The most perfect classic Margarita recipe made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, orange liqueur, and tequila is quick and easy to make.
This lip smacking tequila cocktail served over ice is the best drink!
Do you need any special equipment?
The only piece of equipment you need to make a margarita is a cocktail shaker. But is a cocktail shaker really necessary to make a margarita? Not really. The only thing a cocktail shaker does is thoroughly mix the liquid with ice to properly chill the drink. Then it strains the chilled margarita into a glass with fresh ice. This results in an ice cold drink that won't quickly melt the ice and get watered down.
If you want to enjoy a blended margarita, you'll need to use a blender, of course.
There are many times, however, that I've mixed a margarita with nothing more than a spoon in my glass. I'm sure hardcore margarita enthusiasts would be appalled, but sometimes its all about minimizing the kitchen mess.
How to make this classic margarita:
- If you don't already have simple syrup on hand, it's super easy to make and it lasts for a long time if refrigerated. That being said, go make some simple syrup to have on hand right now!
- Margaritas are best, in my opinion, with salt around the rim of your glass. This is totally optional, but my preference. If you want to take things a bit further, mix a little sugar and lime zest in with your salt. YUM! Then fill that glass with ice.
- To mix the margarita, you simply add the tequila, simple syrup, lime juice and orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds to get it nice and chilled.
- Pour the chilled margarita through the strainer into your prepared glass and enjoy!
How much tequila do you use?
This is truly a matter of preference, but the rule I've always lived by is that half of my margarita is tequila.
The ratio I've always used is four parts tequila, 2 parts lime juice, 1 part simple syrup, and 1 part orange liqueur. For me, that recipe is not only easy to remember but it's the perfect balance of sweet and sour and wow. Feel free to adjust my margarita recipe to your own personal taste.
What is the best tequila for a margarita?
Again, everyone has their preferences but I much prefer silver tequila in a margarita. If you're entertaining for a crowd, you can always go with an inexpensive option. I mean, you're mixing the tequila with a few other things so it's not as obvious if you're not using a high quality tequila.
When I'm out or want to just do it right, I usually prefer to go with Patron silver.
National Margarita Day
If you need any further convincing that a classic margarita is a fantastic cocktail, just remember that this drink is celebrated with it's own holiday! This year, National Margarita Day was on February 22.
What does that mean? That means that we all have yet another reason to enjoy, and celebrate this sacred tequila lime drink. Collectively. That's right. As if any of us needed an excuse to enjoy drinking a delicious margarita, but because of National Margarita Day we can all do it together.
Love tasty cocktail and mocktail recipes?
Then you'll definitely want to try these:
- Virgin Mango Lime Margarita
- Blended Watermelon Margarita
- Horchata
- Blueberry Thyme Crush Cocktail
- Tequila Pina Colada
- Sparkling Red Sangria Recipe
Full Recipe Instructions
The Best Classic Margarita Recipe
CLICK TO PLAY RECIPE VIDEO
Ingredients
- 4 ounces tequila (silver recommended)
- 2 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed (more if you like it tart))
- 1 ounce Simple Syrup (recipe link in notes)
- 1 ounce orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
For rim of glass:
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Use leftover lime to moisten edge of glass. Place salt, sugar, lime juice mixture on a small plate. Press the rim of the glass into the mixture to coat the rim.
- Fill glass with ice. Strain margarita into the glass. Enjoy!
Victoria
This drink is incredible!! Love how strong it is!! Thank you!!
Cameron Wilhelm
4 oz of tequila in one drink? Are you trying to kill us?!
The better and more balanced recipe for most people is 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1oz triple sec, and 1oz simple syrup. I’ve made this recipe for dozens of people and it’s always a favorite.
Good call on the simple syrup though. A traditional margarita recipe without the simple syrup is going to be far too tart for 90% of people.
Krissy
It's extremely strong. No doubt about that!
Sarah
I am drinking it now. I just drunk posted about politics on Facebook. I can attest that this is strong.
Georgia
Agree
Allie
Four ounces of tequila for one serving? No. What's up with that?
Krissy
It packs quite the punch.
Amber
Wow! Strongggg but good! Enjoy 😊
Krissy
Yes... I created it for my husband and I later realized most people can't handle drinks as stiff as he can (myself included). Glad you enjoyed!
sjcwee
Hello there, this is awesome. I get 2 drinks with this. This is definitely a keeper. Thank you for sharing.👍🏾
Georgia
The 4 ounce of tequila should be enough for two people not one
Krissy
It is a VERY strong drink.
Raima
Excellent!! One, if no the best Margarita recipe I have tried. Very simple and tasty. Sure to be a hit anytime. Thank you!
Beth R.
That is one potent, but delicious, margarita. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Kimberly
In the description you stated i part tequila, but the recipe states 4 ounces. ??
Krissy
Doh! Typo. I fixed the text. Sorry about that. In my brain, the recipe is half tequila and half everything else, but it totally came out WAY wrong. So yes, it's supposed to be 4 oz tequila, but the entire drink is about 8 oz. Sorry about that! Krissy
Anna
Great recipe! I just halfed the amout of Tequila, it was too much for my liking. But the test super yummy, will absolutly make them again! Perfect for summer.
Elizabeth
This is hands down the best margarita recipe ever! Made some for friends and they agreed! No more recipe searching-this one is absolutely perfect! Very smooth and the ingredient measurements are spot on. The simple syrup is the secret! Thank you!
Linda
After a glass of this recipe, you won't be able to write a review. 5 ounces of alcohol? Really?! 😜
Krissy
I know. 🙂 I get a lot of comments. I made this for my husband and he has no problem drinking any kind of alcohol straight. It's too strong for me!
becky hardin
Is it 5 oclock yet!!! These are the perfect margarita!!
Beak
These are delicious. My go to
Margarita recipe. Super
Easy with ingredients already have.
Thomson
Tasty but waaaaay too much tequila. I was saucy and couldn’t feel my tongue after HALF of one of these!
Grace
It’s 5 somewhere!
Lyn
This looks so good! This would be perfect to have while sitting on the porch during the summer!
Eddie
Hi I've tried this recipe several times all different ways I've let other people try it and this is extremely strong am I missing something here or how can I cut the alcohol measurements so where it's not so strong all I taste is tequila
Krissy
It is very strong indeed! Just double the lime juice and simple syrup.
Melanie
Best perfect margarita we've had yet! Thank you for making our summer!
Lori
Buy better tequila!
lauren kelly
Cheers to the weekend! I love margaritas!
Katerina
Yes, please!! This looks fabulous!!
Heather
I need one of these ASAP! Going to make this weekend!