margaritas

You can totally whip up these margaritas before your guests arrive. Mix up a huge batch of your cocktail, then pour the concoction (hold the ice) into any pitcher or fancy bottle you have lying around. Keep it into the fridge and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. I would give it about 2 days, then the quality will decrease from all that ‘alone’ time.

You can store leftovers the same way. Just note that citrus juices are best when fresh, so find a reason to drink those margaritas sooner than later, okay?