Easy Margarita

An excellent classic margarita is a masterclass in balance. It’s a simple cocktail with only three core ingredients, but achieving the perfect harmony of strong, sweet, and sour is what separates a good margarita from a great one.

Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 1

Here’s a great video that shows the process of making a simple margarita.

Why You’ll Love Making It

• Perfectly Balanced: This recipe uses a classic ratio that ensures no single flavor—tequila, lime, or orange—overpowers the others. The result is a crisp, refreshing, and incredibly smooth cocktail.
• Simple & Quick: With just a few key ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can whip up a cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, from relaxing on the patio to celebrating with friends.
• Endlessly Customizable: Use this classic recipe as your starting point. You can easily adjust the sweetness, make it spicy, or serve it frozen for a different twist.
• Impress Your Guests: Forget the sugary pre-made mixes. Serving a margarita made from scratch with fresh ingredients is a simple way to elevate your hosting game and treat your guests to a truly authentic cocktail experience.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Used for rimming the glass to enhance the drink’s flavor. If using table salt, use less.
• 1 medium lime – Fresh lime juice is key for the best taste. Avoid bottled juice for a fresher, brighter flavor.
• Ice – Chills the drink and ensures a smooth texture when shaken.
• 1 1/2 ounces blanco or silver tequila – A good-quality 100% agave tequila provides the best flavor. Blanco tequila is crisp and clean.
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (preferably Cointreau) – Adds a citrusy sweetness and depth. Triple sec or Grand Marnier also work.
• 1/4 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup (optional) – Balances the tartness of lime if you prefer a slightly sweeter margarita.

Instructions

Chill and Prepare Your Glass: A cold glass is key. Place an Old-Fashioned or margarita glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you begin. Spread the kosher salt on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your chilled glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the salt, rotating gently to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with fresh ice.

Combine Ingredients in a Shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar (if using).

Shake Well: Fill the shaker about halfway with ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The shaker should feel frosty on the outside. This step is crucial as it not only chills the drink but also aerates it and adds the perfect amount of dilution.

Strain and Serve: Using a cocktail strainer (or a fine-mesh strainer for a smoother texture), pour the margarita into your prepared glass over the fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Variations to Try

Spicy Margarita: Muddle two or three thin slices of jalapeño in the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients. This will infuse the drink with a pleasant heat. You can also rim the glass with Tajín instead of salt for an extra kick.

Smoky Margarita: Swap the blanco tequila for a mezcal. Mezcal is also made from agave but has a distinct smoky flavor that adds incredible depth to the cocktail.

Frozen Margarita: Combine all the ingredients in a blender with about 1 cup of ice per serving. Blend until smooth and slushy.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Triple Sec?
Cointreau is a premium brand of triple sec, known for its well-balanced and smooth orange flavor. Grand Marnier is a blend of orange liqueur and cognac, giving it a richer, deeper, and more complex profile. “Triple Sec” is a broader category of orange liqueurs that can vary in quality and sweetness.

Can I make a big batch of margaritas for a party?
Yes. To make a pitcher that serves about 8, combine 2 cups of blanco tequila, 1 cup of orange liqueur, and 1 cup of fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled. When ready to serve, stir again, and pour into salt-rimmed glasses filled with ice. You can add the agave nectar to the pitcher or let guests sweeten their own drinks.

Why is my margarita too sour or too sweet?
The balance of a margarita is a personal preference. If it’s too sour, add a little more agave nectar (about 1/4 ounce at a time). If it’s too sweet, add a bit more fresh lime juice. Always taste and adjust as you go.

Can I make a margarita without a cocktail shaker?
Absolutely. A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly as a substitute. You can also stir the ingredients with ice in a large glass for about 30 seconds, then strain it into your serving glass.