The Best Classic Margarita Recipe (2024)

BySharon GarofalowFebruary 9, 2024March 13, 2024Updated onMarch 13, 2024

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Make this easy 3 ingredient margarita recipe next time you want the perfect refreshing co*cktail! With just three simple ingredients and a 2-1-1 ratio, you’ll be sipping on a tangy tequila drink that will is sure to be your new fave. This foolproof classic margarita recipe will make you the hit of happy hour.

Why This is the Best Margarita Recipe

This easy margarita recipe is our favorite co*cktail and what we base all of our margaritas on. Our 3 ingredient margarita recipe is a tried and true classic that captures the essence of our beloved co*cktail.

By sticking to the 2-1-1 ratio of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, you’ll achieve the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and boozy goodness.

This simple recipe gives you a great margarita every single time. Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, an orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Cointreau and Grand Marnier all work) and salted rim, give you the best margaritas in minutes.

Related: Best Tools for Making Margaritas

Making homemade margaritas is so easy. All you need are a few essential tools: a co*cktail shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker), a jigger for accurate measurements, and a citrus juicer.

Pair this refreshing classic co*cktail with spicy dishes, citrusy seafood and grilled meats for your next gathering. Serve margaritas any time you want a delicious tequila co*cktail.

Ingredients

• tequila (100% agave for the best quality and flavor)
• freshly squeezed lime juice (about one large lime)
• orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• Ice (crushed or cubed)
• Lime wedges (for garnish and the salt rim)
• Kosher salt, fine sea salt or margarita salt (for rimming the glass)

The best tequila for a great margarita is one you already have. We prefer blanco tequila (sometimes called silver tequila) but you can also use reposado tequila which adds a little bit more tequila flavor and stands up well when using additional flavors.

We used Don Julio tequila. It gave the margarita a classic flavor that was tequila-forward without being overbearing.

For the proper margarita flavor I think you MUST use fresh lime juice. But in a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice from the grocery store. But try to use fresh whenever possible, it’s the best part of the drink!

A sweet orange liqueur helps to balance the flavor of a traditional margarita. It has a slight orange flavor and is sweet. If you are trying to make the drink a little bit healthier you may want to skip this and use orange juice instead. But if you are looking for a simple margarita recipe, make it with the orange liqueur.

Triple Sec and Cointreau are great options. Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur with cognac added making it delicious but a little heavier than other options. It’s typically not used in a classic margarita recipe.

Be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for the complete recipe.

How to Make a 2-1-1 Margarita

The 2-1-1 ratio is the best recipe to make a classic margarita. It means you use 2 parts of tequila and 1 part each of lime juice and orange liqueur. Not only does this keep it balanced and delicious, but it means you can easily remember the recipe and make these fast any time and any where.

Rim the margarita glass

See Also

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To add salt to the rim of the glass, take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in salt to create a tangy and salty contrast to the drink’s flavors.

For more detailed instruction plus troubleshooting, visit our other post: How to Properly Salt a Margarita Glass.

Step 1

Fill your co*cktail shaker with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

Step 2

Add the ice cubes. Put on the lid or other piece of the Boston shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, allowing the ingredients to meld together and chill.

Step 3

Using a Hawthorne strainer or built-in strainer from the co*cktail shaker, pour the margarita into your salt-rimmed margarita glass filled with ice. (We added the ice after for some reason, but you should do it before).

Garnish with a wedge of lime to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Serve your classic lime margarita immediately.

IMPORTANT: We didn’t serve this recipe over ice for some reason but that is how we prefer to drink them. Without the ice, the glass was only half full. We suggest serving all margaritas on the rocks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you have the ultimate classic 3 ingredient margarita recipe up your sleeve, it’s time to gather your friends, shake up some co*cktails, and raise a glass to good times and great company.