Margarita Cocktail - A Beautiful Mess

Is there anything better than a classic margarita? This recipe is made with just four ingredients and tastes better than most restaurant margaritas!

Years ago, I shared my homemade margarita mix, which I highly recommend trying if you’ve been using store-bought mix (it’s much more delicious). Today, I’m excited to now share the recipe for the best margarita from scratch.

More tequila recipes: Homemade Margarita Mix, Skinny Margarita, Frozen Margarita, Watermelon Margarita, Coconut Margarita, Paloma.

Margarita Ingredients

Tequila Blanco – Also known as silver tequila.
Orange Liqueur – You can use Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must.
Agave Syrup – For some natural sweetness.
Ice – I enjoy these small size square cubes.
Lime Slices – Or lime wedges for garnish.
Course Salt – Or homemade margarita salt for rimming the glass.

There are a few simple bar tools that will make your homemade margarita experience simpler and quicker. I recommend a handheld citrus squeezer, a measuring shot glass (I use this for nearly every cocktail I make) and a cocktail shaker.

How To Make A Perfect Margarita

Begin by prepping your glassware. I like to salt just half my glass so people have the choice of a sip with or without salt.

Next, fill a cocktail shaker with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake for around 15 seconds or until the shaker becomes icy. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, try using a mason jar with a lid.

Take a quick taste test and make sure you are pleased with the drink. You can add more sweetener if you feel it needs it.

From the shaker, strain and pour the drink into your salted glass. Add a few ice cubes and a garnish of fresh limes to serve.

How To Salt Rim A Glass

I use agave to adhere my salt since it’s a little more hearty and holds more salt than lime juice alone. Lime juice works as well. When you do a salt rim, be sure to only do the outside edge so unwanted salt isn’t falling into your drink. I like to keep some margarita salt on hand for just such an occasion. You can also make your own margarita salt (it’s fun!).

Tips For Making

The best way to serve a margarita on the rocks is in a rocks glass with a few ice cubes.
Add extra citrus flavor with some citrus zest mixed into the salt rim.
Goodbye, margarita mix. You never need to buy the neon yellow store-bought mix again. You can use our margarita mix recipe or skip it entirely with this from scratch recipe.

Margarita Variations

Mezcal Margarita – My favorite margarita variation is swapping tequila for mezcal in this traditional margarita, creating a more smoky and intense flavor.
Skinny Margarita – For a lighter version, skip the orange liqueur and instead add a bit of fresh orange juice. You can also look for a light agave to use.
Spicy Margarita – Add a few slices of fresh jalepeño or serrano chiles before shaking. If you are concerned about heat, start small and add more to taste.
Tajín Rim – Use Tajin Seasoning (mixed with salt or by itself) to create a customized rim. On this note, you can customize your rim with any herbs, citrus zest or flavored salts you choose.
Garden Margarita – Add fresh edible flowers for a beautiful, garden-inspired margarita.

Recipes That Go Well With Margaritas:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a classic margarita recipe?

This margarita recipe includes tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave.

When is National Margarita Day?

Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day, so be sure to use this recipe to celebrate.

What is the best ratio for a margarita?

The classic ratio for a margarita is 2-1-1. Which is 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce orange liqueur and 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice. Agave is technically optional (although I never skip it) and I use half an ounce.

What does margarita mean in Spanish?

Margarita means “daisy flower” in Spanish.

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Yield 1 cocktail

Prep 5 minutes

Instructions

Begin by prepping your glassware. I like to salt just half my glass so people have the choice of a sip with or without salt.
Next, fill a cocktail shaker with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake for around 15 seconds or until the shaker becomes icy. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, try using a mason jar with a lid.
Take a quick taste test and make sure you are pleased with the drink. You can add more sweetener if you feel it needs it.
From the shaker, strain the drink into your glass. Add a few ice cubes and a garnish of fresh limes to serve.

Notes

The best way to serve a margarita on the rocks is in a rocks glass with a few ice cubes.
Add extra citrus flavor with some citrus zest mixed into the salt rim.
Goodbye, margarita mix. You never need to buy the neon yellow store-bought mix again. You can use our margarita mix recipe or skip it entirely with this from scratch recipe.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Margarita Cocktail

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Margarita Cocktail – A Beautiful Mess