Margarita
The Margarita is a classic tequila cocktail made with blanco tequila, orange liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice. Bright, citrusy and refreshing, it balances the distinctive flavour of agave with orange sweetness and crisp lime acidity. This easy Margarita recipe is shaken with ice and served with an optional salt rim, ready in just 5 minutes.
Margarita Recipe
- Tequila Blanco 50 ml
- Orange liqueur 20 ml
- Lime juice 25 ml
- Fresh lime 1 slice
- Fine sea salt 4 g, for the glass rim
- Ice 150 g
HOW TO SHAKE A CLASSIC MARGARITA
- Prepare the glass by rubbing a lime wedge along half of the rim, then gently dipping that edge into a shallow plate of fine sea salt. Chill the glass.
- Add 50 ml blanco tequila, 20 ml orange liqueur and 25 ml freshly squeezed lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add approximately 150 g of ice and shake firmly for 10–15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Fine-strain into the chilled coupe, or strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MARGARITA?
A great Margarita balances three essential flavours: the natural agave character of tequila, the citrus sweetness of orange liqueur and the bright acidity of fresh lime. None should overpower the others. The finished cocktail should be crisp, refreshing and pleasantly tart, with the tequila remaining clearly noticeable.
Choose a 100% agave blanco tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice for the cleanest flavour. Shake firmly with plenty of ice to chill and dilute the ingredients properly. A light salt rim is optional, but it can enhance 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 most famous tequila cocktails, combining tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. Its exact origins are disputed, with several competing stories about when and where the drink was first created.
One well-known account credits Margarita Sames with creating the cocktail in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1948. Other accounts connect the Margarita to earlier Daisy-style cocktails, which combined spirits, citrus and a sweetening ingredient.
Whatever its precise origins, the Margarita became an international classic thanks to its simple, refreshing balance of agave, orange and lime. Today, it remains one of the most recognisable tequila cocktails, enjoyed both straight up and over ice.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A MARGARITA
A classic Margarita starts with 100% agave blanco tequila. Its fresh, slightly peppery agave character creates the ideal foundation for a crisp, citrus-forward cocktail. Espolòn Blanco is an excellent choice, bringing a balanced tequila flavour that works naturally with lime and orange liqueur.
For the orange liqueur, Cointreau is a classic choice. This premium triple sec adds bright orange aroma and balanced sweetness without overpowering the tequila. For a richer variation, try Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, which introduces deeper orange and Cognac notes.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for a properly balanced Margarita. Its sharp acidity provides the refreshing contrast to the tequila and orange liqueur. Avoid sweetened lime cordial, which changes the flavour and sweetness of the traditional recipe.
Finish with a light rim of fine sea salt, if desired. The salt enhances the citrus and agave flavours, while a fresh lime wheel adds a simple, aromatic garnish.
HOW TO BALANCE A MARGARITA
Our classic Margarita recipe combines 50 ml blanco tequila, 20 ml orange liqueur and 25 ml fresh lime juice. This creates a crisp, slightly tart cocktail with noticeable agave character and balanced orange sweetness.
If the Margarita tastes too sour, add a small amount of agave syrup or increase the orange liqueur slightly. If it tastes too sweet, add a little more fresh lime juice. The ideal balance depends on the sweetness of your orange liqueur and the acidity of your limes.
For the best results, shake with plenty of ice and taste the finished cocktail before making adjustments. A Margarita should be refreshing and citrus-forward, with the tequila remaining clearly noticeable.
HOW TO SERVE A MARGARITA
Serve a classic Margarita straight up in a chilled coupe or Margarita glass, or over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Both presentations work well, although serving straight up gives a slightly more concentrated flavour.
A light half-rim of salt is traditional but optional. It allows the drinker to alternate between salted and unsalted sips, highlighting different elements of the tequila and citrus.
Finish with a fresh lime wheel or wedge. Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold and refreshing. A Margarita pairs particularly well with Mexican-inspired dishes, grilled seafood and savoury snacks.
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 an official International Bartenders Association cocktail in the Contemporary Classics category. The IBA recipe uses 50 ml tequila, 20 ml triple sec and 15 ml freshly squeezed lime juice, shaken with ice and served with an optional half salt rim. Drinkero's version uses 25 ml lime juice for a slightly more citrus-forward result. See the official IBA Margarita recipe
