Margarita
The Margarita is a classic tequila cocktail made with blanco tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. Bright, citrusy and refreshing, it’s all about getting the proportions right.
Margarita Recipe
- Tequila Blanco 50 ml
- Orange liqueur 20 ml
- Lime juice 25 ml
- Fresh lime 1 slice
- Cocktail rim salt 1 g, optional
- Ice 150 g
Make it properly
- Add tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a salt-rimmed coupe, or into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MARGARITA?
A good Margarita is all about balance. Tequila brings fresh agave character, lime provides bright acidity and orange liqueur adds citrus sweetness and depth. Shaken hard with plenty of ice, the ingredients become properly chilled and diluted, creating a crisp, refreshing cocktail where no single flavour dominates.
A light salt rim is optional, but when used carefully it enhances the citrus and agave flavours without making the drink noticeably salty.
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MARGARITA: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Margarita, from choosing the tequila and orange liqueur to balancing fresh lime, dilution and the optional salt rim.
THE STORY OF THE MARGARITA
The Margarita is one of the world's best-known tequila cocktails, built around a simple combination of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Its exact origin is disputed, with several stories claiming the creation of the drink, but the formula became a modern cocktail classic.
What has kept the Margarita popular is its balance. Tequila brings distinctive agave character, orange liqueur adds citrus and sweetness, and lime provides the acidity that keeps the drink bright and refreshing.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A MARGARITA
A classic Margarita starts with blanco tequila. Its fresh agave character works naturally with lime and keeps the cocktail crisp. Pair it with a quality orange liqueur and lime juice for the familiar balance of agave, citrus, sweetness and acidity.
For Drinkero's classic Margarita, we recommend Espolòn Blanco and Cointreau. For a richer variation, replace Cointreau with Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge to introduce deeper orange and Cognac notes.
HOW TO MAKE A WELL-BALANCED MARGARITA
Add the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for around 10–15 seconds to chill, dilute and combine the ingredients, then strain into your prepared glass.
A salt rim is optional. If you use one, apply a light coating of sea salt rather than heavily covering the glass. Serve the Margarita in a coupe, or over fresh ice in a rocks glass, and finish with fresh lime.
Questions about the Margarita
What tequila is best for a Margarita?
A blanco tequila made from 100% Blue Weber agave is an excellent choice for a classic Margarita. Its fresh agave character remains noticeable alongside lime and orange liqueur. Drinkero recommends Espolòn Blanco as our house choice.
What orange liqueur is best for a Margarita?
Cointreau is our standard choice for a classic Margarita because its bright orange character and relatively dry finish work well with tequila and lime. For a richer variation, use Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge.
Do you need salt for a Margarita?
No. A salt rim is completely optional. When used lightly, sea salt can sharpen the citrus flavours and provide contrast to the tequila and orange liqueur. Regular sea salt works well; specialist Margarita salt isn't necessary.
Should a Margarita be shaken or stirred?
A classic Margarita should be shaken with ice. Shaking quickly chills the ingredients, provides the necessary dilution and combines the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice.
Can I serve a Margarita over ice?
Yes. A Margarita can be strained into a coupe and served without ice or poured over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Both are established ways to serve the cocktail.
Can I make Margaritas for a group?
Yes. Scale the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice according to the number of cocktails you need. Drinkero's cocktail builder calculates the quantities and package sizes for 6, 12, 24 or 48 Margaritas.
Is the Margarita an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Margarita is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Margarita recipe for the classic specification.