Classic Margarita Recipe
You’ve probably had a margarita before. It’s that popular, classic tequila drink with salt on the rim, usually served in a tall glass or a margarita glass. But how often have you had a great classic one?
High-quality tequila and fresh lime juice are two key ingredients to any good margarita. When you add in the fresh ingredients and an excellent triple sec or orange liqueur, that’s when things take off. The good news is that this classic cocktail is simple to make at home and even simpler to customize based on your tastes.
Classic Margarita Ingredients
The Classic Margarita recipe has very few ingredients, but the quality of each ingredient compliments the taste.
- Fresh Lime Juice: No matter what kind of margarita you’re making, it’s important that you include freshly squeezed lime juice. Store-bought lime juice and lime juice concentrate tend to have additives included that can alter the taste.
- Tequila: While the type of tequila you use in your Classic Margarita is up to your preference, Silver or Blanco tequila are the best options.
- Alterations: Though this is a classic recipe, you can make minor alterations. Instead of lime juice, you can substitute orange juice or a splash of pineapple juice.
How To Make Classic Margarita
The Classic Margarita recipe is one of the easiest to follow, and the two different portion sizes are not significantly different.
Single-Serving - Classic Margarita Recipe
Ready to try this delicious Classic Margarita recipe?
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- lime slices/wedges
- salt
Prepare the margarita glass ahead of time. Dampen the lip of the glass with a lime wedge and dip it into the salt.
In a cocktail shaker, add ice and the liquid ingredients and shake well. Once you have shaken the ingredients, pour the drink into the prepared glass served over ice.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mixing glass or regular glass to stir the ingredients with ice instead before pouring them into the margarita glass. Garnish before serving.
Pitcher Serving Classic Margarita Recipe
If you’re looking to share this awesome recipe with others, this version of the recipe makes eight servings.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz tequila
- 8 oz orange liqueur
- 6 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz simple syrup
- lime slices/wedges
- salt
Using a pitcher, combine all of the liquid ingredients and stir until the simple syrup has dissolved. If not ready to serve, refrigerate.
With a lime wedge, moisten the rim of the margarita glasses and dip into salt. Add in ice and pour in the tasty drink. Garnish and drink responsibly!
Alternate Margarita Recipes
Though there’s nothing wrong with a Classic Margarita, there are many other flavors and alternatives to enjoy.
- Pineapple Margarita
- Jalapeño Margarita
- Skinny Margarita
Classic Margarita FAQ
Can I make this version skinny?
Yes, the Classic Margarita can be made into a Skinny Margarita. Instead of regular simple syrup, opt for a sugar-free option, and choose an orange extract instead of orange liqueur, which has a lot of sugar.
Can the Classic Margarita be made into a frozen margarita?
Just add the ingredients into a blender with a few cups of ice, and you’ll have a delicious Frozen Margarita.
How do you juice limes properly?
A simple juicer where you press or squeeze will work but if you don’t have a juicer, try this method. Roll the limes onto a flat surface, like a counter, to help release the juices. Then, slice and squeeze!