Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 23, 2025

Image source: Proof & Grain

Prep Time

3 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Coupe Glass and Rocks Glass

Ingredients

2 oz blanco tequila (60 ml)
1 oz Cointreau or triple sec (30 ml)
1 oz fresh lime juice (30 ml)
Ice
Coarse salt, for rim (optional)
Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Small plate or saucer (for rimming)
Paring knife (for garnish)

Directions

Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into coarse salt if desired.
Add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to a shaker with ice.
Shake well for 15 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice or serve up in a coupe.
Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

Mixologist's Notes

Always use fresh lime juice for brightness and balance.
A 100% agave blanco tequila delivers clean, authentic flavor.
For a richer version, use Grand Marnier or add a splash of agave syrup.

Flavor Profile

Tart and citrusy with a bold tequila backbone, slightly sweet with a zesty, refreshing finish.

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Margarita Recipe Poster

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About the Margarita cocktail

The Margarita is one of the world’s most beloved cocktails and it wears its mystery well.

The drink likely evolved from the Daisy (a tequila-based sour with citrus and orange liqueur) and gained popularity in the 1930s and ’40s. Some credit socialites, others point to clever bartenders in Tijuana or Acapulco.

No matter where it was born, the Margarita took off when it hit American bars in the mid-20th century and never looked back.

Today, it’s synonymous with sunshine, celebration, and serious flavor.

Why the Margarita Works So Well

The Margarita cocktail recipe nails the sour formula.

It blends tequila’s earthy heat with the tartness of lime and the citrus-sweet complexity of orange liqueur. A salted rim adds texture and contrast, making each sip pop.

It’s bold, bright, and incredibly drinkable. Whether shaken over ice or served frozen, the Margarita delivers a perfectly refreshing punch.

Variations and Pairing Ideas

There are countless ways to riff on this classic:

Try mezcal instead of tequila for a smokier profile
Use agave nectar instead of triple sec for a smoother, softer flavor
Add fresh fruit (like mango or strawberry) for a fruity twist
Skip the salt rim and use Tajín or chili salt for extra zing

Margaritas pair beautifully with spicy dishes, tacos, grilled seafood, and citrus-forward fare. The acidity and salt make it perfect for cutting through bold or fatty flavors.