Margaritas ~
Quick and easy classic margarita cocktail made with simple ingredients.
Serve with Black Bean Cakes and Cilantro Lime Rice.
Best Margarita Recipe
This is my favorite margarita recipe because it’s a crowd-pleasing classic cocktail, perfect for a Mexican themed evening at home or serving poolside on a hot day.
With a refreshing blend of citrusy flavors and just the right amount of tequila kick, plus the option to customize and experiment with different variations, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit any occasion or palate.
Perfect for Cinco de Mayo or anytime you want a little taste of summer!
What Makes a Well-Made Margarita
A good margarita is all about achieving the perfect balance of tart lime, sweet triple sec, and the bold bite of tequila. The key to achieving this balance for great margaritas lies in using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the little details.
First and foremost, let’s talk tequila. Opt for a good-quality gold tequila. The best tequila is a gold reposado tequila that is smooth enough to sip on its own yet robust enough to hold its own in a cocktail. Remember, the tequila sets the tone for your margarita, so choose wisely.
Next up is the triple sec. This liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the drink, complementing the tartness of the lime. For the best flavor, look for a triple sec made with real oranges.
And what’s a margarita without a salt rim? Salt enhances the drink’s flavors and provides a satisfying contrast to the citrusy tang. Use coarse margarita salt for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients for Margaritas
This recipe makes 4 generous servings and can easily be doubled for a large pitcher of margaritas or reduced for a single serving.
You will need the following:
- 2 cups sweet and sour mix
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 1/2 cups gold reposado tequila
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnierorange liqueur
- 2 limes, quartered
- coarse salt
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet and Sour Mix – This pre-made cocktail mixer is the base for the cocktail; it combines sweet, simple syrup with tart citrus flavors.
- Triple Sec – Clear, orange liqueur that adds sweetness and citrus notes.
- Gold Tequila – Gold tequila is a type of tequila that has been aged in oak barrels, resulting in a warm and smooth flavor profile. For best flavor and smoothest finish, look for gold ‘reposado tequila’. Blanco tequila is a more economical option but not recommended for this recipe because it lacks the depth of flavor found in gold tequila.
- Grand Marnier – This premium liqueur made with Cognac is the secret ingredient that adds distinctive depth and complexity to the margaritas.
- Limes – Garnish the margaritas with lime wedges so guests can add as little or as much fresh lime juice as they like for their perfect margarita. Lemon juice is not recommended; it alters the traditional margarita flavor.
- Coarse Sea Salt – Salt specifically labeled as ‘Margarita Salt’ can also be found at the local grocery store or liquor store.
How to Make Margaritas
STEP ONE: Begin by preparing your glasses. Take one of the lime quarters and make a small slit in it. Run the lime around the edge of each glass to moisten it.
STEP TWO: Pour some coarse salt into a shallow bowl. Dip the rim of your glass into the salt, coating it evenly.
STEP THREE: In a blender, combine the sweet and sour mix, triple sec, tequila, and orange liqueur. Blend until smooth.
STEP FOUR: Chill the margarita mixture in the fridge until ready to serve, or pour it directly into each prepared glass filled with ice cubes.
STEP FIVE: Serve cold, garnished with a lime wedge.
Variations
Here are some variations to try, each offering a unique twist on the classic cocktail:
- Fruit Infusions – Incorporate fresh fruit such as strawberry purée or mango purée. Fresh juice, such as pineapple or orange juice, adds a burst of vibrant flavor.
- Spicy Margaritas -For those who enjoy a kick of heat, muddle jalapeño pepper slices or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a spicy spin.
- Herbal Infusions – Experiment with fresh herbs like fresh basil, cilantro, or mint to infuse your margarita with aromatic complexity.
- Frozen Margaritas – Blend your margarita mixture with ice cubes for a refreshing frozen margarita treat, perfect for hot summer days.
- Smoky Margaritas: – Add smoky flavor by using mezcal instead of tequila, or add smoked salt to the rim of the glass.
- Flavored Salts – Get creative with your salt rim by using flavored salts such as chili-lime, smoked paprika, or coconut for a fun added layer of complexity.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Mexican Grilled Tofu
- Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Stuffed Anaheim Peppers
- Black Beans for a Crowd
- Corn Chip Taco Salad
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Margaritas
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet and sour mix
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 1/2 cups gold reposado tequila
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnier orange liqueur
- 2 limes quartered
- coarse salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your glasses. Take one of the lime quarters and make a small slit in it. Run the lime around the edge of each glass to moisten it.
- Pour some coarse salt into a shallow bowl. Dip the rim of your glass into the salt, coating it evenly.
- In a blender, combine the sweet and sour mix, triple sec, tequila, and orange liqueur. Blend until smooth.
- Chill the margarita mixture in the fridge until ready to serve, or pour it directly into each prepared glass filled with ice cubes.
- Serve cold, garnished with a lime wedge.
Tina
Made this tonight for Cinco de Mayo. It was a great recipe I saved for a future time too!
thiswifecooks
Fantastic! Thanks for the update. Cheers!