Margarita

Classic Margarita

(1 ratings)

A perfectly balanced, refreshing cocktail featuring tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice with a salted rim

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Recipe

1 cocktail (120ml)
  • Blanco Tequila 
    45 ml
  • Orange Liqueur 
    30 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    15 ml
  • Agave Syrup 
    7.5 ml
  • Salt 
    1 pinch
  • Lime 
    1 wheel
Recipe credit: Traditional Mexican Recipe

Instructions

Step

Prepare the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into coarse salt on a small plate to create an even coating.

Step

Add tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and optional agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled and properly mixed.

Step

Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.

Step

Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Jigger
Plate

Description

The Classic Margarita represents the gold standard of cocktail making, utilizing the time-tested 3-2-1 ratio of tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. This iconic Mexican cocktail delivers the perfect balance of agave sweetness, citrus brightness, and mineral complexity from its signature salted rim. When crafted with quality 100% agave tequila and fresh ingredients, it transforms from a simple mixed drink into a sophisticated, restaurant-quality cocktail that captures the essence of Mexican mixology tradition.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (120ml)
Calories
168
ABV
24.5 %
Alcohol
23.2 g
Carbs
8.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
7.8 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
590 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Always use fresh lime juice - bottled juice lacks the bright, aromatic oils essential for a perfect Margarita

  • Choose 100% agave blanco tequila for the cleanest, most authentic flavor profile

  • The salt rim is crucial - it enhances all flavors and balances the tartness of the lime

  • Shake with conviction for 10-15 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature

  • Cointreau provides the best balance of sweetness and orange flavor, though quality Triple Sec works well

Yes, you can stir all ingredients vigorously with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into your prepared glass. While shaking is preferred for optimal mixing and chilling, stirring will still produce a good Margarita.

Use 100% agave blanco (silver) tequila for the cleanest, most authentic flavor. Brands like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Herradura Silver offer excellent quality for cocktails without breaking the budget.

Add agave syrup or simple syrup in small increments (2.5ml at a time) until the balance feels right. The drink should be refreshingly tart but not puckeringly sour.

Absolutely! Multiply the recipe by the number of servings needed and mix in a large pitcher. For 8 servings, use 360ml tequila, 240ml orange liqueur, 120ml lime juice, and 60ml agave syrup. Stir well and serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses.

Related Citrus, Sour, Tropical cocktails

Frozen Margarita

A perfectly balanced frozen cocktail blending premium tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur into a smooth, refreshing slush

Frozen margarita

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Blanco Tequila
    45 ml
  • Orange Liqueur
    30 ml
  • Lime Juice
    15 ml
  • Agave Syrup
    7.5 ml
  • Salt
    1 pinch
  • Lime
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Prepare the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into coarse salt on a small plate to create an even coating.
  2. Add tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and optional agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled and properly mixed.
  4. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.