House Margaritas Recipe

Prepare glass rims

Spread the coarse salt in a shallow dish. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each serving glass to moisten, then dip the rim into the salt, twisting to coat evenly. Set glasses aside.

Combine juices, sweetener, and liqueur

In a pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup orange liqueur, 1/2 cup agave syrup (or simple syrup), and 1/2 cup cold water. Whisk vigorously until the agave is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Taste the mix and adjust sweetness or acidity: if it tastes too tart, add up to 2 tablespoons more agave; if too sweet, add up to 1 tablespoon more lime juice. Chill the mix in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let flavors marry (or use immediately for shaken cocktails).

Single shaken margarita (per serving)

Fill a cocktail shaker with 1/2 cup (about 4 oz) ice. Add 3 ounces (3/8 cup) blanco tequila and 2.5 ounces (about 5 tbsp; ~5/8 cup) of the prepared house margarita mix. (Alternatively, use 1 part tequila to 1 part mix plus 1/4 part orange liqueur if you prefer to build per drink.) Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.

Strain into a prepared salt-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge (and optional orange slice). Serve immediately.

Pitcher method (serves 6)

For a pitcher-style service, combine the prepared margarita mix (from above) with the tequila: add the 2 cups blanco tequila to the pitcher containing the mix and stir well. Taste and adjust; if you want a stronger drink, add up to 1/4 cup more tequila. Add 6 cups of ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses when pouring. Stir again briefly and pour into salt-rimmed glasses. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel and optional orange slice.

Serve each margarita immediately over fresh ice. Provide extra lime wedges and a small dish of extra salt for guests who want to re-rim. Refrigerate any leftover prepared mix (without ice) for up to 3 days; do not store mixed cocktails with ice.