Classic Margarita Recipe (2024)

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Out of margarita mix? Consider this your lucky day because this recipe is a real margarita recipe from scratch. A fresh margarita is just as easy to make as those artificial margaritas using margarita mix—and it’s even better!

Why I Love This Recipe

Store-bought margarita mix is a modern-day shortcut, the classic margarita recipe (created nearly 100 years back) called for freshly squeezedlimes and sometimes agave (simple sugar will do).

Fresh citrus enhances tequila’s natural flavors. It’s not sickly sweet orfull of artificial sweeteners like store-bought margarita mix. It’s real sugar and fresh lime juice, minus a killer headache the next morning. Add a little salt and everything POPS!

These margaritas pair nicely with my fresh homemade guacamoleor chicken enchiladas, carne asada tacos, and flank steak fajitas!

Ingredients

• Tequila: look for Milagro, Espolòn, Altos, Teremana, Hornitos, and Corralejo.
• Fresh lime juice: fresh limes are essential for the perfect margarita. Always use a citrus squeezer to extract as much lime juice as possible from each lime. I will occasionally mix in some fresh lemon for different flavors. Use up to 1.5 ounces of citrus!
• Simple syrup or agave: I prefer simple syrup because it’s less sweet than agave. Start with less than half an ounce and add more as needed. You want enough to round out the co*cktail without it tasting overly sweet.
• Orange liqueur: you can use triple sec or Cointreau. If you prefer a drier margarita, Skip the simple syrup and only sweeten it with orange liqueur.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

How to Make a Margarita

Step 1.

For the salted rim, take a lime wedge and wipe the rim of a double old-fashioned glass. I usually only salt half of the rim. Dip in margarita salt (image 1a), rotating until coated as desired (image 1b).

See Also

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Quick Tip

Keep your glasses in the freezer so your drink stays cooler for longer. This is another benefit of using a highball glass over traditional bulky margarita glass.

Step 2.

Combine tequila, lime, sugar, and orange liqueur in a co*cktail shaker with plenty of ice.

Step 3.

Shake vigorously and pour straight into the glass with the (now crushed) ice from the shaker. Garnish with a lime wheel.Class this recipe up further by serving it over a large clear ice cube.

Margarita Variations

• looking for a spicy kick? learn how to make easy spicy margaritas using homemade infused jalapeño or habañero tequila. It only takes 24 hours to infuse delicious heat.
• If you like mezcal, you can easily make a mezcal margarita with egg whites or my spicy mezcal co*cktail.
• My mango margaritas are one of the most popular drinks on this site. They can be served frozen or up on the rocks. It’s one of my favorite co*cktails for the summer.
• If you love watermelon, you have to try my blended watermelon margaritas. The watermelon flavor is refreshing and goes perfectly with salt and tequila.
• If you are looking for a winter-inspired margarita, try my Grand Marnier margarita made with reposado tequila, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
• If you like Palomas, look no further than my simple grapefruit margarita, which has very similar Paloma vibes.
• Lastly, you can always make the tried and true Tequila Sunrise if you’re short on ingredients. a highly underrated co*cktail when made with freshly squeezed orange juice,

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!