Best Margarita Recipe - How to Make a Classic Margarita

Cocktail Party

Margarita

by:
October 24, 2020
5 Ratings
Margarita
Photo by James Ransom
Author Notes

Here's a classic margarita recipe that lets all of the natural flavors shine through: tequila, lime juice, and agave. —Erika Kotite

  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Serves 2
Ingredients
  • 4 ounces tequila
  • 2 ounces Cointreau
  • 2 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice (plus spent lime rind)
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup
  • Ice
  • Coarse sea salt
  • Additional lime wedges, for garnish
In This Recipe
Directions
  1. Mix tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and agave syrup in a shaker or large measuring cup filled partway with ice and stir or shake until thoroughly chilled.
  2. Spread salt on a plate. Rub rims of two rocks glasses with the spent lime. Turn glasses upside down in the salt. Fill glasses with ice and pour in the margarita liquid. Add lime wedge to each.
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Erika Kotite
I spend about an equal amount of time behind the laptop and behind the stove. In between preparing and writing about food, I love to hang out with my husband, three children, big shaggy dog and two cats. History is also my thing, especially the Regency period, U.S. Westward expansion and World War II. Favorite drinks: good pinot noirs and classic martinis. Favorite book: Pride & Prejudice. Favorite obsessions: Laura Ingalls Wilder and South Dakota

Popular on Food52

    33 Reviews

    Burna
    Burna October 24, 2020
    It tastes wonderful.
     
    Christina G.
    Christina G. May 5, 2020
    DELICIOUS! Today is Cinco De Mayo. I had to sample this last night to try it out. yummy. Having a couple friends over later to 'Distance on the Deck'. I'm usually too lazy to make simple syrup. (I know it's easy). I add maple syrup to my drinks that call for it. They are still delicious and I don't notice anything different..
     
    Burna
    Burna October 24, 2020
    Yeah right
     
    Christina G.
    Christina G. May 5, 2020
    DELICIOUS! Today is Cinco De Mayo. I had to sample this last night to try it out. yummy. Having a couple friends over later to 'Distance on the Deck'. I'm usually too lazy to make simple syrup. (I know it's easy). I add maple syrup to my drinks that call for it. They are still delicious and I don't notice anything different.
     
    Doctor_Captain
    Doctor_Captain October 2, 2019
    This is a little bit on the sweet side for my tastes, I dialed back the sweetening agents (agave syrup and Cointreau) to a an ounce total 1/4 agave and 3/4 oz of Cointreau, sublime.
     
    Frankie
    Frankie September 11, 2018
    Just the right balance of tequila, Cointreau & sweet & tangy. It’s also a very easy recipe to remember and to multiply. Thank you!!!
     
    Ciung W.
    Ciung W. March 21, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Dionisis B.
    Dionisis B. March 21, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    sahil
    sahil March 19, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Barsaa U.
    Barsaa U. March 17, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Barsaa U.
    Barsaa U. March 17, 2016
    I served in mcuho.
     
    Blackstar B.
    Blackstar B. March 15, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Sanjeda S.
    Sanjeda S. March 15, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Yasmeidy G.
    Yasmeidy G. March 14, 2016
    EXCELLENT
     
    Clark N.
    Clark N. March 14, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    srirekha
    srirekha March 14, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho
     
    Edali A.
    Edali A. March 12, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho
     
    milagb1
    milagb1 March 10, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho
     
    zahid
    zahid March 9, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    zahid
    zahid March 9, 2016
    Excellent information to preparemargarita, I served in mcuho.
     
    Savoury C.
    Savoury C. November 16, 2014
    I'll take one of these please :)
     
    Squeege
    Squeege February 23, 2014
    I have tried this margarita and all I can say is YUM! You can adjust the agave to your taste, if you want it a little sweeter, just add until it's the way you want it.