3 ingredient classic margarita recipe
A simple, classic margarita recipe using only three ingredients: tequila, lime juice and Cointreau. This is a traditional margarita. It only takes 5 minutes to make and requires no special equipment. If you love a good margarita, this is for you.
I’ll give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If you’d like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.
You may also be interested in my fresh strawberry daiquiri and my Bloody Mary recipes. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my drink recipes in one place.
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Why you should make this recipe
- Quick & Easy – You need 5 minutes to make this classic margarita recipe.
- 3 ingredients – All you need to make this tasty cocktail is tequila, lime juice and Cointreau.
- Perfect for gatherings – You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a pitcher drink for a larger gathering.
Classic margarita recipe
A traditional margarita is a strong cocktail. It bears little resemblance to the huge, overly sweet, slushy concoctions served at some restaurants. (not that those are bad, they just aren’t a traditional marg.)
This recipe is the perfect cocktail to make at home because it requires very little effort, only 5 minutes and uses 3 ingredients. It can also be scaled up to serve more people as a pitcher drink, which makes it a great party cocktail.
Ingredients
- Tequila – Silver or “blanco” tequila is best. It is not aged. Look for a clear bottle, instead of the añejo or aged varieties.
- Cointreau – A brand of triple sec, it has a higher alcohol content than its less expensive counterparts.
- Lime juice – Use fresh lime juice! Please avoid the bottled kind, it will not taste the same and you will be disappointed.
How to make it
First, we need to make that classic salted rim. You’ll want to use a lime wedge to wet the outside rim of the glass.
If you cut the lime and run it around the entire edge of the glass, then dip it in salt, you’ll get salt in your drink. By only wetting the outside of the glass, the salt stays out of your cocktail.
Then, dip the outside of the glass into a shallow dish filled with kosher salt. Set the glasses aside to let the salt rim dry as we make our classic margarita recipe.
- Add tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar, or any clean empty jar) with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until everything is chilled.
- Add ice to your prepared glasses. I like to use these large ice cubes as they don’t dilute the drink as quickly as regular ice cubes. Slide a lime wheel (and an orange if you like it) in the glass to make it pretty.
- Pour your chilled classic margarita evenly into two glasses.
This is our FAVORITE summer cocktail! So easy and so delicious!
– Charlie
Classic margarita recipe FAQ’s
I prefer a silver tequila for margaritas. That being said, use what you like. If you have an aged tequila and that is what you prefer, use it.
However, if you are fresh out and need to buy some specifically to make this classic margarita recipe, I’d go with an unaged tequila.
Good quality tequila, triple sec / Cointreau & lime juice. That’s it.
Yes. You don’t have to buy Cointreau, which is a bit pricier than a regular bottle of triple sec, but you do need it.
Variations and substitutions
To sweeten your drink a bit, add a splash of fresh orange juice. It helps to make the drink a little less strong, which I often do. Then, place an orange wheel in the glass.
You can also add a splash of simple syrup to your drink to sweeten it. Combine 1 – 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup water and simmer until sugar has dissolved. The less sugar, the thinner and less sweet it will be.
Muddle your favorite summer berries in the cocktail shaker before adding alcohol. Shake, then strain for a berry variation on this classic margarita recipe.
Helpful tools and equipment
- I love this rose gold bartender set and now I have a reason to actually use it.
- A citrus juicer will make it easy, but you can also squeeze limes with sturdy kitchen tongs (Pro Chef tip!).
Chef tips for success
Because this drink has only three ingredients, choose ingredients that you like, because you will taste each of them. Along those same lines, choose the best that your budget will allow for the same reason.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, don’t sweat it. Use a mason jar, or any clean, empty jar that you have – just make sure that it has a tight lid.
Serving suggestions
I love a good theme and if you are having a gathering, you’ll need some food!
- Chicken tacos with cumin lime crema
- Rajas (poblano peppers and onions)
- Mexican chocolate cupcakes
- Pumpkin empanadas
- Watermelon agua fresca
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Classic Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Blanco tequila silver // 85mL
- 2 oz. Cointreau / triple sec // 57mL
- 2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice *save a lime to wet the rim of the glass after you’ve juiced it // 57mL
- Kosher salt
- Ice cubes
- Lime and orange wheels for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Fill a small saucer with kosher salt. (I use Diamond Crystal – it is light and flaky salt)
- Run the lime around the outside edge of the glass, then dip in salt. Set aside. (I don't dip the rim, I only salt the OUTSIDE of the salt to avoid salt falling into the drink).
- Combine tequila, Cointreau/triple sec, lime juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake (vigorously) for 10 seconds.
- Pour evenly into prepared glasses over ice. (1 large cube will melt slower, preventing your drink from getting watered down)
- Garnish with wheels of lime and orange, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂
Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!
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Originally published 3/20/12.
This looks crazy good. I can’t wait to make it!
Thank you, Sandi! I hope you like it! 🙂