The Very BEST Margarita Recipe

Looking for the very best Margarita recipe? Look no further, my friend! When we head out to a restaurant, I am typically a ‘white wine please’ gal. That being said, our favorite Mexican restaurants are the ones whose Margarita recipes have passed THE test. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this is a ‘better than restaurant Margarita recipe!’

I can honestly say, without hesitation, that my dad makes THE BEST MARGARITA! Hands down! No question! After you try it, you’ll be convinced – as I am – that this is the perfect margarita recipe! 

Not that I want to make you feel insecure about our national security, but I’m convinced he honed his bar-tending skills during his twenty-six years in the US Navy. My dad was a submariner, so after six months underwater, they were always ready for a party when they returned home.

I consider myself a bit of a margarita snob because of my dad and his oh-so-perfect margarita recipe. I can’t just order a margarita in a restaurant without interrogating the server about the specific ingredients in their restaurant margarita recipe.

And with Cinco de Mayo coming soon, you will be the go-to bartender with this perfect Margarita recipe! But do yourself a favor and don’t limit yourself to just having this delicious libation once a year for your Cinco de Mayo margarita. Once you’ve tasted this drink’s clean, brisk, and simple flavor, you’ll be spoiled too.

And not for nothing…

this margarita recipe can be easily doubled…or tripled! O.K., the recipe can be easily multiplied!

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what ingredients are in the very best margarita recipe?

In my humble yet educated (through years of Margarita tastings) opinion, the best Margarita recipe has 4 very simple ingredients…Good Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and just a splash of Triple Sec or Cointreau.

Tequila: Use high-quality tequila for the best flavor. Look for 100% agave tequila, as it tends to taste smoother. You can choose between Blanco (unaged), reposado (aged for a few months), or añejo (aged for a year or more) tequila, depending on your preference. Silver tequila, also known as Blanco, is a type of clear and colorless tequila. It is usually a cleaner and crisper tequila. The reposado and añejo ‘Gold’ tequilas have a distinct caramel and earthy flavor due to being aged in barrels. I’m a Silver gal, but that’s just a personal preference; use the tequila of your choice.

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is always preferred for the freshest flavor. If you’re short on time or don’t have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice (not limeade) as a substitute. However, remember that the taste may not be as vibrant as using fresh limes. Depending on your lime, you can get close to 2 ounces out of a large one. I use an electric citrus juicer.

N&N Tip: Microwave your limes for 20 seconds and then roll them on the counter to help get the juices flowing!

Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a sweetening solution created by combining equal parts of sugar and water. A common use for simple syrup is to balance the sourness of lime juice in a margarita. You can make your own simple syrup by heating equal amounts of sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then cooling it before using. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made simple syrup from the store for convenience.

Orange Liqueur: An orange liqueur adds a hint of citrus flavor and sweetness to the margarita. Triple sec is a popular and cost-effective option, but for a higher-end choice with a smoother taste, Cointreau is the way to go. You can choose either based on your preference and budget.

Additionally, don’t forget to prepare your preferred garnishes, such as lime wedges or salt for rimming the glass, to enhance the presentation and taste of your margarita.

what are some orange liqueurs you can use in margaritas?

• Triple Sec is a popular choice for margaritas. It is a clear, sweet orange liqueur with a bright citrus flavor. It is widely available and typically more affordable compared to other options.
• Cointreau is a top-tier orange liqueur that boasts a smooth and superior taste. It has a clear appearance and a balanced sweetness. Mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts often prefer Cointreau for its refined taste.
• Grand Marnier blends cognac, bitter orange essence, and sugar. It has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of orange and hints of oak. Grand Marnier adds depth and elegance to margaritas but is usually more expensive than other orange liqueurs.
• Combier is a French orange liqueur with a long history in the industry. Combier is a mixture of sweet and bitter oranges commonly used in handcrafted cocktails. It may be an excellent alternative if you’re searching for a distinct twist on a traditional margarita.

chill the ingredients

To make sure your margarita is refreshing, make sure to chill all the ingredients beforehand. You can either chill them in the refrigerator ahead of time or use ice to rapidly cool the ingredients before mixing.

Oh, and of course, you need legit Margarita glasses! I have two boxes of these which are perfect for entertaining larger crowds.

classic margarita glasses

• 12, 9-ounce margarita glasses
•  lead-free
• dishwasher-safe

Libbey Margarita Party Glasses, Set of 12

what to serve alongside the very best margaritas?

If you are looking for Mexican-inspired recipes to accompany your Margarita, you might consider my Layered Taco Dip. A match made in Mexican Food heaven!

Or, try this Elote Dip or this Mango Habanero Salsa that can be made with frozen mango!

so, let’s get on to THE VERY BEST MARGARITA RECIPE:

Continue to Content

The Very Best Margarita Recipe

Yield: 1 serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

A fresh and crisp Margarita...just sweet enough but not too sweet.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 ounces Tequila, Chilled
• 2 ounces Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice, Chilled, (or bottled lime juice)
• 1 ounce Simple Syrup, Chilled, 1 part sugar and 1 part water
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau

Instructions

1. If you like your rim salted, run a little lime around the edge of your glass and in salt.
2. If you like your Margarita on the rocks: put ice in your glass, mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over the ice. Top with a slice of lime.
3. If you like your Margarita chilled but not over ice in your glass: add all ingredients to cocktail shaker, fill with ice, shake for 10-20 seconds and then strain into your glass. Top with a slice of lime.
4. Easily multiplied for larger batches.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  OXO SteeL Cocktail Shaker
• 
  Epure Firenze Collection 4 Piece Margarita Glass Set (Margarita Glass (10 oz))

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 439Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 0gSugar: 32gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

It would be great if you could take a minute and leave a comment below, as well as how many stars you think it deserves. Help other readers by asking any questions you have or sharing any modifications to the recipe. I'd love to hear how you served it! If you are on Instagram, then tag @nourishandnestle on Instagram and hashtag it #nourishandnestle! Many Thanks

Feliz Cinco de Mayo¡

Pin for your Cinco de Mayo planning! Or…just because you want THE VERY BEST MARGARITA RECIPE!

I sure hope you have time to enjoy this Margarita Recipe! For Cinco de Mayo or anytime, this is the perfect ‘better than restaurant margarita recipe.’

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!