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Learn how to make a perfect Margarita from scratch with three simple ingredients. This classic margarita recipe shakes up with ice in just a few minutes. It’s refreshing, smooth, and perfect for summer!

A from-scratch margarita in a tumbler garnished with a lime wedge.

Tart with a hint of sweetness, the margarita is one of the most popular cocktails out there! This refreshing cocktail is made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and sometimes a sweetener, and is a great choice for happy hour at home. I share how to make a pitcher of margaritas if you’re entertaining on Cinco de Mayo!

While margaritas are typically tart, you can easily add more sweetness by using simple syrup or agave syrup to balance the puckery lime juice. Or try a fruity syrup for a flavored margarita–I’ve got all kinds of ideas for you below! For more cocktail recipes, try my mojito, piña colada, and tequila sunrise.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make a margarita recipe.

Here are the key ingredients to making the best margarita recipe. Head to the recipe card below to find the full list with measurements!

Tequila — a Blanco tequila (also referred to as white or silver tequila) is the classic choice for a margarita, but you can use other types as well (see the FAQ section for more info).

Lime juice — lime juice adds a lovely tart element and the main citrusy flavor, which makes this tequila cocktail extra refreshing.

Orange liqueur — add this for a little sweetness and extra citrusy flavor. My favorite is Cointreau, but a triple sec will also work.

Optional — if you prefer a sweeter margarita cocktail, you can add agave syrup or simple syrup. You can also add a salted rim using cocktail salt or kosher salt.

Margarita Recipe

Author: John Kanell
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Print Recipe
A margarita on the rocks with salt in a tumbler. Lime wedges scattered around.
4.94 from 33 votes
This classic Margarita recipe is so simple and yields a tequila cocktail that is balanced in flavor. Use fresh lime juice, tequila, and your favorite orange liqueur!

Equipment

  • Margarita, coupe, or rocks glass
  • Citrus juicer
  • cocktail shaker

Ingredients 

  • 2 ounces blanco tequila (60mL)
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ to 1 ounce agave syrup or simple syrup (optional)
  • Salt for rim, (optional)

Instructions

  • To salt the glass rim, run a lime wedge around the top of the glass. Put the salt on a small plate, turn the glass upside down, and dip the rim to coat with salt.
  • Fill the cocktail glass with ice.
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ½ ounce agave or simple syrup, if using. Fill halfway with ice.
  • Shake vigorously until very cold, about 20 seconds. Add more agave or simple syrup if you like.
  • Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime slice or wedge.

Notes

  • The agave or simple syrup is optional. It helps to balance the tart lime juice and bite from the tequila. If you use high-quality, smooth tequila or don’t like sweet drinks, feel free to leave it out!
  • This can also be served in a chilled glass if you prefer to shake and strain the margarita without serving it over ice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink Calories: 269kcal Carbohydrates: 22g Protein: 0.2g Fat: 0.2g Saturated Fat: 0.03g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 4mg Potassium: 43mg Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 19g Vitamin A: 14IU Vitamin C: 11mg Calcium: 4mg Iron: 0.1mg

*Nutrition Disclaimer

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican

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How To Make A Margarita

Set of two process images showing a lime wedge run around the rim of a glass, and the glass dipped in salt for a salt rim.

1. If you want to salt the rim of the glass, use a lime wedge around the top of the glass to wet it.

2. Turn the glass upside down and dip it into salt, rotating it as you dip to coat the full rim. Fill the cocktail glass with ice and set aside for the moment.

Set of two process images showing tequila and lime juice poured into a cocktail shaker.

3. To a cocktail shaker, add the tequila and orange liqueur.

4. Add the lime juice and sweetener of choice if using. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.

Set of two process images showing a margarita shaken in a cocktail shaker and strained into a glass filled with ice.

5. Shake vigorously until well chilled, taste, and add more syrup if you want the margarita sweeter.

6. Strain into the margarita glass filled with ice, garnish with a lime slice and serve immediately.

Variations

There are several ways to adapt this margarita recipe to add different flavors and garnishes!

  • For a spicy margarita: Add a slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper to the cocktail shaker. Start with a slice or two and then taste it. You can always add more if you need more of a kick.
  • Add flavored syrups: Instead of agave, use strawberry syrup, passion fruit syrup, or guava syrup for a fruity margarita.
  • Switch up the glass rim. Use a chili-lime seasoning like Tajin or a flavored salt for the rim of your glass. You could also use granulated sugar instead for a sweet option.
  • Make “skinny” margaritas. Use fresh orange juice in place of the orange liqueur to reduce the calories from liquor in this recipe.
  • Use mezcal. For a smoky cocktail, you can use mezcal in place of tequila. Or use 1 ounce of each for subtle smokiness.

Try my strawberry margarita, watermelon margarita, or blood orange margarita recipes for more flavors!

How To Make A Pitcher Of Margaritas

To make a batch of great margaritas, you’ll need:

  • 8 ounces Blanco tequila
  • 4 ounces orange liquor
  • 4 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces agave or simple syrup, plus more to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to use. Before serving, add ice and stir vigorously to chill all of it at once. Or, transfer small portions (4 to 5 ounces per beverage) to a cocktail shaker with ice to shake and strain as needed.

Two margarita cocktails on the rocks with salt in a tumbler. Lime wedges scattered around.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

  • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar! Place all of the ingredients in a pint-size mason jar, cover tightly with the lid, and shake. To strain, remove the ring and offset the flat lid to hold the ice in the glass as you pour, or pour the cocktail mix through a small fine mesh strainer into the cocktail glass.
  • Use a good tequila. Since every ingredient shines through in this recipe, you need to use a good quality tequila for a good margarita. It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but one that you enjoy the flavor of.
Overhead view of a margarita on a wooden cutting board garnished with a lime wedge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best tequila to use?

I recommend using silver tequila for this margarita recipe for its light flavor and smooth finish, which really let the lime and orange liqueur shine through. Some good brands are Milagro, Don Julio, and Patron. You can also use añejo or reposado tequila if you prefer those! They are aged tequilas with a lot of depth, but they are often more expensive.

What type of orange liqueur do you recommend?

Cointreau or Grand Marnier are the best options, but you can also use Triple Sec.

Do I need to use fresh citrus juice?

Fresh lime juice has a more potent flavor and will taste better than bottled juice or a pre-made sour mix in this margarita recipe.

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