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Learn how to make the BEST Margarita! Made with just 4 ingredients, this margarita on the rocks is just like what you get at your favorite restaurant… only better!
There’s no denying that some occasions just call for margaritas. Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or happy hour with friends, when you need a margarita… you know it… and this recipe is our go-to.
It’s the perfect blend of just 4 ingredients – tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup – and has the BEST flavor ever. Between the sweet orange Cointreau and the fresh, tart lime juice, it’s everything you want in a margarita. Slightly sweet, perfectly tart, and strong enough that you can taste the tequila. Just the way I like it!
Of course, depending on how you like your drinks, you can feel free to add more or less simple syrup or agave. And if you like them flavored, you can add fresh or frozen fruit OR your favorite fruit juice. But if you’re looking for the best classic margarita recipe? Look no further. This. Is. It.
What you’ll need for this recipe
Tequila – When it comes to margaritas, tequila is clearly the star of the show. I used silver tequila (aka blanco tequila) in this recipe because it ages for the shortest amount of time, meaning it has the strongest, purest taste of any tequila and can hold up nicely to any other flavorings that are added. I always like to use a good tequila when I make margaritas, not just because it helps prevent hangovers, but also because it has a distinctly better flavor than lower quality brands.
Cointreau – Cointreau is an orange liqueur that gives this margarita both flavor and sweetness. Cointreau is similar to Triple Sec, but has a stronger, smoother and more complex flavor than Triple Sec. It’s also similar to Grand Marnier, although Grand Marnier has an even stronger, more complex flavor than Cointreau.
Lime juice – Lime juice is an essential element in any margarita recipe. It’s the “sour” part of the sweet & sour. I always use fresh lime juice if at all possible, and using a good citrus juicer works wonders.
Simple syrup – Simple syrup is an optional but delicious addition to this recipe. You can feel free to adjust the amount according to your preferences.
How to make a Margarita
Prep 2 glasses. Rub the outer rims of your glasses with a lime wedge. Tip the glasses upside down and dip in coarse salt to coat the rims. Fill each glass halfway with ice.
Combine the ingredients. Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup (or agave syrup) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
Pour into glasses. Pour the margarita into both glasses, dividing evenly.
Garnish. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Use any variety of tequila in place of silver
- Substitute Triple Sec or Grand Marnier for Cointreau
- Substitute agave nectar for the simple syrup
- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice in a pinch
- Use bottled lime juice in place of fresh
- Add a splash of orange juice to the recipe
- Make it without a salted rim (or make a sugared rim!)
More delicious margarita recipes
- Jalapeño Margarita (if you like a spicy margarita with a kick!)
- Grapefruit Margarita
- Frozen Mango Margarita
- Pineapple Margarita
- Orange Margarita
- Cranberry Margarita
Pro Tips
Use a fresh cut lime slice to wet the glass before dipping it in salt or sugar (both are delicious!)
Always use high quality ingredients, including fresh lime juice when possible!
Shaking the ingredients with ice helps soften the flavors perfectly
If mixing a pitcher, add some ice to the pitcher (but not too much) and stir vigorously to mimic shaking in a cocktail shaker
Adding a lime wedge garnish goes a long way in presentation and flavor!
Serve simple syrup on the side so guests can add it according to their tastes
What to Pair with Margaritas
Margaritas are always a good idea, but they pair especially well with THESE favorites!
Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- salt for the rim
- lime for garnish
Instructions
- Rub the outer rim of two rocks glass with a lime wedge. Tip the glasses upside down in kosher salt to coat the rims. Fill each glass halfway with ice.
- Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into both glasses, dividing evenly.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Erik says
Such a classic drink, perfect for upcoming happy hour!