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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Margarita

    Published: February 26, 2019 · Updated: May 7, 2020 · By: Krissy · 28 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    how to make the best classic margarita

    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!

    how to make a silver tequila classic margarita

    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.

    pour a classic margarita out of cocktail shaker into glass

    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.

    classic margarita cocktail with lime

    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.

    classic margarita with fresh lime

    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
    classic homemade margarita on the rocks with a salt rimmed glass and lime garnish

    The Best Classic Margarita Recipe

    The most perfect classic Margarita recipe is quick and easy to make. This lip smacking tequila cocktail served over ice is the best drink!
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!

    CLICK TO PLAY RECIPE VIDEO

    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Scale: 1 serving
    Recipe Created By: Krissy Allori

    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!

    Notes

    How to make simple syrup: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/make-simple-syrup/

    NUTRITION INFORMATION

    Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Sodium: 2346mg | Potassium: 66mg | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin C: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cameron Wilhelm

      July 25, 2021 at 9:23 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Krissy

        July 25, 2021 at 12:50 pm

        It's extremely strong. No doubt about that!

        Reply
        • Sarah

          May 04, 2022 at 4:33 pm

          I am drinking it now. I just drunk posted about politics on Facebook. I can attest that this is strong.

          Reply
    2. Allie

      May 28, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Four ounces of tequila for one serving? No. What's up with that?

      Reply
      • Krissy

        June 02, 2021 at 5:14 am

        It packs quite the punch.

        Reply
        • Amber

          February 04, 2023 at 3:11 pm

          Wow! Strongggg but good! Enjoy 😊

          Reply
          • Krissy

            February 05, 2023 at 5:17 am

            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!

            Reply
      • sjcwee

        July 13, 2022 at 7:22 pm

        5 stars
        Hello there, this is awesome. I get 2 drinks with this. This is definitely a keeper. Thank you for sharing.👍🏾

        Reply
    3. Raima

      October 23, 2019 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent!! One, if no the best Margarita recipe I have tried. Very simple and tasty. Sure to be a hit anytime. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Beth R.

      October 11, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      That is one potent, but delicious, margarita. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

      Reply
    5. Kimberly

      August 30, 2019 at 8:21 pm

      In the description you stated i part tequila, but the recipe states 4 ounces. ??

      Reply
      • Krissy

        August 31, 2019 at 1:19 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Anna

          July 22, 2022 at 5:59 am

          5 stars
          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.

          Reply
    6. Elizabeth

      August 05, 2019 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Linda

        August 04, 2021 at 2:20 pm

        After a glass of this recipe, you won't be able to write a review. 5 ounces of alcohol? Really?! 😜

        Reply
        • Krissy

          August 06, 2021 at 6:11 am

          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!

          Reply
    7. becky hardin

      May 10, 2019 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      Is it 5 oclock yet!!! These are the perfect margarita!!

      Reply
      • Beak

        June 01, 2020 at 8:20 am

        5 stars
        These are delicious. My go to
        Margarita recipe. Super
        Easy with ingredients already have.

        Reply
      • Thomson

        July 26, 2020 at 5:33 pm

        Tasty but waaaaay too much tequila. I was saucy and couldn’t feel my tongue after HALF of one of these!

        Reply
      • Grace

        May 28, 2022 at 1:14 pm

        5 stars
        It’s 5 somewhere!

        Reply
    8. Lyn

      May 10, 2019 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good! This would be perfect to have while sitting on the porch during the summer!

      Reply
      • Eddie

        July 18, 2020 at 11:48 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Krissy

          July 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

          It is very strong indeed! Just double the lime juice and simple syrup.

          Reply
          • Melanie

            September 06, 2020 at 3:48 pm

            5 stars
            Best perfect margarita we've had yet! Thank you for making our summer!

            Reply
        • Lori

          December 02, 2020 at 6:41 am

          Buy better tequila!

          Reply
    9. lauren kelly

      May 10, 2019 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      Cheers to the weekend! I love margaritas!

      Reply
    10. Katerina

      May 10, 2019 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      Yes, please!! This looks fabulous!!

      Reply
    11. Heather

      May 10, 2019 at 8:23 am

      5 stars
      I need one of these ASAP! Going to make this weekend!

      Reply

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