Classic Margarita Recipe

Cheers! You’ve found the best classic Margarita recipe – homemade with just 5 simple ingredients for a fun, tasty happy hour at home anytime!

The best Margarita recipe is right here and I for one am not at all sad to say goodbye to sickly sweet bottled mixed or overpriced restaurant cocktails.

It’s a refreshing, timeless cocktail with freshly squeezed lime juice, smooth tequila for that unmistakable backbone, orange liqueur to round things and a touch of simple syrup that softens the tartness just enough, creating a perfectly balanced sip every time.

Serve it over ice in a salt-rimmed glass for Cinco de Mayo, a summer evening or a great kick off to the weekend. It’s crisp, clean, dangerously delicious and everything a margarita should be.

Why I love this recipe:

• It’s the perfect balance of tart lime juice, tequila and sweetness.
• You need just 5 ingredients to make the perfect Margarita.
• This is my favorite cocktail with any Mexican meal.
• Multiple the recipe to make a pitcher of margaritas.

Key ingredients in a classic Margarita:

1. blanco or silver tequila
2. whole limes for fresh lime juice
3. orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
4. simple syrup (bottled or homemade – instructions below)
5. salt (optional to rim glass) and fresh ice

Tips for the best Margarita:

Blanco Tequila – use good-quality tequila for best results

Orange liqueur – I like Cointreau but Triple Sec or Grand Marnier work well too.

Freshly-squeezed lime juice will give you the best tasting margaritas.

Fresh limes ‘squeeze test’ – do at the grocery store. Limes that give a little when squeezed are more likely to be juicier.

To get the most juice out of your limes, roll on the counter applying gentle pressure with the palm of your hand.

Sweetness – just a touch for balance. I use simple syrup but ​agave nectar is also good.

For a fun twist next time try my Grapefruit Margaritas made with fresh grapefruit juice.

A margarita glass isn’t necessary. Use cocktail glasses or even a Mason jar for serving.

Salted rim – optional but adds great flavor.

How to make simple syrup with 2 ingredients:

Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring often until the sugar has dissolved (2-3 minutes).

Allow to cool completely.

Classic Margarita recipe:

If you’re making your own simple syrup, prepare and set aside.

Add coarse salt to a plate. Quarter one lime then rub the lime around the rim of the glass. Dip the glass in the salt, add ice to the glass then set aside.

Add tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Note: if you don’t have a cocktail shaker, mix in a separate glass.

Shake well. Taste and adjust as necessary for sweetness then pour into prepared glasses. Add lime wedge and enjoy this delicious margarita right away.

What to eat with a Margarita:

You can’t go wrong with any of the following classic recipes or any of your favorite Mexican meals. Just add a bag of your favorite tortilla chips to these.

Guacamole

Charred Corn Guacamole

5 Minute Restaurant Salsa

Pico De Gallo

Nacho Cheese Sauce

Full printable recipe is below and if you make this Classic Margarita recipe be sure to leave a comment and star rating.

Enjoy!

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