The Best Margarita Recipe Ever

This is the best Margarita recipe EVER! No funny ingredients (agave nectar, etc). Just a simple, straightforward, delicious, classic Margarita!

Everyone needs a classic Margarita recipe in their repertoire, and this is mine. It is seriously The BEST Margarita Recipe Ever! I’d sip one any time of year.

This recipe is everything a Margarita should be! Crisp and refreshing. Bright and citrus-y. Margs are STRONG and warm from the tequila. The perfect blend of earthy, sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

If you’re in the mood for a fun drink, this Margarita recipe is just what you need! Shake tequila, lime juice and triple sec with a few ice cubes for 10 seconds (vigorously). Rim your glass with a lime wedge and dip it in coarse salt.

🍋‍🟩Margarita Ingredients

I’ve taken on the task of sharing the perfect Margarita ingredients for the sake of the Internet. I decided I’m a traditionalist–salted rims are required.

• Blanco Tequila – Choose a good quality blanco (silver) tequila. Don Julio is my go-to for Margaritas. Keep reading for my other top tequila recommendations (in the next section)! 
• Triple Sec – I use Cointreau, it has a smooth finish and doesn’t take away from the tequila. It’s the traditional choice and makes the perfect margarita! Do not use Grand Marnier orange liqueur–it’s too complex and sweet for a Marg.
• Lime juice – The secret to a top-notch Margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff).
• Coarse Salt – For the rim of your glass! I like to use coarse sea salt or coarse kosher salt. Avoid using iodized table salt.
• Ice – A Margarita cocktail is always better on the rocks!

So easy with all the right ingredients! Serving it in a rocks glass is fair game–if you don’t have a Margarita glass.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

The Margarita ratio

A classic Margarita is based on the 3-2-1 ratio of tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

• 1½ oz. of blanco tequila to 1 oz. of triple sec to ¾ oz. of fresh lime juice OR
• 3 parts of blanco tequila to 2 parts of triple sec to 1 part of fresh lime juice

You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup to taste (typically 2 tablespoons).

What tequila is best for a Margarita?

The best tequila for a classic Margarita is a quality blanco (silver). Choose one that you like to drink! I like Don Julio or Casamigos. Esponlõn is a really good value too.

• Casamigos Blanco: Founded by George Clooney, this tequila has gained popularity for its smoothness.
• Casa Noble Crystal Tequila: This premium tequila is known for its smooth and crisp flavor.
• Don Julio Blanco: This premium tequila is well-loved for its smooth finish and is a favorite among Margarita enthusiasts.
• Esponlõn Blanco: This tequila is budget-friendly, making it perfect for everyday Margaritas.
• Milagro Silver Tequila: With its bright and fresh taste, Milagro Silver is a straightforward choice.
• Patrón Silver: Known for its high quality, Patrón Silver is often used in upscale Margaritas.

Avoid using Mezcal for a classic Margarita. Also reposado, joven (gold), and añejo tequilas are a little too complex. Margaritas are all about bright, clean, crisp flavors. So blanco tequilas work best!

Margarita tips

• Taste and adjust. I love this recipe as written, but step gives you a chance to customize your Margarita to your tastes. If you prefer a stiffer drink, well, you know what to do.
• If it’s too strong, let the ice melt. If your Margarita is too strong, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Melting ice will dilute the drink. If it’s still stiffer than you’d like it to be, top your glass with an ounce of lime juice. Or an ounce of either orange juice, or simple syrup.
• Use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for the best flavor! 
• Quality spirits matter. I opt for good blanco tequila, and triple sec (like Cointreau), to enhance the cocktail’s taste.
• Change it up! Margs are also delicious with a few jalapeño slices.

Equipment needed to make a Margarita

• Shaker: A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and chilling the drink.
• Jigger: This measuring tool helps ensure you get the right proportions of liquid ingredients.
• Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor, so having a juicer is key.
• Glasses: I use a rocks glass–or a Margarita glass. 
• Salt Rimmer: If you enjoy a salted rim, a rimmer tool can help easily coat your glass with salt.

Classic Margarita Recipe

In its classic form, the Margarita is strong and mixes 2 parts tequila to 1 part triple sec to 1 part fresh lime juice. Served over ice with a salt rim and a lime garnish.

It’s a 3-ingredient cocktail you can easily master. When I want the classic drink, this is my go-to recipe.

Continue to Content

Margarita Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

My classic Margarita recipe is everything you LOVE about Margs.

Print

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Blanco tequila
• 1 oz Triple sec (Cointreau)
• ¾ oz Fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Coarse sea salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of coarse salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Add ice to fill the shaker halfway. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
3. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with a lime wedge. Salud!
   
   

Notes

• If you're using a budget tequila--add a splash of simple syrup to mask the harsh taste of the liquor.
• To make it a mocktail, just replace the tequila and triple sec with lime juice and orange juice. Top with sparking water.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 4 oz
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 206Sodium: 150mgCarbohydrates: 10.4gNet Carbohydrates: 10.4gSugar: 7.4g

Last weekend, the holidays inspired me to make a Marg at home. I had fun mixing my drink. I’m already looking forward to making this Margarita recipe again this weekend.

It’s really simple. If you’re looking to kick off the weekend, I hope you give it a try!

🎉How to scale up for a party

My recipe is for 1 drink, but let’s face it, the Margarita is perfect to share! Here’s how I alter it for a party.

I follow a simple 2:1:1 ratio of tequila to triple sec to lime juice–making it easy to scale up for larger batches!

Ingredients

• 2 cups blanco tequila
• 1 cup triple sec (Cointreau)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 8 Lime wedges
• Coarse sea salt for rimming glasses
• Ice

Instructions

1. Start by rimming your glasses with lime juice and dipping them in salt.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup if using a budget-friendly tequila–to balance the harshness.
4. Pour over the rocks.
5. Garnish with lime wedges.

Tips

• For a fun twist, add fresh fruit like strawberries or mangoes to the pitcher for a fruity Margarita.
• If you want a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice until smooth before serving.
• You can easily double or triple this recipe depending on your crowd size.
• Make sure to stock up on lots of ice. Don’t skimp on the salty rim!

Need to serve a crowd? If you ask me, there’s no better way to get the party started than Margaritas!

Margarita variations

Once I’ve got my basic Margarita down, I love to try new flavors. Here are some fun variations that I love to make!

• Spicy Jalapeño Margarita – Add jalapeños for a spicy kick—I recommend influsing the tequila with jalapeños slices for 15 minutes. Add sliced cucumbers to balance the heat.
• Frozen Strawberry Margarita – I blend frozen strawberries with simple syrup for a fruity, slushy treat that’s great any time of year.
• Cadillac Margarita – Using high-quality reposado tequila and Grand Marnier orange liqueur makes a richer Margarita variant.
• Skinny Margarita – I swap out triple sec for orange juice (and the optional simple syrup for Stevia), making this Margarita lower in calories without losing flavor.
• Champagne Margarita – Adding bubbly to a classic Margarita gives it a festive twist, perfect for brunch!
• Mezcal Margarita – The smoky flavor of mezcal paired with a fresh orange juice adds a delicious twist.

Thirsty for more? Try my Tequila and Sprite Cocktail Recipe. This simple drink is just the thing when you’re short on time.

Margarita FAQs

Did you know? The Margarita is the most popular cocktail in America.

What does Margarita mean in Spanish?

In Spanish, “Margarita” translates to “daisy”.

How did the Margarita originate?

The Margarita is thought to have started out as the variation of a Prohibition-era drink called the “Daisy.” The Margarita cocktail swaps in tequila for brandy and lime juice for lemon juice.

What is the IBA (International Bartenders Association) standard Margarita ratio?

The IBA standard Margarita ratio is 10:4:3 (tequila to triple sec to fresh lime juice). 2 oz tequila, 0.8 oz triple sec, and 0.6 oz fresh lime juice. My classic recipe uses the more lime-forward 2:1:1 ratio with a smooth blanco tequila.

How strong is this classic Margarita recipe?

My classic 2:1:1 Margarita recipe made with blanco tequila and Cointreau triple sec has an estimated ABV of 30%, which is a strong cocktail. 

Can I use Grand Marnier instead of triple sec?

No. Margaritas are traditionally made with triple sec which is generally less sweet and lighter in color than Grand Marnier orange liqueur.

What is a Margarita glass?

Margaritas were traditionally served in a margarita glass–a ‘stepped-diameter’ variant of the champagne coupe. The Margarita glass has a height of 6.125″ with a 4.5” diameter. Today, Margs are often served in rocks glasses.

When is national Margarita day?

February 22nd is National Margarita Day in the United States.

Why do Margaritas have a salt rim?

The salt rim on a Margarita glass is not just for looks–it makes the drink taste better. Salt helps bring out the sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail, making it more enjoyable to drink.

More tequila drinks

Can’t get enough tequila? Check out my tequila cocktails for more drink inspo.

• 50 Easy Tequila Cocktails (+ Recipes)
• 17 Tequila Rose Cocktails
• 20 Reposado Cocktails (+ Recipes)
• 10 Blue Tequila Cocktails (+ Recipes)
• Tequila and Mountain Dew Recipe

More drink recipes I know you’ll LOVE!

Here are some of my best mixed drink and cocktail collections:

• 50 Best Gin Martinis (+ Recipes)
• 30 Green Vodka Cocktails (+Recipes)
• Peanut Butter Whiskey and Coke
• 40 Ginger Ale Cocktails
• 30 Malibu Rum Cocktail Recipes
• 21 Bourbon Martinis Perfect
• 30 Kraken Cocktails to Try

I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink right about now. And I just LOVE a good Margarita! When I have one in my hand–I can almost feel those warm summer breezes!

Let me know how your Margarita turns out in the comments! I hope you make the BEST Margarita Ever!

Salud!