The BEST margarita recipes to impress everyone! The classic recipe has just 3 ingredients, then try all the variations: frozen, jalapeno, mango, & more.
The margarita is at the top of our list of great cocktail recipes you should know. Crisp, cool, tart and refreshing, they’re one of the most popular and versatile drinks of all time. From late night drinks to a dinner party to brunch, there’s no time that’s not better with a margarita in hand. Here we’re sharing how to make a margarita: the classic way, and then our very favorite variations! Frozen, skinny, pitcher, beer, jalapeno margaritas…even margarita mix! There are countless ways to change up this incredible drink.
And now…the best margarita recipes!
The best margarita recipe! Serve this classic margarita on the rocks with 3 simple ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila (no added sugar!).
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice
Throwing a party? Make a margarita pitcher! It’s quick and easy to make for serving a crowd, and has the perfect tangy flavor with no added sugar. Also try Margarita Mix.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, lemon juice
This refreshing skinny margarita recipe boasts 40% less calories than a classic marg! All you need is 4 ingredients and 5 minutes.
Ingredients: Tequila, Fresh lime juice, Fresh squeezed orange juice, maple syrup
You know you love margaritas: but have you tried them frozen? This best frozen margarita recipe will be your new go-to drink!
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, orange juice, honey or agave syrup, water
Heat up your cocktail repertoire with this spicy jalapeno margarita recipe! Crisp and tart, it’s got just the right kick. Perfect for sipping or with tacos.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, jalapeño pepper slices
Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! Here’s the very best beer margarita recipe: with fresh and all natural flavors (no limeade!).
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, beer
Make a mezcal margarita for a smoky spin on the classic! It’s tangy and smoke-forward, giving this popular cocktail a rich depth.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, mezcal
This strawberry margarita is cool, icy, tangy, and so refreshing! This fruity spin on the classic cocktail is quick and easy using frozen berries.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, frozen strawberries, agave or simple syrup, ice
Here’s the best mango margarita! This sunny spin on the classic drink is so refreshing, with a creamy texture and a tangy sweet mango essence.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, lemon juice, frozen mango, agave or simple syrup, ice
An Italian margarita uses amaretto to give this classic cocktail an Italian makeover! Blood orange juice gives it an eye-catching vibrant color.
Ingredients: Tequila, orange juice, amaretto, lime juice
Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita: it uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur to add sophistication and style!
Ingredients: Tequila reposado, Cointreau, lime juice, Grand Marnier
This watermelon margarita is tangy, sweet, and seriously refreshing. Instead of salting the rim, it’s lightly salty for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Ingredients: Watermelon, tequila, lime juice, salt
This peach margarita is quick, easy and so tasty! Frozen peaches, lime juice and tequila form the most refreshing, sweet tart spin on this classic cocktail.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, frozen peaches, agave or simple syrup, ice
This virgin margarita tastes just as good as the real thing! This mocktail is tangy and lightly sweet, with a secret ingredient that takes it over the top.
Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, pickle juice, tonic water
This blackberry margarita is quick and easy to make, and turns out sweet tart and vivid purple.
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, maple syrup, blackberries
How to make a margarita
There’s nothing better than a classic margarita! It’s tart, with just the right bite from the tequila and scent of orange from the Cointreau. Did you know the classic margarita has no added sugar? Many bars and mixes load it down with sugar. But that strays far from an authentic margarita.
The margarita is a classic alcoholic drink on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means that there’s an “official” definition of this drink: the ingredients and approximate quantities are always the same. Here’s what’s we’ve found is the perfect formula:
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
3 steps to make a margarita
Once you’ve got the ingredients, here are the steps:
- Rim the glass with salt. A classic margarita has salt on the rim. Why? The salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink!
- Shake in a cocktail shaker. Take that tequila, Cointreau and lime juice and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes.
- Strain into a glass. Add ice if serving on the rocks. The margarita is often served in a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, though of course you can use the classic margarita glass too. If you’d like to serve it on the rocks, throw in a few ice cubes (use Clear Ice for a stunning look).
Best tequila for a margarita
Here’s the key to how to make a good margarita: buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Instead of recommending a specific brand, look for a mid-price range tequila (or a high end one, if your budget allows). The price is typically an indicator of quality. The other tip: use tequila reposado instead of blanco! Because it’s aged, it has a more interesting flavor. Here’s the difference between these types of tequila:
- Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor.
- Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.
How to make a salt rim
The salt rim is essential to how to make a margarita. The salt enhances the flavors in the drink, and gives it that classic look. Try our Margarita Salt for a colorful flair: lime zest and orange zest add beautiful orange and green. Here’s how to make a salt rim:
- Spread on a plate: Spread the kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt on a plate in an even layer.
- Wet the glass with a lime: Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass. This perfectly moistens the glass rim without having to use your fingers!
- Rim the outside edge only: Tilt the glass so that only the outside edge goes into the salt. You don’t want it on the inside where it can fall into the drink. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.
Try clear ice to look like a pro!
Want a professional look to your margarita? Add clear ice! It will make your drink look like it came from a trendy bar, but you can easily make it in your own home. All you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.
This margarita recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
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The Original Margarita Recipe
(10 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Prep Time: 5 minutes -
Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Yield: 1 drink - Diet: Vegan
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Pin RecipeDescription
The best margarita recipe! Here’s how to make a classic margarita on the rocks with 3 simple ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila (no added sugar!).
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim
- For the garnish: Lime wedge
Instructions
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, use our Margarita Salt).
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
Category: Cocktails
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Margarita recipes
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