Classic Margarita
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.
Last Updated on February 22, 2021 by Lisa Johnson
This Classic Margarita Recipe tastes great and is easy to make from scratch. There is no mix needed to make this simple cocktail on the rocks with tequila, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup.
Do you have a “Tequila” story to tell? I actually do not, as strange as they may seem to some of you. Everyone in college seemed to roll their eyes and start into some bizarre tale of wild nights and harsh mornings whenever they heard Tequila mentioned! I decided at that point, that I never wanted to have a “Tequila” story of my own. So I completely avoided tequila!
Margarita Ingredients
- Tequila – silver or reposado is the best tequila for margaritas, but any kind of tequila will work. Just choose one that is high-quality.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice – Lime juice is also important in this drink. You really do need to squeeze fresh limes for the best tasting cocktail. Do not use the little green plastic lime juice from the grocery store! They are filled with preservatives and will make your drink very bitter!
- Orange Liqueur – my favorite is Cointreau, but you can also use triple sec or Grand Marnier.
- Sweetener – simple syrup adds a bit of sweetness if needed. You could also use agave syrup or very-fine granulated sugar.
- Coarse salt, like a Kosher salt to rim your glasses.
- Lime wedges to garnish.
How do you make a classic margarita?
Fill a cocktail shaker with .75 cup of ice and a good quality tequila, Cointreau, or triple sec, and fresh squeezed lime juice.
I mixed two at one time, but you can make them individually if you prefer. If you would like a touch of sweetness to offset some of the lime’s tartness, add a teaspoon of simple syrup.
Put the lid on top and shake to combine. Pour into an ice filled cocktail glass, with a rim that has been rubbed with lime juice and dipped into course salt.
Garnish with lime wedges and serve with a straw, if desired. I desire, I love my straws!
Recipe Notes:
- Tequila is the star of this drink, so you want to choose a good quality silver/clear tequila over a cheap one. I love Cabo Wabo, some people swear by Patron, and at $100 a bottle I would hope that is amazing! Trust me, you don’t want anything cheaper than Jose’ Cuervo.
What to serve with this Margarita Recipe:
- Chips and Blender Salsa, Pico de Gallo, or Black Bean Salsa
- Pulled Pork Nachos or Creamy Seafood Nachos
- Beef Taco Salad Bowls, Fish Tacos, Instant Pot Red Chile Pork Tamales,
- Creamy Seafood Enchiladas, Grilled Steak Fajitas, Shredded Beef Chimichangas,
- Taco Popcorn or Instant Pot Kahlua Flan
More margarita recipes:
- Pitcher of Margaritas
- Frozen Margaritas
- Mango Margarita
- Watermelon Margaritas
- Frozen Peach Margaritas
- Watermelon Margarita Sorbet
If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!
Enjoy!!
Classic Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce good quality silver tequila
- .5 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup optional
- course salt to garnish
- lime wedges to garnish
Instructions
- Place .75 cup of ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup {if using}.
- Cover and shake to combine.
- Rub lime juice around the rim of cocktail glass. Dip in course salt.
- Pour margarita into prepared glass and garnish with lime wedges and a straw.
Notes
- Tequila is the star of this drink, so you want to choose a good quality silver/clear tequila over a cheap one. I love Cabo Wabo, some people swear by Patron, and at $100 a bottle I would hope that is amazing! Trust me, you don’t want anything cheaper than Jose’ Cuervo.
- Lime juice is also important in this drink. You really do need to squeeze fresh limes for the best tasting cocktail. Do not use the little green plastic lime juice from the grocery store! They are filled with preservatives and will make your drink very bitter!
This is my favorite margarita — on the rocks with no slushy stuff. And no salt. Looks great and perfect for my friday night!
I do have a margarita story – maybe someday I’ll tell. Your pictures are making me which I had one in my hand right now!
These look so YUM!!! Cannot wait to fix and drink! 🙂
I love this recipe!!!! Once I get over my sugar coma I think I will whip it up!
It’s GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Almost too pretty to drink – well done my friend!
MMmmmm. I love a good margarita!! Making them at home might get a little dangerous for us. haha. Thursty Thursday is going on now on my blog if you would like to stop by and link this up! hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com
Yum! Your Classic Margarita looks and sounds DELICIOUS. I enjoy flavored margaritas just fine but my very favorite is a classic. Sometimes on the rocks, sometimes frozen. Here from the Weekend re-Treat ~ Have a fab day!
Thank you so much Trish, have a wonderful week. 🙂
You can’t beat a classic margarita and this looks delicious. I don’t have a tequila story because growing up in England I didn’t even know what it was, but now that I’m in SoCal I do. Great recipe.
Oh how I miss SoCal!!! Thanks so much Janette. 🙂
I’m not much of a drinker, a few sips and my head is spinning. Looks beautiful!
Thank you so much Celeste!! 🙂
This is my favorite margarita …. and trust me, plenty of them will be consumed this Summer! 😀 If you ever make it out to Phoenix, we’ll have to have a few!
I wish I didn’t have a tequila story. It was years (like ten) before I could drink tequila again. Your margarita looks awesome…I will happily make it this summer once the pool is open!! Pinning!
I used to go frozen strawberry ONLY….but now I actually prefer original on the rocks! And I could go for one now!
We featured your amazing drink at the Project Stash! Stop by and pick up your featured button!
Margaritas are a must have drink in the summer here in the deep south!! I really only had them frozen till recently. I have come to love the good ol classic on the rocks. Although I do love a good prickly pear margarita! They can be very sweet, so if you don’t like real sweet drinks, then shy away from it, but man oh man are they amazing. And with that being said, I’m going to get my tequila out of the freezer from getting cold and making myself one!