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Classic Margarita Recipe

Classic Margarita Recipe

By What’s Baking

The perfect balance of tart lime, smooth tequila, and citrus sweetness, rimmed with salt for that iconic refreshing experience that practically screams celebration.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant overhead shot of a Classic Margarita in a traditional salt-rimmed coupe glass, the translucent pale green cocktail catching the warm golden hour light. Crystalline ice shards float on the surface, while a vibrant lime wheel rests on the glass rim, adding a pop of color. Tiny beads of condensation form on the glass's exterior, suggesting its refreshing chill. In the background, slightly blurred, sits a bottle of premium blanco tequila, fresh limes, and a small bowl of flaky sea salt, all arranged on a rustic wooden bar top that brings warmth to the composition.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml blanco tequila (100% agave)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7.5ml agave syrup (or simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Flaky sea salt for rimming</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Margarita glass or coupe</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small plate (for salt)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your glass by running a lime wedge around the rim to moisten it. Dip the rim in a plate of flaky sea salt, making sure to coat it evenly. Only salt the outer rim for the traditional presentation. Set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice (about ¾ full). The ice quantity is important as it affects dilution – too little ice actually leads to more dilution, which can water down your margarita.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and pour the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup into the shaker. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice – the bottled stuff simply won't deliver that vibrant, zesty flavor that makes a margarita special.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. This not only chills the cocktail but also creates the perfect dilution and aeration, giving your margarita that silky-smooth texture. You'll know it's ready when the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass, being careful not to disturb the salt rim. If you prefer your margarita with ice, you can strain it over fresh ice in a rocks glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a lime wheel placed delicately on the rim of the glass. This adds a pop of color and gives your guest something to squeeze in for extra lime flavor if desired.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 198 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 10 g
🍭 Sugar: 7 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 215 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best type of tequila for a perfect margarita?

For a superior margarita, use a 100% agave blanco (silver) tequila. It provides clean, bright agave flavours that complement the citrus without overwhelming it. Reposado tequila can add subtle complexity if preferred, but avoid mixto tequilas (not 100% agave) as they can produce inferior results.

Should I use Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier in my tequila cocktail?

Cointreau offers the best balance with its clean, pure orange flavour and higher quality. Triple Sec is a budget-friendly option that works well. Grand Marnier brings cognac-based complexity that can slightly alter the classic profile. Whichever you choose, ensure it's a proper orange liqueur, not orange syrup.

Why is proper shaking technique important for a lime and tequila cocktail?

Proper shaking achieves three crucial elements: sufficient chilling, ideal dilution (about 25%), and proper aeration, which creates that silky mouthfeel. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty. This balances the sharp citrus notes with the tequila and creates the perfect texture.

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