Classic Margarita

It doesn’t get any better than a classic margarita. Fresh, zesty, and wonderfully salty, this is the one drink everyone should be able to make!

Classic margaritas contain tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and Cointreau for a hint of orange.

It’s important to use good-quality tequila and to shake it thoroughly before serving it on the rocks. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in coarse salt for the best finish. Yum!

Classic Margarita Cocktail

The classic marg is just lime, tequila, and orange. If you want it a little less boozy, go ahead and use orange juice in place of Cointreau. It will mellow out the booze and make it a little easier to drink.

I love this simply on the rocks, but if you want it frosty, just blend it with a handful of ice until smooth.

Or try this spicy margarita recipe if you’re in the mood for something edgy.

Ingredients

Since this is such a clean and classic recipe, you’ll want to use the best ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tequila - since this is a mixer, you don’t need to buy the best of the best. But you also don’t want to get anything too cheap. You’ll definitely taste the difference!
• Lime Juice - lime is the key flavor of the classic margarita, so you want it as fresh as possible!
• Cointreau - this hint of orange is just what you need to balance everything out. Use regular orange juice if you prefer.

How To Make a Classic Margarita

This recipe is enough for two drinks, on the rocks.

1. Run the lime wedge around the rims of the glasses.
2. Dip the glasses into salt or tajin.
3. Fill the glasses with ice.
4. Add the tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker. 
5. Fill the shaker with ice and seal shut.
6. Shake for 20-30 seconds. 
7. Strain into the glasses.
8. Serve and enjoy!

What’s the Best Tequila for Margaritas?

Blanco or Silver tequila is best for margaritas if you want a more clean, agave flavor.

But for something more smooth, you should try reposado tequila. Espolòn Blanco is a great option, and it’s not too expensive.

Another great choice is Milagro Reposado, which has a slight oaky and vanilla finish.

Here are a few options at varying price points:

Budget-Friendly Tequila (Under $30)

Espolòn Blanco

This tequila offers terrific quality at an affordable price. It’s smooth with a vibrant flavor kick featuring citrus and pepper notes

Olmeca Altos Plata

Another great value option, this tequila is crafted with traditional methods. That gives it a much cleaner finish with a nice crisp bite.

It’s a little sweeter than the option above, but there are plenty of herbal notes too.

Mid-Range Tequila ($30-$50)

Herradura Reposado

Known for its smooth complexity, this mid-range tequila is aged in oak barrels for almost a year, giving it incredibly rich depth.

It’s wonderfully balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, and agave, making it fabulous in most drinks.

Don Julio Blanco

Known for its high-quality and vibrant flavors, Don Julio is a must-have for amateur mixologists.

The use of blue Weber agave with citrus and herbal notes is smooth, crisp, and excellent in margaritas.

Premium ($50+)

Casa Dragones Blanco

Casa Dragones Blanco is well-regarded as one of the smoothest and most refined tequilas around.

It’s handcrafted in small batches, so you can really taste the balance of agave and citrus with lovely floral notes underneath.

It’s perfect for sipping but ultra-tasty in a classic margarita,

Patrón Añejo

Here’s another premium tequila that’s aged in oak barrels. Only this one sits for more than a year, resulting in a complex and smooth flavor profile.

You’ll taste the oak, along with caramel, and vanilla. Its incredibly smooth and velvety finish makes it ideal for sipping on the rocks.

Celebrity Faves

Casa Amigos Blanco

Casa Amigos is a popular tequila brand co-founded by George Clooney. But if you look beyond that, I think you’ll agree that this one is worth the hype.

It’s very smooth and clean tasting with a nice undertone of citrus and sweet agave.

If you’re a tequila/margarita lover, it’s a must-buy.

Teremana Reposado

Love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson knows tequila.

Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of eight months, this tequila features a rich and balanced flavor profile.

Again, you’ll taste the oak, as well as vanilla and just a hint of spice.

Best served from the freezer of ice with a squeeze of lime, you really can’t go wrong with Teramana cocktails.

Classic Margarita Variations

The first and best variation you can make to this recipe is to use Tajin on the rim. It’s limey, salty, and just a little spicey.

Trust me, it’s a must-try!

But it doesn’t end there. My blueberry tequila smash takes this classic recipe and muddles blueberries right in the glass.

And with that in mind, you could add all kinds of berries, such as:

• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Blackberries

If you don’t want fresh fruits, try fruit puree instead. Here’s a few of my faves:

• Passion fruit
• Mango
• Apple
• Coconut cream

Lastly, if you want a touch of sparkle in your glass, you can add flavor with citrus soda, grapefruit soda, or pineapple juice with club soda. Yum!