Margaritas are a classic drink that everyone should probably know how to make. They’re perfect for summertime gatherings or any party, really. It’s definitely one of the most popular cocktails in the world for a reason!

 

Classic Margarita Recipe in rocks glass with 1 ounce fresh lime, 1 ounce orange liqueur, ice cubes, and wedge of lime

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In our recipe video, Rob and Chris mention their favorite stories about the history of the Margarita, a topic which we’ve explored in the past (no pun intended). There are some good stories out there!

Gotta say, though, I’m loving this Rita Hayworth theory about how the cocktail was supposedly named after her. (Her full first name was Margarita, after all. And while I’m not 100% buying it, it’s certainly my favorite tale I’ve heard.)

 

WATCH HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC MARGARITA RECIPE NOW

CLASSIC MARGARITA INGREDIENTS

Today, we will walk you through the steps to make the classic Margarita. It’s actually quite easy – All you need are a few ingredients and a little bit of prep work. And again, we’re talking the classic tequila cocktail here, not frozen drinks– No blender needed!

classic margarita without orange juice and a lime slice for a perfect cocktail

Photo courtesy of DesignPickle/stock.adobe.com

 

OK, so we see a lot of recipes including simple syrup or sweet and sour mix. While we have another recipe — definitely one of Chris’ and Rob’s favorite Margarita recipes– that includes agave syrup plus Cointreau and several other variations on our blog already, today we’re sticking with one of the most straightforward where the orange liqueur is the only sweetener. 

(But if you prefer using agave nectar, make sure to check out the recipe above or — one of my other favorite recipes– the Tommy’s Margarita that we posted way back in 2015. Notice this uses agave and not regular simple syrup.)

Make sure to use a quality tequila for Margaritas like these and not cheap tequilas. Remember, we’re not hiding behind Margarita mix here– basic Margarita ingredients without the chemicals (such as freshly-squeezed lime juice rather than mix) aren’t as forgiving. 

Of course, it’s difficult to make a pitcher of Margaritas this way because you’re squeezing a whole ounce lime juice per drink, so this is really a single serving recipe and perhaps not for a batch of Margaritas. 

 

EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING A CLASSIC MARGARITA

Boston shaker cocktail set

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You don’t need much to complete this recipe: A cocktail shaker, Hawthorn strainer, fine strainer, jigger for measuring your liquid ingredients, juicer, knife for cutting limes, and a glass of your choice. You can find almost everything in our shop.

Below is one of the most classic cocktails, the (almost) perfect Margarita recipe! Of course, you can always experiment with different proportions of ingredients to find what you like best. And if you’re feeling fancy, try adding some fruit juices (we love a splash of orange juice) or other liqueurs to the mix.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite version of this refreshing cocktail is. Is it this traditional Margarita recipe, or do you prefer something a little different? A spicy Margarita, perhaps? Cheers!

Classic Margarita Recipe

Refreshing Margarita cocktail with only three main ingredients
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1 people
Author: Chris Tunstall

Ingredients

  • 2 ounce Blanco Tequila
  • 1 ounce Cointreau triple sec
  • 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 Salt for Rim of Glass (Optional-- Use a coarse salt like kosher salt)
  • 3-4 Additional Lime Slices for Garnish

Instructions

  •  If you're using salt, rim classic Margarita glass or rocks glass by running a lime wedge around the edge and then dipping it in salt.
  • Fill your glass a with ice cubes and set the prepared glass aside.
  • In a cocktail shaker with ice, add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
  • Shake well and double-strain into the prepared cocktail glass with salt rim. Garnish with lime wheel.