Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

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The most perfect classic Margarita recipe made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, orange liqueur, and tequila is quick and easy to make. This extremely strong lip smacking tequila co*cktail served over ice is the best drink!

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

Table of Contents

  • Do you need any special equipment?
  • How to make this classic margarita
  • How much tequila do you use?
  • What is the best tequila for a margarita?
  • National Margarita Day
  • Love tasty co*cktail and mocktail recipes?
  • The Best Classic Margarita Recipe Recipe

Do you need any special equipment?

The only piece of equipment you need to make a margarita is a co*cktail shaker. But is a co*cktail shaker really necessary to make a margarita? Not really. The only thing a co*cktail shaker does is thoroughly mix the liquid with ice to properly chill the drink. Then it strains the chilled margarita into a glass with fresh ice. This results in an ice cold drink that won’t quickly melt the ice and get watered down.

If you want to enjoy a blended margarita, you’ll need to use a blender, of course.

There are many times, however, that I’ve mixed a margarita with nothing more than a spoon in my glass. I’m sure hardcore margarita enthusiasts would be appalled, but sometimes its all about minimizing the kitchen mess.

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2)

How to make this classic margarita

  • If you don’t already have simple syrup on hand, it’s super easy to make and it lasts for a long time if refrigerated. That being said, go make some simple syrup to have on hand right now!
  • Margaritas are best, in my opinion, with salt around the rim of your glass. This is totally optional, but my preference. If you want to take things a bit further, mix a little sugar and lime zest in with your salt. YUM! Then fill that glass with ice.
  • To mix the margarita, you simply add the tequila, simple syrup, lime juice and orange liqueur to a co*cktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds to get it nice and chilled.
  • Pour the chilled margarita through the strainer into your prepared glass and enjoy!

How much tequila do you use?

This is truly a matter of preference, but the rule I’ve always lived by is that half of my margarita is tequila.

The ratio I’ve always used is four parts tequila, 2 parts lime juice, 1 part simple syrup, and 1 part orange liqueur. For me, that recipe is not only easy to remember but it’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour and wow. Feel free to adjust my margarita recipe to your own personal taste.

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (3)

What is the best tequila for a margarita?

Again, everyone has their preferences but I much prefer silver tequila in a margarita. If you’re entertaining for a crowd, you can always go with an inexpensive option. I mean, you’re mixing the tequila with a few other things so it’s not as obvious if you’re not using a high quality tequila.

When I’m out or want to just do it right, I usually prefer to go with Patron silver.

National Margarita Day

If you need any further convincing that a classic margarita is a fantastic co*cktail, just remember that this drink is celebrated with it’s own holiday! This year, National Margarita Day was on February 22.

What does that mean? That means that we all have yet another reason to enjoy, and celebrate this sacred tequila lime drink. Collectively. That’s right. As if any of us needed an excuse to enjoy drinking a delicious margarita, but because of National Margarita Day we can all do it together.

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (4)

Love tasty co*cktail and mocktail recipes?

Then you’ll definitely want to try these:

  • Virgin Mango Lime Margarita
  • Blended Watermelon Margarita
  • Horchata
  • Blueberry Thyme Crush co*cktail
  • Tequila Pina Colada
  • Sparkling Red Sangria Recipe

The Best Classic Margarita Recipe

Prep5 minutes mins

Total5 minutes mins

Servings 1 serving

Author Krissy Allori

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (5)

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The most perfect classic Margarita recipe is quick and easy to make. This lip smacking tequila co*cktail served over ice is the best drink!

Video

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces tequila silver recommended
  • 2 ounces lime juice freshly squeezed (more if you like it tart)
  • 1 ounce Simple Syrup recipe link in notes
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur Grand Marnier

For rim of glass:

Instructions

  • Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.

  • Use leftover lime to moisten edge of glass. Place salt, sugar, lime juice mixture on a small plate. Press the rim of the glass into the mixture to coat the rim.

  • Fill glass with ice. Strain margarita into the glass. Enjoy!

Notes

How to make simple syrup:https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/make-simple-syrup/

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Sodium: 2346mg, Potassium: 66mg, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin C: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

Cinco de Mayo co*cktails Drinks

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (6)

Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie? ›

The ratio I've always used is four parts tequila, 2 parts lime juice, 1 part simple syrup, and 1 part orange liqueur. For me, that recipe is not only easy to remember but it's the perfect balance of sweet and sour and wow. Feel free to adjust my margarita recipe to your own personal taste.

Can I use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau in a margarita? ›

Can You Substitute One Orange Liqueur for Another? In general, the answer is yes, you can substitute Grand Marnier for Cointreau or other types of triple sec, and vice versa.

What makes restaurant margaritas so good? ›

Just as important as the style of tequila is the use of a high-quality orange liqueur. Part of the Daisy category of co*cktails, the Margarita calls for triple sec such as Cointreau for sweetness and balance. Though some may opt for agave nectar instead, the addition of the liqueur is what makes a true Margarita.

Do you need triple sec for margaritas? ›

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in margaritas. If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

What is the ratio of tequila to margarita mix? ›

The traditional margarita recipe is made with a ratio of 2:1:1, which means: 2 parts tequila or 2 oz. 1 part triple sec or 1 oz. 1 part lime juice or 1 oz.

What's better in margaritas Grand Marnier or Cointreau? ›

Grand Marnier has a sweeter, richer, and smoother flavor with hints of vanilla, from the brandy, which a lot of people love. Both are great options for margaritas, so use the one you have on hand.

Is Cointreau or triple sec better in margarita? ›

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

What margarita mix do most restaurants use? ›

In addition to powdered mixes, which are more affordable, restaurants also use liquid mixes they can purchase from their alcohol supplier -similar to the concentrate above. The two most popular mixes that restaurants use for margaritas are Zing Zang Margarita Mix and Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Original Margarita Mix.

What tequila do most Mexican restaurants use for margaritas? ›

Blanco tequila is the go-to for Margaritas. It's a clear, usually unaged spirit (it's allowed to rest in barrels for no more than 60 days) that highlights the pure expression of distilled agave.

What does the term bruising mean in bartending? ›

Bruised: When a co*cktail or martini has be over shaken and pieces of ice and oxygen bubble forms. This results in a cloudy or murky looking co*cktail.

Do you need agave syrup for margaritas? ›

For A Single Margarita:

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila. 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice. optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste.

Why do margaritas need to be shaken? ›

Shaking creates this effect by breaking up the ice and chilling the co*cktail, while also sloshing all of that delicious boozy mixture around. It makes for a frothy sipper rather than a velvety one. Importantly, shaking mixes certain ingredients together that, if stirred, would separate by the time you drink them.

What is the best formula for margaritas? ›

For A Single Margarita:

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila. 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice. optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste.

How to make a margarita mix better? ›

Adding fruit like mango can add a lot more flavor to your margaritas. While a classic margarita with lime is certainly tasty, adding other fruits can kick your drinks up a notch. Simply blend diced mango chunks along with the rest of your margarita ingredients, then pour into a glass of ice.

Can you use Grand Marnier instead of triple sec in a margarita? ›

Grand Marnier offers a richer, sweeter flavor that triple sec just doesn't have. If you think that Grand Marnier's flavors will work with your recipe in lieu of triple sec (or vice versa), go ahead and give it a go! After all, these liqueurs are both orange-forward and will do nicely.

Do you need Cointreau for margaritas? ›

To realise the original recipe of the Margarita co*cktail you need to use Cointreau l'Unique as it is one of the founding ingredients, it represents 30% of the recipe. You can use another triple-sec if you want but it will not taste the same as the original Margarita created by Margarte Sames in 1948.

Can you use orange liqueur for margarita? ›

This original Margarita recipe with triple sec has stood the test of time for over 75 years. Using Cointreau orange liqueur for margarita recipes makes your drink as authentic as it was created back in 1948.

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