Best Margarita Recipe
In the world of cocktails, few drinks have achieved the iconic status and enduring popularity of the classic Margarita. With its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, a hint of salt, and the smooth, soothing presence of tequila, this Best Margarita Recipe has become a timeless favorite for those seeking refreshment and a touch of sophistication in their libations.
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What do you need to make the best margarita recipe?
If you have a well-stocked bar you should have everything on hand. Check out the list below.
Best Margarita Recipe Ingredients
What can I serve with a classic margarita?
There are a number of appetizers I’d serve with the best margarita recipe, including guacamole or salsa with chips, or a slow cooker jalapeno popper dip or jalapeno dip.
Tips and Substitutions
While I used a Reposado tequila, if you only have Blanco or Anejo, use one of those instead. The graphic below can help you understand the different types of tequila.
When I make cocktails that call for an orange liqueur component, I prefer to use a non-alcoholic triple sec. If you only have Gran Marnier or Cointreau, it’s perfectly fine to use instead of the triple sec.
They are both orange liqueurs and will do the job. Just understand, they add more alcohol to the drink while using a non-alcoholic triple sec adds the same flavor without the added alcohol.
Types of Tequila
Blanco
Blanco Tequila, also known as Silver, is the purest form of tequila. It is unaged or aged no longer than two months. Primarily used in cocktails.
Reposado
A Reposado Tequila has aged a minimum of two months but less than one year in a barrel. It is a great sipping tequila or in cocktails..
Añejo
An Añejo tequila spends anywhere from one to three years in a barrel. Like Reposado it’s perfect in cocktails or for sipping.
How do you serve a margarita?
Margaritas can be served either on the rocks, like this best margarita recipe, or frozen like this strawberry margarita or these mango margaritas.
If you like more traditional margaritas on the rocks, try a cranberry lime margarita, a pumpkin spice margarita for fall, a blood orange margarita, or a gorgeous blue margarita.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a 5-star review on the recipe card below.
Best Margarita Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Lime Salt
- ⅛ cup coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Margarita
- 4 ounces Reposado Tequila
- 2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 ½ ounces Triple Sec non-alcoholic
- Lime wheels for garnish
- Lime wedge for wetting glass rim
Instructions
- On a flat shallow plate combine lime zest with coarse salt. Set aside.
- Using a lime wedge, rim glass so it’s wet with lime juice then dip in lime salt.
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice. Shake to mix. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wheel and serve.
I love adding the lime zest to the salt! So smart!
Adding the lime zest to the salt is genius! That little aroma and flavor of lime hits the lips before the margarita. I’m sure it heightens the lime flavor. So refreshing for summer.
I love a margarita when the weather is warm! This looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it!
I go for the fresh lime juice too (and the Cointreau) =)
You know me, I love a good margarita and can’t wait to try a new recipe!
You can’t go wrong with the classics!
That lime salt takes it over the edge!