The classic Margarita is a bright Mexican cocktail built from tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a lightly salted rim.
This balanced version keeps the drink crisp and citrusy, using a small amount of agave to soften the lime without hiding the tequila or orange notes.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice and chill the glass before shaking. Cold ingredients help the Margarita stay bright instead of becoming watery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Margarita with tacos, grilled seafood, ceviche, guacamole, or salty snacks. A half-salted rim lets each drinker choose how much salt to taste.
Recipe Notes
Adjust the agave to the tartness of the limes. For a lighter drink, serve over fresh ice in a rocks glass; for the classic presentation, strain into a chilled coupe.
Classic Margarita
A crisp classic Margarita made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, agave, and a salted rim.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus juicer
- Fine strainer
- Two coupe glasses
Ingredients
Margarita
- 1/2 cup blanco tequila chilled if possible
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice about 3 to 4 limes
- 2 tbsp orange liqueur such as triple sec
- 1 tbsp agave syrup adjust to taste
- 1 cup ice for shaking
Rim and Garnish
- 2 tbsp kosher salt for the glass rims
- 1 medium lime cut into wedges or wheels
Instructions
Prepare the glasses:
- Chill two coupe glasses. Spread the salt on a small plate and rub a lime wedge around each rim.
- Dip the rims into the salt, using a partial rim if you prefer a less salty drink.
Shake and serve:
- Add the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.
- Double-strain into the prepared glasses and garnish with lime. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh lime juice makes the biggest difference in a Margarita.
- A partial salt rim keeps the salt as an accent instead of making every sip salty.
- For a rocks Margarita, strain over fresh ice in a chilled glass.
Nutrition
Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSodium: 20mgSugar: 13g