Margarita Recipe: A Symphony of Citrusy Bliss in a Glass

Margarita is known for its simple yet perfectly balanced flavors. This iconic drink is a variation of a classic sidecar. It’s renowned for its combination of tartness, sweetness, and a touch of bitterness, making it a refreshing choice for many occasions.

Easy Margarita recipe

The origin of the Margarita dates back to the 1930s when Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender at Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico, crafted the cocktail for a customer allergic to all spirits except tequila.

Glasses of apple cider margarita
Apple cider margarita

The Margarita’s timeless appeal lies in its versatility. It can be customized to suit a wide range of preferences by adjusting the ratios of its primary ingredients.

One distinctive feature of the Margarita is the salt rim. This enhances the flavor by offering a contrast to the cocktail’s acidity while providing a visually appealing touch. This combination of taste and aesthetics has solidified the Margarita’s status as a cocktail that engages all the senses.

This cocktail is so popular that it has its own national day, which is on February 22nd every year. Here is how to make the Classic Margarita.

Ingredients  

  • 2 oz (60 ml) tequila
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 tsp simple syrup, adjust to taste
  • Salt for rimming the glass
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions 

  1. Rim the edge of a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim of the glass to moisten it, then dipping the rim into a shallow plate with salt. This step is optional, but it adds a nice contrast of flavors to the drink.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and simple syrup.
  3. Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and properly mixes the ingredients.
  4. Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice cubes.
  5. Garnish the drink with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

Notes

Simple syrup: For a twist, try blackberry or ginger syrup for a blackberry/ginger Margarita.

Tequila: Choose from Patrón Silver, reposado, or añejo tequila, each offering different flavors and characteristics.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for flavor. Add blood orange or grapefruit juice for a blood orange/grapefruit Margarita.

Margarita

A classic cocktail that never disappoints
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2
Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz (60 ml) tequila
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 tsp simple syrup adjust to taste
  • Salt for rimming the glass
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rim the edge of a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim of the glass to moisten it, then dipping the rim into a shallow plate with salt. This step is optional, but it adds a nice contrast of flavours to the drink.
  • Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and simple syrup.
  • Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and properly mixes the ingredients.
  • Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice cubes.
  • Garnish the drink with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

Notes

– For the simple syrup, you can make blackberry syrup or ginger simple syrup to make blackberry/ginger margarita.
– Tequila is the primary spirit in a Margarita. You can choose between Patrón Silver tequila, reposado, or añejo tequila, each offering slightly different flavors and characteristics.
– You should use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste. Bottled lime juice may lack the same vibrant flavour. You can add blood orange juice or grapefruit juice to make blood orange/grapefruit margarita.
Keyword cocktail, margarita

Margarita variations

Margarita is a classic cocktail that’s made with just 3 primary ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass. However, you can create different versions of this drink. Here are some popular variations besides the classic margarita recipe:

  • Frozen margarita recipe takes the classic margarita and blends it with ice, creating a refreshing slushy drink. It’s ideal for hot summer days and adds a smooth texture.
  • Flavored margaritas infuse the drink with fruit flavors. Popular options include mango, cranberry, raspberry, dragon fruit, pomegranate, strawberry, guava, watermelon, peach, passion fruit, and pineapple. Blend your chosen fruit with the base ingredients for a burst of flavor.
  • Spicy margarita recipe adds a kick with muddled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The contrast between the heat and tangy citrus creates an exciting, bold combination.
Golden margarita recipe
Margarita recipe with grand marnier (golden margarita)
  • Mezcal margarita substitutes tequila with mezcal, introducing a smoky flavor that sets this version apart from the traditional margarita.
  • Cadillac margarita elevates the drink by using high-quality tequila and premium orange liqueur, often garnished with a Grand Marnier float for a smoother, refined flavor profile.
  • Coconut margarita incorporates coconut cream or milk for a tropical twist. This variation brings a creamy, exotic flavor reminiscent of beachside relaxation.
Avocado margarita recipe
Epcot avocado margarita recipe
  • Cucumber Jalapeño margarita muddles cucumber and jalapeño slices, offering a refreshing and spicy take. The cool cucumber balances the jalapeño’s heat perfectly.
  • Blackberry sage margarita blends blackberries and sage leaves for a sophisticated, aromatic version. The herbal sage complements the sweet-tart blackberries beautifully.
  • Hibiscus margarita infuses the cocktail with hibiscus syrup or steeped petals, adding a deep red color and floral flavor, creating a stunning and flavorful drink.
Yuzu margarita with yuzu is a type of citrus fruit from East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea.
  • Watermelon basil margarita combines blended watermelon chunks and fresh basil leaves for a summery, herbaceous variation. The sweetness of the watermelon contrasts nicely with the fragrant basil.
  • Skinny margarita recipe lightens things up with agave tequila, fresh lime juice, reduced-calorie triple sec, and a splash of club soda. It skips the sugary rim and is garnished with a lime wheel for a lighter, yet flavorful option.

Margarita variations allow for creativity, but balance is key. Whether you prefer a fruity, spicy, or smoky twist, there’s a Margarita for every taste.