how to make a classic Margarita

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Margarita is not only the most popular Tequila-based cocktail but one of the world’s most popular cocktails in the world, period.

Served in its signature bowl-like glass with a salted rim, whenever you’re sipping a Margarita, you’re reminded that it’s always sunny somewhere!

A Margarita is an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that works well for backyard bashes, Taco Tuesdays, and, really, any time. Below, we’ll show you how to make a classic Margarita.

Now, on the count of three, everybody shout “Tequila!”

How To Make a Margarita

What You’ll Need

• Lime Press
• Margarita Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Cocktail Shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer
• Paring Knife (for the Lime)
• Medium-sized plate (for the Salt)

Unsure about any of the bartender tools we mention above? See our guide.

How to Mix

1. Pour Course Salt onto a Plate.
2. Rub a Lime Wedge around the outer edge of a Margarita Glass.
3. Dip the rim of the Glass in the Salt and rotate to cover evenly, then tap to remove excess Salt.
4. Grab your Shaker and fill with Ice Cubes.
5. Add Tequila, Triple Sec and fresh Lime Juice. 
6. Shake vigorously until ice-cold.
7. Strain into your pre-chilled and Salt-rimmed glass.
8. Close your eyes, take a sip and enjoy one of the world’s most appreciated cocktails.

What Does a Margarita Taste Like?

A perky cocktail that’s a little like a zesty Lemonade with a salty and sour kick. The sweetness from the Triple Sec balances the tangy Lime, adding a subtle sweetness to the drink. You’ll catch the aromas of Tequila, but they’re nicely masked in the overall taste. The combination of tangy Citrus, a hint of sweetness, and the underlying warmth of Tequila makes for a very satisfying sip.

The History of the Margarita Cocktail

There’s almost as many stories about the origin of the drink as there are brands selling Tequila – most of which end up in Margaritas.

Nobody really knows who invented the Margarita but most of the stories have Mexico as its land of origin and many of the stories involve a beautiful woman. First, there’s one story about a Mexican restaurateur and a gorgeous showgirl.

Then there’s one about a Texan socialite with the same name who threw famous house parties with this concoction. Another tells the story of an admiring Barman offering his “new” concoction to a famous actress in Tijuana during the 1940s. 

However, one thing we can be fairly certain about is that the modern Margarita evolved from a cocktail called the Daisy. Originally the Daisy was made with Gin, Vodka or Rum. Don’t miss our recipe for a Gin Daisy!

As is to be expected with popular cocktails, variations on the original recipe started popping up around the world. Eventually, the “Mexican-style” Tequila Daisy, which used Triple Sec instead of Grenadine became known by its Spanish name, Margarita, a word that directly translates to Daisy.

Tips for Making the Perfect Margarita 

• Half Rimmed Glass
  Some bartenders like to do a “half rim”. To do this, you rub the Lime across half of the rim and a bit further down along the glass than you’d normally do. Cover the wet area with salt and you’ve got yourself a half rim.Not only does this make your drink look a bit cooler, but it also allows the guest to choose exactly how much salt they want with any given sip!

• Rim Your Glass Properly
  Presentation is key, and the Margarita is all about that salt-rimmed glass. Grab a freshly cut Lime and run it along the outside rim of your glass to get it wet. Dip it into flaky Sea Salt, and make sure to move it around a bit so the flaky Salt sticks to the glass. As Rico says, “Don’t worry if it looks rustic – it’s all part of the fun and flavor.” Here’s how it’s done:
  
  1. Pour Course Salt onto a plate.
  2. Rub a Lime Wedge around the outer edge of the glass.
  3. Dip the rim of the glass in the Salt and rotate to cover evenly, then tap to remove excess salt. Try to lightly crush the Salt while doing this to make it stick easier. If you’re a stickler for details, you can try to remove any Salt that is stuck to the inside of the glass, so it doesn’t land in the drink.
  4. Once it’s rimmed, place your Glass in the freezer to chill for 20-30 minutes.

Variations of a Margarita Cocktail

• Bubble Margarita
  Imagine a traditional Margarita but with the addition of Champagne and garnished with a Lemon wedge. Oh yes, it’s as bubblicious as you think! Discover our recipe for a Bubble Margarita.

• Absolut Mango Margarita
  If you really want to mix things up, try swapping Tequila for Vodka. Firstly, the smoothness of Vodka – as opposed to Tequila – allows the Lime Juice and Triple Sec to really stand out on their own. But for this recipe, not just any Vodka will do – no, no, this one calls for Absolut Mango Flavored-Vodka. Together with the addition of Mango Purée, the classic cocktail is transformed into a mango-focused, tropical delight while retaining the citrus notes. Discover how to make an Absolut Mango Margarita.

• Tommy’s Margarita
  A “modern” variation on the classic Margarita where Triple Sec is substituted for Agave Syrup. Further setting it apart from the original, it’s served on Cubed Ice in a Rocks Glass without a Salt rim. The recipe originated from San Francisco during the late 1980s and it got a massive revival amongst the global craft cocktail community in the 2000’s. Here’s our recipe for Tommy’s Margarita.

• Frozen Margarita
  You can’t really talk about the Margarita without mentioning the frozen version. Take our word for it, it’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Get your Blender ready and watch Rico whip up a Frozen Margarita and then check out our recipe!

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Margarita

The Margarita Glass
When serving this cocktail, not any glassware will do. Nope, you’ve gotta have a Margarita Glass. This glass is like a stylish, oversized Champagne Coupe with a bowl shape, wide rim and long stem. This glass’ rim is perfect for salting while its long stem prevents your hand from warming up the glass and its contents.

Lime Wheel
After you’ve poured the liquid into the glass, garnish with a single Lime Wheel placed on the rim of your glass.