Margarita Recipe

Nothing beats a good margarita recipe, and if you follow this one then that’s the only kind you’ll be making and drinking from now on! With this type of cocktail it’s important to use a good tequila but you don’t have to break the bank with a super-expensive one, save that stuff for shots! Make sure to use a nice orange liqueur and fresh lime juice for this drink!

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Orange Liqueur: I love using Cointreau or Grand Marnier for my margaritas. They have a more complex flavor and are not as sweet as triple sec.

Tequila:  I like using a nice silver tequila but use any one you enjoy. No plastic bottles though please!

Simple Syrup: You can buy this or make it by bringing equal parts sugar and water to a boil in a pot. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and then remove from the heat and chill. I often infuse my simple syrup with citrus peels or chilis for an extra kick.

How to Make a Margarita

1. Juice the limes; I love using my wooden reamer seen here to juice citrus fruit. If you have extra juice store then store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will keep for a few days and you can have a quick margarita or some lime aid if the desire strikes. 

2. Pour salt onto a small plate then run a lime wedge around the top of your glass and dip. I like using big salt flakes but any salt will work. 

3. Add ice to a cocktail shaker then pour in the tequila and orange liqueur.

4. Pour in your lime juice.

5. Give your cocktail shaker a good shake. You’re cooling the drink and melting the ice a bit to water it down, both of which are important!

6. Pour drink into a glass filled with ice and top off with a dash of soda water. Garnish with a lime slice and there you have a classic margarita.

Pro Tips for this recipe

• Always use fresh lime juice
• This is a drink where every ingredient needs to shine through so use a better quality tequila and a nice orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
• Scale the recipe up for a big pitcher perfect for a party. Pour into an ice-filler pitcher just before guests arrive and give an occasional stir.
• If you’re steering clear of refined sugars then substitute the simple syrup with agave syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Triple Sec needed for margaritas?

I would say that any classic margarita needs an orange liqueur, however most triple secs are not amazing. I would recommend either Grand Marnier or Cointreau, both or which have a more complex taste with better bitter notes.

Is Triple Sec simple syrup?

While both are sweet, triple sec is an orange liqueur with alchohol and simple syrup is just sugar and water. You can make your own simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar then allowing to cool.

How to make a blended version

Add in one cup of crushed ice and pulse blender.

You can make a batch of lime-aide flavored ice by freezing water mixed with lime juice and simple syrup to taste.

You can also freeze slices of strawberries, mangos or even cherries and blend them in for a fruity twist.

What Tequila is Best to use?

I recommend using a silver tequila for this margarita recipe; I love it’s light flavor and smooth finish, which really let the lime and orange liqueur shine through.

For those or you who love an añejo or reposado tequila then be all means use whichever you prefer best! These aged or rested tequilas have more depth of flavor but are often more expensive; their complexity is best appreciated when sipped straight but they do make a great cocktail too.

Here are some great brands of tequila for a great margarita. 

• Milagro
• Casamigos
• Don Julio
• Hornitos
• Patron
• Corzo
• Espolon

If you’ve tried this margarita recipe then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!