cocktails

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.

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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.)

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Classic margarita recipe

Below is everything you’ll need to make this cocktail. I love this rose gold bartender set and now I have a reason to actually use it.

• 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. A citrus juicer will make it easy, but you can also squeeze it with kitchen tongs (Pro Chef tip!).

What is the best tequila for margaritas?

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.

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.

1. Add tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar, or any clean empty jar) with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until everything is chilled.
3. 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.
4. Pour your chilled classic margarita evenly into two glasses.

This is our FAVORITE summer cocktail! So easy and so delicious!

– Charlie

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.

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. Check out my strawberry daiquiri recipe for directions on making it.

Margarita Q & A

Make it a party

I love a good theme and if you are having a gathering, you’ll need some food!

• Chicken tacos with cumin lime crema
• Poblano peppers and onions AKA rajas
• Mexican chocolate cupcakes
• Pumpkin empanadas
• Watermelon agua fresca

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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, most recent update 4/25/22.