Classic Margarita Recipe (only 3 ingredients!)

There is nothing better than a really good margarita. When you shake up this Classic Margarita for your next happy hour, you can be sure that everyone will want the recipe.

2 low ball glasses filled with ice and margaritas with a salted rim

Tacos and Tequila are made for each other and nothing gives Taco Tuesday a better upgrade than this Classic Margarita recipe.

These cocktails are so easy to make at home you don't need to save them for special occasions!

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Ingredients
Instructions
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
More Margarita Recipes
Recipe

tequila bottle, cointreau bottle and lime half

Ingredients

This recipe only uses 3 key ingredients. It goes without saying that it is essential to use the highest quality possible.

Tequila - We use silver tequila for this drink. Smooth tequila makes such a big difference.
Lime juice - You absolutely must use fresh lime juice. The bottled juice is too bitter and you can easily tell the difference so don’t even try and sub it in. Not even maybe. Fresh lime juice is a snap to get when you use this reamer. It’s a workhorse in my kitchen.
Orange Liquor - We use either Cointreau or Triple Sec in our classic margs. We also love the orange forward flavor you get with Drillaud Triple Sec. Their line of liqueurs is always a solid choice.

Pro tip: Drillaud's elderflower liqueur is also one of our go-to liqueurs.

Not familiar with elderflower? Check out our complete guide to elderflower liqueur and learn all about it!

single low ball glass with a salted rim filled with margarita and a lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

Note: A good shaker is key to making a good margarita.

Rim glass with salt. Add ice to glass and set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add margarita ingredients to shaker and shake. Margaritas are best ice cold. So shake, shake and then shake some more.
Strain into salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately.

low ball glasses rimmed in salt and filled with classic margaritas.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Golden Margarita and a Classic Margarita?

A golden margarita is most often made with gold tequila, but the biggest difference is a golden margarita uses Grand Marnier and simple syrup instead of Cointreau or triple sec.

Can I make this a frozen margarita?

We prefer our margs on the rocks but you absolutely can make this frozen. Just add the ingredients and a cup of ice to a blender and blend until ice is crushed. Serve in a salted glass and garnish with a lime.

How do you make a batch of margaritas?

In a large pitcher, add 3 cups of tequila, 2 cups of triple sec and one cup of lime juice. Stir and serve over ice in salted glasses.

How to salt the rim of the glasses

Our "house salt" is Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt and is always is our pantry. To salt the rim of a glass use these easy steps:

1. Pour salt on a small plate.
2. Rim edge of glass with lime wedge.
3. Invert glass on salt filled plate and twist to get salt to stick.
4. Set aside until ready to serve.

top down image of salt rimmed glasses filled with margaritas.

Serving Suggestions

It's easy to come up with food that compliments a margarita. Check out some of our favorite Tex Mex treats.

Why pick between pico and guac when you can have them both with this easy Pico Guacamole.
Get a double dose of tequila with these lip smacking Tequila Lime Chicken Fajitas.
This Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is so authentic, you don't get to get take out to enjoy your favorite restaurant salsa at home.
What is happy hour without chips and salsa? This homemade salsa is one of our favorites.

margaritas in low ball glasses with fresh lime wedges and a plate of salt.

More Margarita Recipes

It's no secret that we love a good margarita. We have 10 different margarita recipes on our site. Here are a few of our faves.

Blueberry Margaritas- Don't be fooled by the pretty color, these gorgeous margs are one of our favorite summer sippers.
Blood Orange Margaritas for a crowd- Hosting a group? These Blood Orange Margs are perfect for your next football party.
Elderflower Margaritas- We took our favorite liqueur and made this easy 3 ingredient cocktail.
Looking for a little spice? These Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas are the perfect way to bring summer to a cold day.
These Fresh Strawberry Margaritas are a fun spin on a classic.

Recipe

Yield: makes 1 cocktail