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Perfect Party Drink

Featured in Delicious Refreshing Drinks.

Create the perfect margarita by combining quality tequila with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur. Simple, refreshing and ready in minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:52 GMT
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A refreshing margarita in a glass with a salted rim, garnished with a lime slice, surrounded by halved limes on a countertop. Pin it
A refreshing margarita in a glass with a salted rim, garnished with a lime slice, surrounded by halved limes on a countertop. | recipesbyclare.com

My classic margarita recipe transports me back to warm summer nights in Mexico. The bright citrus perfectly balances smooth tequila creating that ideal mix of tart and sweet. After years of testing I've nailed the proportions for the perfect cocktail.

The Perfect Party Drink

Nothing brings people together like sharing margaritas. The zesty lime and smooth tequila pair beautifully with all your favorite Mexican dishes. I love serving these at backyard gatherings watching friends faces light up with that first sip.

What You Need

  • Silver tequila use the good stuff it makes a difference
  • Cointreau or triple sec for that orange note
  • Fresh lime juice never bottled
  • Agave nectar adds natural sweetness
  • Coarse sea salt for the rim
  • Plenty of ice
  • Extra lime wedges for garnish

Mixing Magic

Set Up Your Glass
Run lime around the rim dip in salt fill with ice
Create Your Cocktail
Pour tequila orange liqueur lime juice agave into your shaker add ice shake until frosty
Make it Perfect
Taste and adjust pour into glass add lime wedge enjoy

Spice It Up

My friends love when I add fresh jalapeño slices for heat. Smoky mezcal makes an amazing substitute for tequila. Summer brings endless possibilities with fresh fruits like strawberries mangos or watermelon.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these alongside fresh guacamole spicy salsa or warm queso. Nothing beats sipping a cold margarita with hot crispy tacos or loaded nachos on a summer evening.

A refreshing margarita cocktail with ice and a lime garnish, surrounded by halved limes on a textured surface. Pin it
A refreshing margarita cocktail with ice and a lime garnish, surrounded by halved limes on a textured surface. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep It Fresh

Mix your margaritas right before serving for best results. You can juice your limes early and keep simple syrup ready in the fridge. Any leftovers stay good 24 hours just give them a good shake.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which tequila works best?

Use 100% agave blanco/silver tequila for cleanest flavor.

→ Fresh vs bottled lime juice?

Always use fresh lime juice for best taste. Bottled lacks brightness.

→ What's best orange liqueur?

Cointreau or Grand Marnier give best results. Triple sec works too.

→ Why salt the rim?

Optional but enhances flavors. Use coarse salt for best texture.

→ Can I make pitcher?

Yes, multiply ingredients by servings needed. Add ice when serving.

Classic Margarita

A perfectly balanced classic margarita combining silver tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and agave nectar.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: Refreshing Drinks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 1 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 oz blanco/silver tequila.
02 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier).
03 1 oz fresh lime juice.
04 1/2 oz agave nectar or simple syrup.
05 Ice.
06 Lime wedge and coarse salt for rim (optional).
07 Lime slices for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Rub lime on glass rim, dip in salt.

Step 02

Fill glass with ice.

Step 03

Add tequila, liqueur, lime juice, agave to shaker with ice.

Step 04

Shake well.

Step 05

Strain into glass.

Step 06

Adjust sweetness with more agave if needed.

Step 07

Garnish with lime slices.

Notes

  1. Use fresh lime juice only.
  2. Quality tequila makes difference.
  3. Can multiply recipe for pitchers.
  4. Salt rim optional but traditional.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cocktail shaker.
  • Rocks glass.
  • Small plate for salt.
  • Citrus juicer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: ~