Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

Home Recipes Diet Gluten-Free Classic Margarita

by Lisa Bryan

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Dec 01, 2023

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Margarita! The classicmargaritais a delicious party staple that everyone should know how to whip up. My recipe is easy to make (and easy to remember the ratios), and doesn’t have any added sugar. Enjoy this classic margarita on the rocks or frozen.

Want some healthy munchies while you’re sipping your margarita? I highly recommend my guacamole, ceviche, and pico de gallo recipes. So yum!

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Margaritas are the ultimate party co*cktail. But they’re especially popular when Cinco de Mayo hits. The beautiful spring weather in May is a good reminder that it’s time to sit outside, drink a margarita, and relax.

Then when summer arrives, it’s time to grill up some carne asada (or make a large batch of carnitas) and whip up a pitcher of margaritas for the family. That’s how we roll in Southern California in the summer.

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Margarita Ingredients

To make this classic margarita you’ll need tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (also known as triple sec). While a classic margarita is quite easy on its own, I wanted to simplify the recipe even further with an easy to remember 2-1-1 ratio.

  • 2 oz of tequila
  • 1 oz of lime juice
  • 1 oz of orange liqueur

How to Make a Classic Margarita

Salt the rim of your margarita (if you’d like). You can purchase a coarser saltonline or at the grocery or liquor store. Generously spread the salt on a plate large enough for the rim of the glass. Run a slice of lime around the rim of your glass. Then place the rim in the plate of salt.

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Mix the ingredients together. Shake or stir the tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur together. Alternatively, you can triple or quadruple the recipe in a blender along with ice to make a slushy, frozen margarita.

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Pour and enjoy! Pour your classic margarita into your glass over some ice (on the rocks), and you’re all set!

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Common Questions

What type of tequila to use?

I use a reposado tequila which is aged in a barrel two months to just under a year. Reposado is often considered the perfect tequila for margaritas. Two other types of tequila are joven and añejo. Joven is lighter, aged less than reposado, and cheaper. Whileañejo is darker, aged over a year, and is more expensive.

Which orange liqueur is best?

Orange liqueur is essentially vodka sweetened with sugar and orange peels. There are many brands of this liqueur on the market, but the most common brands are Cointreau, Curaçao and Grand Marnier.

For this margarita recipe I used Cointreau. It’s the most commonly used, and best orange liqueur for margaritas.

The other two brands are a little different despite their orange liqueur label. Cointreau is considered a triple sec liqueur due to its French origins and mix of sweet and bitter oranges. Curaçao comes from the Dutch Caribbean island of the same name and is considered both a brand and type of orange liqueur. Due to its tropical origins, the oranges for this liqueur are sweeter which is why its not considered a triple sec. Also, from France, Grand Marnier is considered a triple sec and Curaçao hybrid. Unlike the previous brands mentioned, its orange flavor is mixed with cognac.

Delicious Recipes to Enjoy with Margaritas

  • Shrimp Tacos– Pan seared shrimp is topped with the tastiest cilantro lime bacon slaw.
  • Barbacoa – This slow cooker recipe delivers tender shreds of juicy, spicy beef.
  • Carne Asada Tacos – Diced carne asada is topped with guacamole, cilantro, onions, and cotija cheese.
  • Steak Fajitas – Sizzling steak and veggies is always a one pan winner.
  • Grilled Fish Tacos – Grilled white fish is topped with a light and fresh citrus carrot slaw.
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More Margarita Flavors

Looking to switch up your margarita recipe? Give these flavor variations a try. They’re perfect for every season!

  • Strawberry Margarita – One of the most popular blended margaritas.
  • Mango Margarita – The fresh mango takes this over the top!
  • Pomegranate Margarita – A festive holiday margarita.

I hope you enjoyed this margarita recipe! If you give it a try, let us know in the comment bow below how it turned out. Your review will help other readers!

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Classic Margarita Recipe

4.88 from 24 votes

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 serving

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Description

The classicmargarita is easy to make with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. It's also easy to remember with a 2:1:1 ratio. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!

Video

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Salt the glass. If you'd like a salt-rimmed glass, slice a lime into quarters and rub one of the quarters along the rim of a glass. Spread margarita salt onto a small plate and turn the glass upside down into the salt. The salt should stick to the rim.

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  • Mix it together. To make the margarita, add the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice to a co*cktail shaker with ice. Give it a few shakes.Alternatively, you can stir all of the ingredients together in a glass.

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  • Serve. Add ice to your glass, then pour the margarita into the glass. Garnish with lime wedges.

    Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (11)

Lisa’s Tips

  • Make sure to use fresh limes for the lime juice and not bottled lime juice. The flavor difference is huge.
  • If you’re making a large batch and serving margaritas outdoors, I recommend this break resistant pitcher(and it’s big!).

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Course: co*cktails

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: How to Make a Margarita, Margarita, Margarita Recipe

©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Recipe originally posted May 2019, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

Read More About Me

Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic margarita made of? ›

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila. 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice. optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste.

What is the formula for a margarita? ›

4 parts tequila (look for 100% blue agave tequila — blanco, silver, or reposado) 3 parts Cointreau (or your preferred orange liqueur) 2 parts fresh lime juice.

What is the secret ingredient in Margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

What is the ratio for Margaritas? ›

The classic margarita is easy to make with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. It's also easy to remember with a 2:1:1 ratio. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!

Why do you need triple sec for margaritas? ›

Traditionally, orange has always been a classic pairing for any agave-based spirit, providing a sweeter complement without overpowering the notes of the agave. In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity.

Is Cointreau or triple sec better? ›

In conclusion, whether you prefer Cointreau or triple sec, both orange liqueurs offer their own unique taste profiles that can be used in a variety of co*cktails. While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative.

What is the best alcohol for Margaritas? ›

Blanco/Silver Tequila: The Clear Choice

For anyone seeking the quintessential Margarita experience, look no further than blanco or silver tequila. Unaged and undistilled, blanco tequila has a crisp, clean flavor profile with notes of agave and a subtle hint of sweetness.

What is the main alcohol in a margarita? ›

A margarita is a drink made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. It can be served on the rocks (with ice) or frozen.

What is a substitute for triple sec in a margarita? ›

If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.

What is in a skinny girl margarita? ›

Made from premium Blue Agave Silver Tequila (yes, please) and lightly sweetened with agave nectar, the original Skinnygirl® Margarita is STILL delicious and low-calorie (really?). Yes, really. Serve this refreshingly light low-calorie Margarita in a fun glass rimmed with salt, and you and your girls are good to go!

Why is it called a dirty margarita? ›

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

How does Jennifer Aniston make her margaritas? ›

"How about you get up on stage and make a margarita? You're really good at that," she says, requesting that Aniston "tell us how" she makes what we're guessing is her signature drink. "Oh, lord, it's barely a recipe. It's basically silver tequila with lime juice shaken and over rocks," Aniston shares.

Which margarita mix has the most alcohol? ›

See It: Check out Rancho La Gloria Margaritas here !

Unlike most margarita mixes, this contains 13.9 percent alcohol already. Simply open, pour over ice and enjoy. It's as easy as a long summer day with no mixer or measuring required.

How do you thicken margarita mix? ›

The amount of ice used also makes a difference in texture and consistency. To get a thicker margarita, use more ice—but be warned, this can water down the flavor a little.

What are truly margaritas made of? ›

Made with real lime juice concentrate, agave nectar and sea salt to deliver a unique mix of sweet, sour, salty and refreshing flavor in every sip. Bring a Truly pack to your next tailgate for the win!

What is the difference between a classic and Texas margarita? ›

What makes a Texas margarita different from the traditional margarita is the addition of fresh orange juice. This gives a juicy and citrusy touch, making the drink lighter and more refreshing than the classic margarita. The classic margarita only relies on lime juice to counter the orange liqueur and tequila.

What are the ingredients in Jose Cuervo Classic margarita? ›

Classic Cuervo ® Margarita
  • 1 oz Orange Liqueur.
  • 1 oz Lime Juice.
  • 1/2 oz Agave Nectar.
  • Glassware: Rocks glass.
  • Garnish: Lime wheel.
  • Rim: Salt.

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