Classic Margarita Recipe

Time20m

Serves8

Make Classic Margarita Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Juice and combine
Roll limes and lemons on the counter to loosen juices. Cut and squeeze enough fresh limes to yield 1 cup of juice and lemons to yield 2 tablespoons. Strain the juices through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds.
2
Make simple syrup (if not pre-made)
In a small saucepan combine equal parts sugar and water (for 1/2 cup finished syrup use 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water). Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature. Measure 1/2 cup for this recipe.
3
Combine mix
In a pitcher or large jar combine the strained lime juice, lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 1/2 cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec). Stir to combine. This is a pre-mixed Margarita base.

4
Chill and measure spirits
Place tequila in refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes if you prefer a colder drink. For a single serving, the ratio below uses 2 oz tequila and 1 oz orange liqueur; using the batch quantities in ingredients (1 cup tequila, 1/2 cup orange liqueur and 1 cup lime mixture) yields approximately 8 servings.
5
Shake cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups for a single cocktail). Add 3 oz of the Margarita base (see Combine mix) and 2 oz blanco tequila (for one cocktail). Add 1/2 oz additional orange liqueur if you like a slightly brighter orange flavor. Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled (shaker becomes frosty).
6
Serve over ice (on the rocks)
Fill a rocks glass or coupe with fresh ice (1/2 to 1 cup depending on glass). Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass.

7
Salt the rim
Pour about 2 teaspoons of coarse kosher salt or flaked sea salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the outer rim of each glass to moisten. Dip the glass rim into the salt and twist so an even, thin salt rim forms. Tap off excess.
8
Garnish and finish
Garnish each served Margarita with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Serve immediately. Optionally, offer extra lime wedges on the side.