With just 4 simple ingredients, this Classic Margarita Recipe is the only one you’ll ever need, whether you’re yearning for a single weeknight cocktail or entertaining a backyard full of friends. Instructions for a single drink and a pitcher to share are included!
I love a puckery, authentic margarita, and looooooong ago gave up on those fakey-tasting mixes and syrups. A single margarita is a cinch to mix up, so why waste my time on anything but the best margarita possible?! In just a few minutes, I can easily be sipping one of these thirst-quenching cocktails from a salt-rimmed glass!
I love to serve these super casually, in half-pint canning jars for smaller margaritas – or in pint jars for larger margaritas with a whole lotta ice!
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!
Make Your Own Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is simple liquid sugar sweetener and it’s so easy to make at home. All you need is equal parts water and sugar. I usually use 1 cup of each.
Stir the two together over high heat, bring to a boil, and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Allow to cool to room temperature and then store in a covered jar or container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
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.
Serving Suggestions
While I certainly don’t need an excuse to drink a margarita and will argue that they can be enjoyed anytime, with anything, they are a must when enjoying any Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. A few of my favorites are shredded pork carnitas, grilled shrimp ceviche, chipotle orange salmon, and cheesy beef and sweet potato taco casserole.
And if you don’t want to prepare a whole meal to accompany your cocktail, you can never go wrong with chips & salsa or chips & guacamole!
Can I Make This in Advance?
As I mentioned above, I like to prepare the simple syrup a day or so in advance so it’s out of the way. As far as assembling the drink ingredients, I recommend doing that up to 4 hours before the guests arrive. This chills the ingredients so the drink stays cold longer, plus makes the “right before the party” prep easier. I love these make-ahead margaritas for entertaining!
More Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients
FOR ONE:
- 2 ounces silver or blanco 100% agave tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Simple syrup so taste (See Note)
- 1 to 2 fresh lime wedges
- Coarse salt for rimming the glass (optional)
Instructions
For one margarita:
- If you like a salt-rimmed glass, moisten the rim of your glass with a lime wedge. Then turn the glass over and dip into a small plate of coarse salt.
- Pour tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into glass. Add simple syrup, according to your preference of sweetness. I usually add about 1 teaspoon per drink. Give the drink a quick stir and then fill glass with ice. Squeeze a wedge or two of fresh lime over the top and then add the wedges to the drink. Promptly enjoy!
For a crowd:
- Prepare simple syrup up to a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator.
- About 1 hour before guests are to arrive, measure tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into a small pitcher. Give it a stir and then place in the refrigerator to chill.
- As you are creating margaritas for individual guests, moisten the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and then dip rims in a small plate of coarse salt, for those who prefer a salt-crusted rim. Then pour 1/2 cup of your chilled premix into each glass, followed by simple syrup (a little or a lot, depending on each guest's preference), and give a little stir.
- Fill with ice almost to the top of each glass, and then squeeze another small lime wedge over the top of each drink for those who like a little extra pucker. Hand off to your guests to enjoy.
For the simple syrup:
- Simple syrup is so easy to make, and takes only about 5 minutes! In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a covered jar or container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Use to sweeten any of your favorite beverages.
Nutrition Information:
This post was originally published in 2016 and then updated in 2022. You can also find it over at The Pioneer Woman!
Very dedicated article! Another practical matter written on easily and helpful so much. Thanks much.
– lenny face
I really take interest in the information. You have done an incredible job.
Read more at https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/margarita-recipe-for-one-and-for-a-crowd/#JBCu4yUwwPGyrw5Z.99
Thank you for sharing! The problem seems simple, but through your pen, it impresses me!
Margaritas are one of my favorite spring/summer drinks! Love this.
thanks
Hey, I just read your post it’s awesome and very useful in life and what a yummy drink, looking lovely. I’m definitely trying this.
wow what a yummy drink, looking lovely. I’m definitely trying this.
Read more at https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/margarita-recipe-for-one-and-for-a-crowd/#CrEVw3QVOrB3upLm.99
Hello, I simply read your post it’s great and exceptionally helpful in life and what a yummy drink, looking dazzling. I’m unquestionably attempting this.
I think this drink has more advantages for Human body.
bdw a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this is exceptionally valuable to human life by and by thanks
Hey, I just read your post it’s awesome and very useful in life and what a yummy drink, looking lovely. I’m definitely trying this.
I think this drink has more benefits for Human body.
bdw thanks for sharing this is very useful to human life once again thanks.
wow what a yummy drink, looking lovely. I’m definitely trying this.
The article gives me a lot of interesting information. I still often share life experiences with friends.
thanks for the nice article
Mensagem Ano Novo 2017
thanks for sharing the post i really enjoyed it..
wow awesome recipe i love it
Life becomes more interesting and wonderful when you share your memorable moments with friends and family through unique photographs. You can create your own unique style impressed with image editing softw
The article gives me a lot of interesting information. I still often share life experiences with friends. And I enjoyed the convenience and attractiveness of free messaging app
Facebook has become a part of my life, not only helped me to connect with you but also where I can share every moment in life. I really like the convenience that it brings
You are so interesting! I do not think I’ve truly read through something like that before. So great to find another person with some unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. tank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web
wish you happy new year 2017!
Now this is really amazing, how can you people manage to get stuff like this? Man, this is really worth reading and I am going to bookmark your blog for this. Keep updating us.
Amazing Article, You Website is also loading very fast. Can you tell me which hosting are you using right now?
wow what a yummy drink, looking lovely. I’m definitely trying this.