The classic margarita is said to have been invented by Carlos “Danny” Herrera at Rancho La Gloria, near Tijuana, Mexico, around 1938. There are many ways this drink is made, on the rocks, blended, with many different flavors, but nothing beats a classic. If you love the taste of fresh lime, tequila, and a hint of agave nectar then check out this classic margarita recipe.
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What You’ll Need
Silver Tequila
Limes (1 regular-size lime will make 1 drink)
Triple Sec
Agave Nectar
Kosher Salt or Coarse Sea Salt (optional)
Paring Knife
Cutting Board
Citrus Squeezer
Small Mesh Strainer
Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
Jigger
Silver Tequila Recommendations
Herradura Silver
Don Julio Blanco
El Jimador Blanco
My go-to tequila for margaritas is Herradura Silver if I’m making a few at home. It’s moderately priced so it doesn’t break the bank. Another tequila I like using is Don Julio Blanco. However, if I’m making margaritas for a larger amount of people it’s more economical to go with El Jimador Blanco. El Jimador is a great-tasting tequila for its price range.
Triple Sec Recommendations
My go-to for a budget-friendly triple sec is Dekuyper Triple Sec Liqueur. However, if you’re wanting to make a top-shelf margarita opt for Cointreau, this will pair well with a higher-quality tequila. Cointreau is a bit more expensive but if you want the best of the best then it’s worth the splurge.
If you don’t like triple sec or want to opt for something with fewer calories you can replace it with orange juice and make it a Skinny Margarita. The recipe is slightly different but just as simple and you can check out how to make a Skinny Margarita here.
Agave Nectar Recommendations
My favorite agave nectars to use are Agave in the Raw Organic Agave and Madhava Organic Amber Agave. Madhava also has a “light” agave nectar. Wholesome Organic Blue Agave is also amazing. It’s thicker than the other two I mentioned and has a great taste.
Classic Margarita Recipe
2 ounces – Silver Tequila
3/4 ounce – Fresh-squeezed Limes
1/2 ounce – Triple Sec
1/4 ounce – Agave Syrup
Kosher Salt or Coarse Sea Salt (optional)
How to Make a Classic Margarita
To make your classic margarita begin by juicing your limes. I suggest using a citrus squeezer and straining the pulp with a small mesh strainer. Lime isn’t usually very full of pulp when using a citrus squeezer but I like doing this to make sure I get all the little bits out.
OPTIONAL
Once your lime juice is ready, set it aside and salt the rim of your glass with salt. Use a lime wedge to rub the lime juice around the edge of the glass. Pour some kosher salt on a small plate then rub the top of the glass against the salt so that it sticks.
Place your glass aside and start assembling your cocktail. Measure out lime juice, triple sec, agave, and tequila into your cocktail shaker. Then add ice so that there’s just a little more ice than liquid.
Shake your cocktail for about 10 seconds. Use your strainer to pour the liquid into your glass. Add fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
And now you know how to make a margarita! Check out more “Cocktails Around the World” check out my other recipes.
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