The Best Classic Margarita Recipe Ever

Margaritas are a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. Whether you're sipping on one at happy hour or enjoying a pitcher with friends on a warm summer day, margaritas are always a crowd-pleaser.

With so many different variations and recipes out there, it can be hard to know which one is truly the best. And I know everyone claims to be the “best”, but I truly consider myself a marg expert… in the sense that I’ve tasted and made so many damn margaritas in my time it’s almost unreasonable. I’ve finally perfected the ultimate classic margarita recipe that will have you ready for round two every time!

What is a Classic Margarita?

Before we dive into the recipe, let's first establish what makes a classic margarita. A traditional margarita is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Grand Marnier), and fresh lime juice. Sometimes the triple sec is replaced with agave, but generally you will see an orange liqueur. It's usually served either on the rocks or blended with ice, and often has a salted rim for that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Now let's get to the good stuff - the recipe!

The Ingredients:

• 2 oz 100% Blue Agave Tequila

• 1 oz Triple Sec

• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice

• ¼-½ ounce Simple syrup, to taste

• Lime wedge for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect Classic Margarita:

Step 1: Rim the Glass

Before we start mixing our margarita, let's first prepare our glass. Take a lime wedge and run it along the rim of your glass. Then, pour some kosher salt onto a plate and dip the rim of the glass into the salt, making sure to coat it evenly. This step is important as it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your margarita.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Now it's time to mix our ingredients. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz of your favorite tequila (more on that later), 1 oz of triple sec, ¾ oz of fresh lime juice, and ¼-½ oz of simple syrup. Give it a good shake to combine all the flavors and chill the drink.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Once your margarita is thoroughly mixed and chilled, it's time to strain it into your prepared glass. If you prefer your margarita on the rocks, simply pour it over a glass filled with ice. If you prefer a margarita straight up, pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and voila - you have the perfect classic margarita!

Tips for Making the Perfect Margarita:

• Use fresh lime juice for the best results. While bottled lime juice may be more convenient, nothing beats the taste of real lime juice in a margarita.

• Adjust the simple syrup to your personal preference. Some people like their margaritas on the sweeter side, while others prefer a more tart taste. Feel free to play around with the amount of simple syrup to find your sweet spot.

• Use high-quality tequila for the best results. The type of tequila you use can make or break your margarita. We recommend using 100% blue agave either reposado or blanco tequila for a classic margarita.

• Don't skimp on the triple sec. Using a good quality orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Grand Marnier, is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in a margarita.

• Use a large pitcher for margaritas to share. If you're hosting a Cinco de Mayo party or having friends over for happy hour, consider making a pitcher of margaritas to share. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and mix it all together in a large pitcher. This will save you time and allow you to enjoy the party instead of constantly making single servings.

• Experiment with different types of margaritas. While the classic margarita recipe is our go-to, there are many different variations you can try. From a Cadillac margarita with Grand Marnier to a pineapple margarita with fresh pineapple juice, the possibilities are endless.

• Don't be afraid to add a little heat. For those who like a little kick in their cocktails, try adding a few slices of fresh jalapeño to your margarita for a spicy twist.

• Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a healthier option. If you're looking to cut back on added sugar, substitute agave syrup for simple syrup in your margarita. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a healthier alternative.

• For a fun twist, serve your margarita in a mason jar in a bucket of ice. Not only is it a cute presentation, but it also keeps your drink cold for longer.

The Best Tequila for Margaritas:

Now that you have the recipe, let's talk about the most important ingredient - the tequila. While any tequila will technically work in a margarita, using a good quality tequila will elevate your cocktail to a whole new level. Here are some of our top recommendations for the best tequila to use in a margarita:

• Patrón Silver - This premium tequila is a favorite among many for its smooth taste and high-quality ingredients.

• Milagro Silver - Made from 100% blue agave, this tequila has a clean and crisp flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh lime juice.

• Casamigos Blanco - Created by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, this tequila has a smooth and fruity taste that makes it the perfect addition to a margarita.

• Don Julio Blanco - Known for its smoothness and balanced flavor profile, which includes hints of citrus and agave. This tequila works particularly well in margaritas because its clean taste allows the other ingredients to shine through without overpowering them.

Fun Facts about Margaritas:

• The first frozen margarita machine was invented in 1971 by Mariano Martinez, a Dallas restaurateur.

• National Margarita Day is celebrated every year on February 22nd.

• The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, with over 185,000 being consumed per hour.

• The original recipe for a margarita called for equal parts tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.

• The average margarita contains 200-300 calories and 20-40 grams of sugar.

• A Cadillac margarita is made with top-shelf tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice.

A good margarita recipe is a must-have in any cocktail repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make the perfect margarita at home for any occasion.

Whether you prefer it on the rocks or blended, with a salted rim or without, this classic margarita recipe is sure to please. So gather your friends, grab some fresh limes and high-quality tequila, and get ready to have a good time with this delicious cocktail!

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The Best Classic Margarita Recipe Ever

Servings: 1

Author: Jessie Bernhardt

You can never go wrong with a crowd pleasing classic margarita. You'll love this simple recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 oz 100% Blue Agave Tequila
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
• ¼-½ ounce Simple syrup, to taste
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Rub lime along the rim of the glass. Dip the rim in salt on a plate.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker with ice, mix 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, ¾ oz lime juice, and ¼-½ oz simple syrup. Shake well to combine and chill.
3. Serve: Strain into the prepared glass. For on the rocks, pour over ice; for straight up, serve in a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy! Cheers!

Did you make this recipe?

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Hi, I’m Jessie!

I’m a mom, wife, marketer, cook, and connoisseur of simple and indulgent pleasures.

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