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.

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.

What is a classic margarita made of? ›

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

What is the difference between a margarita and a perfect margarita? ›

Margarita is the basic template of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, which calls for simplicity. It is always open to suggestions and has played the role of the foundation for many complex concoctions. The “Perfect Margarita” is a sophisticated drink, as this co*cktail-martini hybrid has an acquired taste.

What are secrets in a margarita? ›

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.

Is Grand Marnier or triple sec better for a margarita? ›

Can they replace Triple Sec? Both Grand Marnier and Cointreau are excellent replacements for Triple Sec when making a Margarita. In fact, both of these are significantly more expensive and are considered to be better than inexpensive Triple Sec both in quality and taste.

What margarita mix do most restaurants use? ›

The two most popular mixes that restaurants use for margaritas are Zing Zang Margarita Mix and Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Original Margarita Mix.

Why do you need triple sec for Margaritas? ›

In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity. Considering the relatively low ABV of most triple secs and orange liqueurs, the orange flavoring isn't as “juice-forward,” which allows the tequila to shine.

How was the original margarita made? ›

The first known publication of a margarita recipe was in the December 1953 issue of Esquire, with a recipe calling for an ounce of Sierra tequila, a dash of triple sec, and the juice of half a lime or lemon. A recipe for a tequila-based co*cktail first appeared in the 1930 book My New co*cktail Book by G. F. Steele.

Is triple sec or Cointreau better for Margaritas? ›

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.

Is Grand Marnier or Cointreau better in margarita? ›

If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.

What is the best triple sec to use in margaritas? ›

Cointreau is always my first choice,” says Stanislav Harcinik of Mirror Bar in Bratislava. “It brings citrusy-zesty aromatics to a Margarita's flavor profile, and makes the drink even lighter, with its aromatic floral notes that always make me smell it one more time and, of course, [take] another sip.”

What can I use in a margarita instead of triple sec? ›

If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.

What makes restaurant margaritas so good? ›

Top shelf silver tequila is an absolute must. Any GOOD margarita starts with a GOOD tequila. Fresh lime juice and a quality triple sec are required. Good ingredients make for a good final product whether it be a co*cktail or a casserole.

How unhealthy is a margarita? ›

Margaritas can be high in sugar, depending on how they are made. Margaritas made from premade mixes, as well as restaurant margaritas, typically have more sugar than homemade ones. Consuming too many added sugars can lead to unwanted weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease ( 9 ).

What to add to margarita mix to make it better? ›

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Is Cointreau or triple sec better for margaritas? ›

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.

Is Grand Marnier or Cointreau better for margaritas? ›

If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.

Which is better, triple sec or Cointreau? ›

While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative. Regardless of your preference, Red & White offers both options for purchase, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your liquor needs.

What is a good 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.

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