Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by David Michael
The Margarita
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The margarita is another classic cocktail in the sour family.
Traditionally less sweet than other sour cocktails, the margarita showcases the clean sharp flavor of an agave tequila. Add a bit of agave syrup or simple syrup if you find it too sour.
Tequila for a Margarita
Tequila blanco, also known as silver tequila is best suited for a margarita. This unaged tequila is perfectly complemented by the sour lime juice and mild sweetness of the orange based Cointreau. Aged tequila adds oak notes to the margarita. If you want to use an aged tequila I would recommend a younger Reposado that has only been aged a few months. Whatever you choose try to use a 100% agave tequila for the best results in your margarita.
Margarita Recipe
2 ounces tequila
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce fresh lime juice
ΒΌ ounce agave syrup or simple syrup, optional
Garnish: Lime wheel
In a cocktail shaker combine the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave or simple syrup if using with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a salt rimmed margarita or cocktail glass.
For a margarita on the rocks, strain instead into an old fashioned glass with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
A margarita glass is the perfect glass. However, if you don’t have a margarita glass feel free to use a cocktail / martini glass. For a margarita on the rocks an old fashioned glass is perfect.
The margarita even has its own day: National Margarita Day is February 22. Cheers to that!
For the perfect rum based lime cocktail, try the Margarita’s Latin cousin – The Daiquiri
Be sure to try another classic cocktail from Mexico – The Paloma a perfect balance of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime.
Browse all of our cocktail recipes in our Cocktail Recipe Index.
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Recommended Products for Margarita
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Margarita Glasses
These are the margarita glasses I use. Not only are they perfect for margaritas, they make a great dessert presentation. Lemon sorbet topped with a dash of tequila makes an impromptu frozen margarita style treat.
Stainless Steel Citrus Juicer
This stainless steel juicer will have you juicing lemons and limes in no time. I recommend getting the larger size that can handle both lemons and limes. (I’ve even used mine for oranges, but grapefruits are too large for this juicer.)
Boston Shaker Set
Built to last and easy to use; Top Shelf’s Boston Shaker set has everything you need to make perfect margaritas and so much more. Everything in this set is dishwasher safe to make clean up nearly effortless.
Agave Syrup
In keeping with the pure agave theme, agave syrup, also called agave nectar, is the perfect sweetener for your margaritas.
A refreshing margarita is always a treat. And they are a must for any Cinco de Mayo party.
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