Margarita
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If Mexican food is on the menu, this margarita is the drink to go with it—simple to make and easy to adjust to your taste.
A good margarita is all about balance. Bright lime, smooth tequila, and just enough orange liqueur to round it out. This is my go-to ratio: fresh, citrusy, and not too sweet, with the option to add a touch of simple syrup or agave if you like it a little sweeter. For the best flavor, use a blanco tequila you’d actually enjoy sipping—something clean and smooth, like Casamigos, Patrón, or Espolòn—and a good orange liqueur like Cointreau for a polished, well-balanced drink.
A few small details make a big difference. Always use fresh lime juice, shake the drink well so it’s properly chilled and lightly diluted (that’s what takes the edge off the alcohol), and serve it over plenty of ice. I love a salted rim for contrast, but it’s optional. Once you’ve made it once, it’s easy to tweak—more or less sweet, or even a small splash of orange juice if you prefer a softer, slightly sweeter drink—until it’s exactly how you like it.
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Margaritas
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur, such as Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier
- 1 oz fresh lime juice, from 1 lime
- ¼ oz simple syrup or agave syrup (optional)
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Coarse salt, for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Place coarse salt on a small plate. Rub rim of glass with lime wedge and dip in coarse salt if desired. Add ice to glass if using.
- Combine drink ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add some ice and shake vigorously, then strain into prepared glass. Garnish rim with lime slice.
Nutrition Information
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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Thank you for such a simple but deliciously perfect Margarita! It was a hit for our Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Wonderful recipe as always from Jen!! I cut the alcohol in half, as that’s just my taste preference, and it was amazing! Made my husband’s drink using the exact recipe measurements, and he was a fan too! Perfect recipe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Pairs great with Jen’s guacamole!
I’ve never made a mixed drink before in my life–I’m a “wine person” but I occasionally enjoy a margarita. So I decided to make my own and chose this recipe and it was AWESOME! Thank you again Chef Jenn!
Love this recipe – I make it in a pitcher and it is loved by all – not to sweet – just sweet enough!
Perfect!
I love margaritas! And this recipe is a winner! I made it with tequila infused with serrano peppers. Perfect balance of sweet and sour. Instead of a salted rim, I like to sprinkle a little sea salt into the drink. I will be making this again! Thank You!!!
Hi Jenn …
what kind of tequila do you recommend?
Hi Georgia, I like Casamigos, Patrón, or Espolòn. Hope you enjoy the margaritas! 🙂
Hi Jenn:
When reading your reply to Georgia on 7/4/20, I did not see your choice of tequila listed. I’d love to know as I’ve been wondering which ingredients would produce the best margarita. Thank you!
Sorry, Susan — I forgot to add the link! I use Casamigos, Patrón, or Espolòn.
Delicious!! This is the perfect mix. I love that it’s not too sour. Your recipes amaze me 💚.
Well done 👍 simple and good. Used Grand Marnier because that’s what was in the freezer after a hot 🥵 day of yard work, most enjoyable.Thank you for sharing.Peggy
Hi, just made the Sangria it was amazing!!!! You have the best recipes. Excited to try the margarita!
Have your cookbook. And have made several of your recipes over the years from this site. Made this today for a family birthday. 2 pitchers gone in 2 hours. Huge hit ! Thank You !
😊