Classic Margarita
We'll be drinking this classic margarita recipe all summer long. With just 5 ingredients, it’s so simple to make - break out the tequila & limes ASAP!
Over the years, I’ve shared a watermelon margarita and 2(!) jalapeño margaritas, but in truth, this classic margarita recipe is the one I make most often. It’s super simple to make, it calls for just 5 ingredients, and it’s totally delicious.
If you’re new to making cocktails at home, this recipe is a great place to start. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or any other special equipment, and it’s easy to taste and adjust your drink to make something you really love. Mix it up for a happy hour, Cinco de Mayo, or anytime you’re craving a fun drink, and pass the tortilla chips! I hope you love this margarita recipe as much as I do.
Margarita Recipe Ingredients
To make a classic margarita, you need 6 simple ingredients:
- Tequila – Use any good-quality blanco tequila in this recipe. We like this brand, but feel free to use your favorite!
- Orange liqueur – You’ll see recipes that call for Grand Marnier and triple sec, but Cointreau is my #1 pick.
- Lime juice – For the best results, squeeze fresh lime juice right before you make your cocktails. I like my margarita to be pretty tart, so I use an equal amount of lime juice and tequila.
- Something sweet – I sweeten mine with agave nectar or homemade simple syrup.
- Salt – For the rim of your glass. I use fine sea salt, but kosher salt could work here too.
- And ice! Because a great margarita is always on the rocks.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make the BEST Margarita
Making an awesome margarita at home is easy! Here’s what you need to do:
- First, salt the rim of a margarita glass. Rub it with a wedge of lime and dip the top of the glass in a small plate of salt. Just a heads up, it’s super easy to forget to do this step before you start mixing up your cocktail (I speak from experience). But in order for you to get a good salt rim on your glass, it has to be empty. You need to be able to turn the glass upside down so that you can dip it in the salt, so always remember to do this step first!
- Next, mix up your drink! Add the tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice to the glass, and stir to combine. Top the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice, and add a splash of agave nectar or simple syrup.
- Finally, taste and adjust. In order to make a cocktail you really love, you’re going to have to taste and adjust. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more agave, simple syrup, or even a splash of orange juice. If you like a stiffer drink, add more tequila and Cointreau. I like mine really tangy, just as the recipe is written. Garnish your glass with a lime slice, and enjoy!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
What to Serve With A Margarita
Enjoy your margarita with your favorite Mexican or Tex Mex fare. If I’m making these for a party or happy hour, I always serve them with tortilla chips, salsa, and lots of guac. They’d also be fantastic with mango or pineapple salsa or my seven layer dip. For more appetizer ideas, check out this post!
If you’re enjoying your margarita for dinner, pair it with veggie tacos, stuffed poblano peppers, grilled avocado, taquitos, or nachos. Bottoms up!
More Favorite Cocktail Recipes
If you love this margarita recipe, try one of these homemade cocktails next:
- Maple Hot Toddy
- Mint Julep
- Paloma Cocktail
- Peach Sangria
- Classic Mimosas
Ingredients
- 1 ounce tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus lime slices for garnish
- ½ ounce agave nectar (or simple syrup), or to taste
- Sea salt, for the rim
Instructions
- Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of salt.
- Mix the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into the glass and fill the remainder of the glass with crushed ice. Stir and add the agave nectar, if desired, to sweeten. If it’s too strong, wait a little bit for the ice to melt.
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