Margarita Recipe for One AND for a Crowd

Why This Is The Best Classic Margarita Recipe

I’ve drank a loooot of margaritas over the years, so I am very confident in saying that this is the best margarita recipe out there. No frills, no fuss, just the classic ingredients in the right portions. Here are a few other reasons why I think it’s the best.

• Two recipes in one! First, a recipe for a single drink, perfect for that weeknight craving. And second, a big-batch margarita for a crowd recipe that comes in super handy when you’re entertaining a group of friends…so you won’t spend the whole evening measuring out portions for individual glasses. Super awesome concept, right?!
• Simple and classic. There are just 4 ingredients in this margarita recipe: tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup. As much as I love my flavored margs, like my watermelon margarita and spicy cucumber margarita, some situations just call for the OG recipe.
• Perfect for summer. This classic margarita recipe is perfect for summer. And Cinco de Mayo. And Taco Tuesday. And anytime you make Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. And…pretty much any day, any time you want! There’s never a bad time to have a margarita, in my opinion.

What You’ll Need

This classic margarita recipe requires just 4 ingredients – tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. Quick, easy, and so good! Here’s an overview of each ingredient but be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the exact measurements and instructions.

• Tequila – I recommend using a silver or blanco 100% agave tequila for the cleanest, best flavor.
• Cointreau – Cointreau is my preferred orange liqueur but triple sec works as well.
• Lime juice – For margaritas and other cocktails, fresh lime juice is a must for me. The taste is SO MUCH BETTER.
• Simple syrup – For a bit of sweetness. Use as little or as much as you like. Agave is another option for sweetening margaritas,

And if you like a salted rim, grab some coarse salt! (Totally optional!)

Margarita Variations

Of course, there are many, many margarita recipe variations out there – I just shared 10 awesome homemade margaritas – but here are a few of my favorites. Each of these recipes can easily be adapted into a big batch margarita!

• Pink Lemonade Margarita – Use lemons instead of limes for a lighter, fun, summery twist.
• Strawberry Margarita – Made with fresh (easy to make!) strawberry puree.
• Spicy Cucumber Margarita – With a little jalapeno to spice it up and cucumber to cool it down. Yum!
• Rhubarb Margarita – One of my favorites for summer!

How to Make A Classic Margarita (For One)

Craving a weekday marg with dinner? Here’s how to make a single drink in just a few minutes.

• Rim the glass. Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of the glass. Dip into a small plate of coarse salt.
• Combine the ingredients. Pour the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into the glass, then add simple syrup as desired. Stir and fill the glass with ice.
• Enjoy. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the glass and enjoy!

How to Make Margaritas for a Crowd

These big batch margaritas are perfect for your next party or Mexican-themed dinner with friends. You can make 12 drinks all at once, in very little time!

• Make the simple syrup. Prepare the simple syrup a day or so in advance and chill in the fridge. (I like to do this anyway and usually have it in the fridge, but especially when making margaritas for a crowd).
• Combine the ingredients. Measure the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into a pitcher. Stir and place in the fridge.
• Assemble individual drinks. Salt the rim of each glass (if desired), add 1/2 cup of the chilled margarita mix, and simple syrup as desired per guest. Stir, fill the glass with ice, and serve with a lime wedge or two.

How To Add a Salted Rim

In my opinion, a salted rim is key when serving a margarita. And it’s so easy! Just run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and dip it into a small bowl or plate of coarse salt. Just up and down, no need to twist it! I like to do this before a party, while the margarita mix is chilling in the fridge, so they’re ready to go.

Tips for the best margarita

This classic margarita recipe is simple and nearly impossible to mess up. But there are a few things I’d recommend keeping in mind.

• Use a good tequila. Good tequila does not necessarily mean top-shelf liquor. In fact, I don’t think margaritas are necessarily the time to splurge on an expensive tequila. BUT you want to use something that you enjoy drinking. A bad tequila (or one you just don’t love) will definitely make these margaritas less enjoyable.
• FRESH lime juice is key! Please don’t try to make these margaritas with bottled lime juice. The flavor, in my opinion, tastes so fake, and you lose the fresh, tart flavor of a good marg. It’s worth the few extra seconds to squeeze the limes yourself, I promise.
• Chill the mix. I like to make this margarita mix at least an hour or two before guests arrive so it has time to chill. It doesn’t really affect the flavor but a chilled margarita mix = drinks that stay cold longer = no watered down margaritas. If I’m just making one for myself, though, I simply serve it in a glass with lots of ice.