Margaritas Recipe

Prepare glass

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass. Pour coarse salt onto a small plate and press the wet rim into the salt to coat. Set glass aside.

Mix drink

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.

Shake

Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and slightly frosted.

Strain & serve

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice (or serve neat in a chilled coupe). Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim.

Adjust sweetness

Taste and if needed add an extra 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup for a sweeter cocktail, or an extra 0.25 oz lime juice if too sweet.

Prepare rims

Run a lime wedge around the rims of two glasses. Spread coarse salt (or sugar) on a plate and dip the rims to coat. Chill the glasses briefly in the freezer if desired.

Blend

In a blender combine 4 oz tequila, 2 oz fresh lime juice, 2 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz agave or simple syrup and 3 cups packed ice. For fruit variations add 0.5 cup chopped fruit (strawberries, mango or pineapple) or 2 jalapeño slices for a spicy version.

Pulse then blend

Pulse 3–4 times to break up the ice, then blend on high for 15–25 seconds until smooth and slushy. If too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons water and blend briefly; if too thin add more ice and re-blend.

Serve

Pour the frozen margarita evenly into the prepared glasses. Garnish each with a lime wheel and, if used, a fruit slice or jalapeño ring.

Spicy Margarita: Muddle 2 thin jalapeño slices with the lime juice in the shaker for 10–15 seconds before adding the other ingredients. Taste and remove seeds to reduce heat.

Fruit Margarita: Puree 0.5 cup fresh or frozen fruit with the lime juice and orange liqueur, then proceed with the classic or frozen method. Adjust sweetener as needed.

Tequila choice: Use a good-quality blanco tequila for bright agave flavor. Reposado adds a touch of oak and softness.

Simple syrup: To make 1:1 simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves, cool before using. Agave syrup can be used as a smoother, less viscous sweetener.