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.

The secret to the perfect margarita, we discovered, is to skip Cointreau/orange liqueur altogether and replace it with freshly squeezed orange juice. The difference is remarkable.

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.

An easy way to remember how to mix a classic margarita is to memorize the ratio 3-2-1: three parts tequila, two parts good triple sec (like Luxardo Triplum, Cointreau, or Combier), and one part lime juice. Serve it on the rocks with salt, as pictured, or serve it up in a chilled glass.

To balance the co*cktail's acidity, triple sec is absolutely necessary for traditional Margaritas, according to Bailon. “Without triple sec, we fall into a different co*cktail category, which is the sour,” she explains.

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!

Margarita Recipe Variations

Remember that the basic ratio for a good margarita is as simple as 3, 2, 1: three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, one part lime.

Combine tequila, olive juice, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the glass over ice cubes. Garnish with olives and onions.

Margaritas are concocted of tequila, Cointreau and lemon juice and served in a glass whose rim has been dipped in salt–to guard the consumer against heat prostration, no doubt.

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.

What is the main alcohol in a margarita? ›

Tequila

Margarita / Main alcohol

What's in Margarita Mix? Homemade Margarita Mix is a blend of lime juice, sugar, salt, Cointreau, and, optionally, citric acid. The syrup base is similar to a lime cordial, as the lime and sugar are heated with no additional water, making for a concentrated lime flavor.

The two most popular mixes that restaurants use for margaritas are Zing Zang Margarita Mix and Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Original Margarita Mix.

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Cuervo® Gold's accomplice. On the rocks or frozen with crushed ice, classic lime, strawberry lime, mango, pineapple and classic lime light Jose Cuervo Margarita Mixes® are the ultimate makings of America's favorite co*cktail.

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.