Want to know how to make margaritas at home? This is the BEST simple margarita recipe! It’s an easy, 3 ingredient margarita with basic ingredients. Perfect with a plate of nachos!
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo!
Do you celebrate on May 5th? We don’t usually go all out, but I like to serve something Mexican and a great margarita. This year it’ll be burritos and a simple, classic margarita.
I enjoy the frozen, flavored margaritas at restaurants, but many of those rely on sugary syrups instead of showcasing tequila. I prefer a cocktail that highlights a quality tequila — smooth and balanced. When I order a cocktail, it’s often a margarita or a mojito: simple, refreshing and delicious.
What goes into a classic margarita?
The classic margarita is straightforward and made with three main ingredients:
- Tequila: Use a good-quality tequila, especially when the recipe is minimal. Silver (blanco) tequila is common, but any smooth tequila you like will work.
- Cointreau: A quality orange liqueur is important. You can substitute Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, but choose a flavorful option.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice is essential — bottled lime juice doesn’t compare.
Tips for the best results:
- Salt the rim. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a short glass, then dip it into coarse sea salt. The salt brightens each sip.
- Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice to chill and properly mix the ingredients before straining into the glass.
- Use plenty of ice in the serving glass. Larger ice cubes melt more slowly and keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
Can you make the margarita sweeter?
I enjoy these margaritas as written, but if you prefer a sweeter drink, add about 1/2 ounce of agave syrup or simple syrup. Another option is to swap the Cointreau for a splash of fresh orange juice for a touch more natural sweetness.
These simple margaritas are incredibly satisfying on their own — my partner enjoyed more than a couple while I perfected the recipe!
What can I serve simple margaritas with?
Margaritas pair wonderfully with Mexican dishes and snacks. Try them with:
- Mexican quinoa casserole
- Taco salad
- Queso fundido with chorizo
They’re also great with casual appetizers like oven-baked onion rings, coconut shrimp, or crispy baked chicken wings. Whatever you serve, these margaritas are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Cheers!
Oh, and May the 4th be with you 🙂
Simple Margarita
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 16 reviews
- Author: Katherine | Love In My Oven
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Want to know how to make margaritas at home? This is an easy, three-ingredient margarita recipe that uses simple, quality ingredients for a classic, refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz good-quality tequila*
- 1 oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (~1 lime)**
- salt, for the rim of the glass
- ice
- optional: 1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup to sweeten
Instructions
- Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of a short cocktail glass, then dip the rim into coarse sea salt to coat it.
- In a cocktail shaker with 3 ice cubes, combine tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. If using syrup, add it now. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold. Strain into the salt-rimmed glass, add large ice cubes, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve immediately.
Notes
*Choose a smooth, good-quality tequila since this recipe is simple and the spirit is the star.
**Fresh lime juice makes a significant difference; bottled juice is an acceptable shortcut but won’t be as bright.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: cocktails
- Cuisine: mexican