Here at Delish, we can’t get enough of margaritas. We’ve done our fair share of experimenting with this classic cocktail, but when we’re craving a simple, no frills, refreshing cocktail, this classic recipe is the one we turn to. All you need are 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make one for yourself—get those limes out, and let happy hour begin!
The History Of The Margarita
Now one of the most popular cocktails in the world, the margarita is thought to have started out as the variation on another prohibition-era drink called the “Daisy.” Spanish for “daisy,” the marg swapped in tequila for the requisite brandy and lime juice for lemon juice, and a classic was born.
How To Make A Margarita
INGREDIENTS
- Tequila: If you’re searching for the perfect tequila for your margarita, there’s no shortage of options. Unsure about what type of tequila to use? Blanco tequila is always a solid option, but a good reposado would also be an excellent choice (especially if you’re looking for a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor to turn into a Cadillac margarita). More of a mezcal lover? Feel free to swap it out for a smoky, earthy mezcal margarita.
- Triple Sec: We used simple and reliable triple sec in these margaritas, but if you have a preferred Cointreau you’d like to use, feel free to swap it out! Craving something a little less sticky sweet? Try our skinny margarita, which swaps the orange liquor for OJ and agave.
- Lime: While we love all our over the top margarita alternatives, when it comes to the classic, all you need is some lime juice (freshly squeezed please!).
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
If you’ve got margarita glasses, now is the time to use them! A rocks glass works just fine as well too. First, pour some salt onto a plate. Thoroughly rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip into the salt to adhere.
Pour the tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice into the prepared glass. Stir to combine (a cocktail spoon is handy for this). Top off with ice to chill the drink, then throw on a lime wheel or wedge or two to make it pretty. Bottoms up!
Recipe Tips
- The formula: The key to making the best margarita is all in the ratio and balance of the ingredients. For one perfectly balanced margarita, we use 2 oz. tequila, 1 oz. triple sec, and 3/4 oz. lime juice.
- Serving size: This recipe makes just one margarita. Need to serve a crowd? You can easily double (or triple) this recipe too in a pitcher to serve your crew with ease.
Variations
Once you’ve got your basic margarita ratio down, you can experiment with all of the flavors and variations you please. Add in sweet fruit flavors (hello peach and pineapple), spicy kicks (lookin’ at you jalapeño), or create icy, frozen varieties (our frozen strawberry marg is a classic). Really want to shake things up? Combine some of your favorite cocktails together, just like we did with our mimosa margaritas and frozen sangria margaritas.
Serving Ideas
While we love a good pitcher moment, we went classic with these margs by serving them in individual glasses with a salt rim and lime garnishes. You can use kosher salt or coarse sea salt for your rim—whatever you prefer/have on hand will work. Alternatively, make a Tajín rim if you’re craving some heat.
