Here at Delish, we can’t get enough of margaritas. We’ve done our fair share of experimenting with this classic cocktail, but when we’re craving a simple, no frills, refreshing cocktail, this classic recipe is the one we turn to. All you need are 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make one for yourself—get those limes out, and let happy hour again!
History of the margarita:
Now one of the most popular cocktails in the world, the margarita is thought to have started out as the variation on another prohibition-era drink called the “Daisy.” Spanish for “daisy,” the marg swapped in tequila for the requisite brandy and lime juice for lemon juice, and a classic was born.
The formula for the perfect margarita:
The key to making the best margarita is all in the ratio and balance of the ingredients. This recipe is doubled to make two margs, but for one perfectly balanced margarita, we use 2 oz. of tequila, 1 oz. of triple sec, and 3/4 oz. lime juice.
How to make a classic margarita:
— The best tequila to use. If you’re searching for the perfect tequila for your margarita, there’s no shortage of options. Unsure about what type of tequila to use? Blanco tequila is always a solid option, but a good reposado would also be an excellent choice (especially if you’re looking for a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor to turn into a Cadillac margarita). More of a mezcal lover? Feel free to swap it out for a smoky, earthy mezcal margarita.
— The triple sec. We used simple & reliable triple sec in these margaritas, but if you have a preferred Cointreau you’d like to use, feel free to swap it out! Craving something a little less sticky sweet? Try our skinny margarita, which swaps the orange liquor for OJ and agave.
— The lime. While we love all our over the top margarita alternatives, when it comes to the classic, all you need is some lime juice (freshly squeezed please!).
Margarita variations:
Once you’ve got your basic margarita ratio down, you can experiment with all of the flavors and variations you please. Add in sweet fruit flavors (hello peach and pineapple), spicy kicks (lookin’ at you jalapeño), or create icy, frozen varieties (our frozen strawberry marg is a classic). Really want to shake things up? Combine some of your favorite cocktails together, just like we did with our mimosa margaritas and frozen sangria margaritas.
How to serve a margarita:
While we love a good pitcher moment, we went classic with these margs by serving them in individual glasses with a salt rim and lime garnishes. You can use kosher salt or coarse sea salt for your rim—whatever you prefer/have on hand will work. Alternatively, make a Tajín rim if you’re craving some heat.
Need to serve a crowd? You can easily double (or triple) this recipe too in a pitcher to serve your crew with ease.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below.