Classic Margarita
A crisp, perfectly balanced classic Margarita made with blanco tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Served on the rocks with a salted rim for the ultimate refreshing cocktail.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Rocks glass
- Citrus juicer
- Hawthorne strainer
Ingredients
Main
- 2 ounces Blanco tequila — 100% agave
- 1 ounce Cointreau — orange liqueur (triple sec)
- 1 ounce Fresh lime juice — freshly squeezed, about 1 large lime
- 0.25 ounces Agave syrup (optional) — to taste, if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt — for rimming the glass
- 1 piece Lime wedge — for rimming and garnish
- 1 cup Ice cubes — for shaking and serving
Main
| 2 ounces | Blanco tequila | 100% agave |
| 1 ounce | Cointreau | orange liqueur (triple sec) |
| 1 ounce | Fresh lime juice | freshly squeezed, about 1 large lime |
| 0.25 ounces | Agave syrup (opt.) | to taste, if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink |
| 1 tablespoon | Kosher salt | for rimming the glass |
| 1 piece | Lime wedge | for rimming and garnish |
| 1 cup | Ice cubes | for shaking and serving |
Instructions
-
Pour the kosher salt onto a small plate. Rub the lime wedge along the rim of your rocks glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the salt to coat. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice and set aside.
~2 minFor a half-salted rim, only rub the lime wedge on one side of the glass rim. -
In a cocktail shaker, combine the blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup (if using).
~1 minAlways use 100% agave tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. -
Fill the shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Seal and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and very cold.
~1 minShake for about 10-15 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chilling. -
Strain the cocktail into your prepared rocks glass over the fresh ice. Garnish with the lime wedge and serve immediately.
~1 minUsing fresh ice in the glass rather than the shaken ice keeps the drink from diluting too quickly.
Tips & Storage
- To make a pitcher (8 servings), multiply the liquid ingredients by 8: 2 cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau, 1 cup lime juice. Mix in a pitcher and serve over ice as needed.
- Roll your limes firmly on the countertop before cutting and juicing to maximize the juice yield.
- If you don't have Cointreau, another high-quality triple sec or Grand Marnier can be substituted, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Storage: Margaritas are best enjoyed fresh. If making a large batch without ice, it can be stored in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake or stir well before serving over fresh ice.