Classic Margarita

Recipe Ingredients

You really only need 3 ingredients to make a traditional margarita! Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredient amounts.

• Tequila – I always use a blanco/silver tequila when shaking up a classic margarita. See my notes in the next section for what is the best tequila to use in margaritas.
• Orange liqueur – Such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec.
• Lime – Pleeeeeeease…use only freshly squeezed lime juice! This gives the very best flavor. I also like to garnish with lime wedges or wheels.
• Simple syrup (optional) – If you like a little (or a lot) of sweetness, add some simple syrup. I’ve included a method to make simple syrup in the recipe card notes.
• Coarse salt (optional) – If you like a salted rim. Seriously, though, what’s not to like about that?!

What’s The Best Tequila for Margaritas?

Pick up a bottle of blanco (or “silver”) tequila for the best classic margaritas. This type is clear and typically unaged, giving your cocktail a very clean flavor.

As far as specific brands go, Patrón Silver is the crowd-pleaser of the margarita bunch – although it is a top-shelf tequila, on the pricier side. Some budget-friendly options that are still clean and smooth are Espolòn Blanco (fun bottle label!), 1800 Tequila Silver, and Casamigos – these are all top choices for me, ones that I keep on our bar cart.

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How To Make A Margarita

See how to make a classic margarita below. If you want to make a larger quantity, a pitcher of margaritas, I’ve also included that info in the recipe card. You can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card lower down.

• Salt the rim (optional). I love a salted glass rim! Simply run the cut edge of a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip the rim into a shallow dish of salt. Set the glass aside.
• Add lime juice. Pour lime juice into a cocktail shaker or jar.

• Add remaining ingredients. Then pour in the tequila and orange liqueur. If you like a bit of sweetness, add some simple syrup as well.
• Chill. Add ice and cover the shaker tightly. Shake to perfectly chill and dilute the drink.

• Serve. Add fresh ice to the prepared glass, then strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with fresh lime.

Tips & Variations

I’ve stuck to the basics with this classic margarita recipe. Here are some of my best tips + a few ideas if you want to play around this recipe:

• Use fresh lime juice. For a really great margarita, this truly is a must! This gives you the best, most authentic classic margarita experience. Skip the bottled lime juice and pre-made margarita mix.
• Good quality liquors. In simple drinks like this classic margarita recipe, it’s all the more important to make each ingredient count. Good tequila and orange liqueur will give you the best margarita.
• Salt the rim. I’ve listed this step as “optional” but I believe that every margarita deserves at least a partially dipped rim of salt. If you’ve never had a margarita with a salted rim, I encourage you to at least give it a try.
• Add sweetness. Margarita purists would never even think about adding any kind of sweetener. But I do like to add just a little bit – usually just 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. You can add as little or as much as you like.
• Shake it, baby! Shaking the drink with ice not only chills it fantastically, but also dilutes it perfectly – otherwise the drink can be overly strong and puckery!
• Add sparkling water. (see photo above) On summer evenings that are especially hot and humid, I like to make a tall, bubbly margarita. This makes for a lighter drink that’s bubbly and extra refreshing…plus, it’s simply more drink, without consuming more alcohol. Here’s what I do: Fill a tall glass with ice, strain the margarita mixture over the ice, then top off the drink with chilled club soda or sparkling water and give a quick stir to incorporate. Squeeze some fresh lime over the top to finish!
• Add prosecco. Another way to add some bubbles to a margarita is with my Prosecco Margaritas recipe. This has been a longtime popular recipe with readers, especially favored for weekend brunching!
• Make it spicy. A quick and easy way to add some heat is to add slices of fresh jalapeno to your glass (as much as you like), along with the lime juice, and then muddle them together.
• Make ahead: Follow the directions in the recipe card (at the end of this post) for how to make a batch of margaritas in advance. This is great for entertaining, so the mess is cleared away and all you have to do is pour the drink into glasses when your guests arrive!

Serving Suggestions

Sip a margarita on its own – or pair it with other cocktails and/or nibbles!

• Mexican-inspired appetizers. Shake up some cold margaritas to serve with tortilla chips and Classic Ceviche, Classic Guacamole, and fresh Pico de Gallo or easy Restaurant-Style Salsa. Fruity Watermelon Salsa and Pineapple Salsa are always a hit, too!
• Mexican main dishes. Margaritas are perfect with dishes like Carnitas, Easy Fish Tacos, Doritos Taco Salad, or Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Some might call Pulled Pork Nachos an appetizer, but we mostly eat it as a meal!
• Grilled mains. Cold margaritas and grilling go hand in hand. Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a top favorite. Also choose from Sugar Grilled Steak, Chipotle Honey Chicken Kabobs, Chipotle Orange Salmon – or my whole grilling section!
• More margaritas! If you want to serve all kinds of margaritas along with your classic margarita, I’ve got you covered! Try a Watermelon Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, or a pretty Rhubarb Margarita.

Can You Make Margaritas In Advance?

Margaritas are a great cocktail choice for making in advance. Just stir it altogether and chill it in the fridge in a sealed container like a large mason jar or sealed pitcher. It’s important that you wait to add ice until you serve the drinks, however. Otherwise, the ice will dilute the cocktail as it sits in the fridge.