Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic margarita made of? ›

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

In the end, a good Margarita is a question of proportions. It is a simple formula: 2 – 1 – ½ . 2 parts tequila, 1 part lime juice, ½ part cointreau. I like to measure in ounces, because the correct proportions, measured as 2 ounces, 1 ounce, ½ ounces make the perfect sized drink for the glasses I like to use.

It's a 4-3-2-1 ratio of perfection... 4 parts tequila (Don Julio Reposado preferred), 3 parts lime, 2 parts Cointreau and 1 part agave.

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity. Considering the relatively low ABV of most triple secs and orange liqueurs, the orange flavoring isn't as “juice-forward,” which allows the tequila to shine.

While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative. Regardless of your preference, Red & White offers both options for purchase, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your liquor needs.

If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.

A margarita is a co*cktail consisting of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Some margarita recipes include simple syrup as well and are often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Margaritas can be served either shaken with ice (on the rocks), without ice (straight up), or blended with ice (frozen margarita).

Using silver tequila, also called blanco, will give your marg a very clean, agave-forward flavor. Reposado tequila, however, will yield a smoother drinking tequila. Either works; it just depends on what you're going for.

Adding fruit like mango can add a lot more flavor to your margaritas. While a classic margarita with lime is certainly tasty, adding other fruits can kick your drinks up a notch. Simply blend diced mango chunks along with the rest of your margarita ingredients, then pour into a glass of ice.

How much alcohol is in a typical margarita? ›

They are sweet but strong, meeting the requirements of many drinkers. On average, a margarita is about 3 ounces of liquid. Of that, 2 to 2.5 ounces is alcohol, with a bit of lime juice/mixer and some water from melted ice. With 80-proof tequila and factoring in mixers and melting ice, margaritas have about 33% ABV.

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

Shake 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 3/4 ounce agave nectar, and 3/4 ounce cold water vigorously in a co*cktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass or coupe filled with ice. Garnish with the wheel of lime.

Made with real lime juice concentrate, agave nectar and sea salt to deliver a unique mix of sweet, sour, salty and refreshing flavor in every sip. Bring a Truly pack to your next tailgate for the win!

Tequila

Margarita / Main alcohol

What makes a Texas margarita different from the traditional margarita is the addition of fresh orange juice. This gives a juicy and citrusy touch, making the drink lighter and more refreshing than the classic margarita. The classic margarita only relies on lime juice to counter the orange liqueur and tequila.

"You should usually do tequila blanco for margaritas to make the taste smoother," said Sarah Ceniceros, Delish's senior designer. She loves this one because it's Mexican-owned and has a gorgeous, smooth flavor that won't overpower the classic co*cktail's other ingredients, lime and triple sec.