Ditch the premade mix and elevate your cocktail game with this homemade Classic Margarita recipe. Using just four simple ingredients, this recipe highlights the fresh, vibrant flavors that a margarita should have, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients
- 30 oz tequila (reposado or silver preferred, approximately 3.75 cups)
- 20 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau preferred, approximately 2.5 cups)
- 15 oz fresh lime juice (a little bit less than 2 cups)
- 5 oz simple syrup (approximately ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons)
- Lime slices or wedges for garnishing
- Salt for rimming the glasses
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2: Stir in the simple syrup to the mixture in the pitcher. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by altering the amount of simple syrup.
Step 3: Refrigerate the margarita mixture until you are ready to serve, to ensure it is chilled and refreshing.
Step 4: Prepare your glasses by rimming them with lime juice and then dipping them in salt. This adds an extra layer of flavor to each sip.
Step 5: When ready to serve, fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full of ice. Pour enough margarita mix over the ice to cover it. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill the mixture thoroughly.
Step 6: Pour the shaken margarita into the prepared glasses. Be sure to strain out the ice.
Step 7: Garnish each glass with a lime wheel or wedge. Add a new slice of lime to each glass for an extra touch of freshness.
Step 8: If serving a crowd, remember to use fresh ice after a few shaker uses to keep the drinks as cold as possible.
Chef Tips
- Tequila Selection: Patron Reposado or Silver are recommended for their smooth flavor, which complements the citrus notes of the margarita perfectly.
- Orange Liqueur Alternatives: While Cointreau is preferred, Grand Marnier or triple sec can also be used depending on your taste preference or what you have available.
- Simple Syrup Adjustments: The amount of simple syrup can be adjusted according to how sweet you like your margaritas. Alternatively, for a reduced sugar version, you can substitute liquid stevia, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired sweetness.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Potassium: 30 mg
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Calcium: 4 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
Conclusion
This Classic Margarita recipe is all about simplicity and quality, bringing together fine ingredients to create a refreshingly tart and sweet drink with a kick. Whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this cocktail is sure to impress with its balance and flavor. Cheers to a well-made margarita!
PrintClassic Margarita Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegan
Description
The Classic Margarita combines tequila, lime, and triple sec in a harmonious blend that's both refreshing and vibrant, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila (preferably a high-quality blanco)
1 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
½ ounce triple sec (such as Cointreau)
Salt for rimming the glass
Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
Rim a margarita glass with lime juice and dip in salt to coat the rim.
Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
For a sweeter margarita, add a splash of agave syrup.
To make a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with ice in a blender until smooth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
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