This is not the overly sweet, neon-green margarita you might find at a casual Tex-Mex chain. This is a real margarita recipe: bright, tart, strong, and incredibly refreshing. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and just enough sweetness if you want it, this classic margarita is simple to prepare and easy to customize.
I have always loved Mexican food and the many dishes inspired by it. From creative fusion tacos with bold flavors to a simple plate of refried beans at a neighborhood restaurant, I enjoy it all. It is one of those cuisines that never gets old, and it naturally pairs with one of my favorite cocktails: a fresh, well-balanced margarita.
This homemade margarita recipe is my go-to version. It is straightforward, reliable, and made with only a few ingredients. The flavor is crisp and citrusy, with enough tequila to make it feel like a proper cocktail. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add simple syrup. If you like your margaritas tart and sharp, leave it out.
Before you start mixing, here are the most common questions about making a margarita from scratch.
What Kind of Alcohol Is in Margaritas?
A classic margarita is made with tequila. Tequila is the base spirit and gives the drink its signature flavor. For this recipe, use agave tequila and pair it with a good orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
How Do You Make a Margarita from Scratch?
The most important rule for making a fresh margarita is to use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice will not give you the same clean, bright flavor. For the best result, juice the limes shortly before making the drink, ideally within a few hours and no more than about 12 hours ahead.
Once you have fresh lime juice, the rest is simple. Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and optional simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the drink is well chilled. Pour everything into a rocks glass or margarita glass, then finish with a pinch of salt or a salted rim if you prefer.
How Do You Make a Pitcher of Margaritas?
To make margaritas for a group, use the same ingredients and scale the recipe based on the number of drinks you need. Instead of shaking each cocktail individually, combine the ingredients in a pitcher filled with ice and stir well. Serve the margaritas over ice in glasses with a salt rim or a small pinch of salt on top.
A pitcher is a great option for parties, taco nights, cookouts, and casual gatherings. Just remember that fresh lime juice is still essential, even when making a larger batch.
Does a Margarita Need Cointreau?
A margarita does not absolutely have to be made with Cointreau, but it does need a quality orange liqueur. Cointreau is a classic choice because it is clean, strong, and balanced. Grand Marnier also works well and gives the drink a slightly richer flavor. Avoid using low-quality triple sec if you want a smooth, fresh-tasting margarita.
How Many Calories Are in a Margarita?
One benefit of making margaritas at home is that you control the ingredients, especially the sugar. As written, this margarita has just under 300 calories per drink. If you leave out the simple syrup, the drink is closer to about 220 calories. The exact amount can vary depending on the brands and measurements you use.
If You Like Margaritas, You Might Also Enjoy These Drinks
- Watermelon Margaritas
- Basil Blueberry Margaritas
- Cranberry Moscow Mules
📖 Recipe
Margaritas
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz agave tequila
- 1.5 oz Grand Marnier or Cointreau
- 1.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup optional; see notes
- salt optional, just a pinch
- ice enough to fill the cocktail shaker
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
Instructions
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Add the tequila, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and optional simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
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Shake vigorously until the margarita is very cold.
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Pour the drink, ice included, into a margarita glass or rocks glass. Garnish with a lime slice and a small pinch of salt, or use a salted rim if preferred.
Notes
A salted rim is also optional. If you do not want a heavy salt rim, a small pinch of salt sprinkled directly over the drink adds flavor without overpowering the cocktail.
When the photos for this margarita recipe were updated, the older images were kept as a fun comparison. They show how the recipe has remained the same simple, fresh cocktail, even as the presentation has changed over time.