The Very BEST Margarita Recipe

Looking for the very best Margarita recipe? A Margarita that is better than any restaurant Margarita? You know, the Margarita is refreshingly sweet and tart but not cloying. 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. 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 made 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.

With this perfect margarita recipe, you will be the go-to bartender! But do yourself a favor and don’t limit yourself to 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 if you feel a little daring, try this Jalapeño Margarita recipe, which is just a slight variation on the classic margarita recipe.

And not for nothing…

This Classic Margarita Recipe Can Be Easily Doubled…or Tripled!

Yes…my dad’s Margarita recipe can be easily multiplied! The recipe card gives instructions for making one margarita or a pitcher of margaritas.

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What Ingredients Do You Need to Make the Very Best Margarita Recipe?

In my humble yet educated opinion (based on years of Margarita tastings), the best Margarita recipe has four 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. Depending on your preference, you can choose between blanco (unaged), reposado (aged for a few months), or añejo (aged for a year or more) tequila.

Silver tequila, also known as Blanco, is clear and colorless. It is usually a cleaner and crisper tequila. Due to being aged in barrels, the reposado and añejo ‘Gold’ tequilas have a distinct caramel and earthy flavor. 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.

When picking out your limes at the grocery store, limes with thin, smooth skin tend to have more juice than those with thick, bumpy, or wrinkled skin. The thinner the peel, the more liquid inside. Gently squeeze the lime. It should have a little give when pressed but still feel firm. If it’s rock-hard, it likely has less juice. Avoid overly soft or mushy limes, as they might be overripe or starting to dry out inside.

Fully green limes tend to be more acidic, while slightly yellow limes are riper and often yield more juice with a slightly sweeter taste. If you want maximum juice, a light green to yellowish-green lime is usually the best choice.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a sweetening solution that combines 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 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.

Lime Wedges and Salt

Additionally, don’t forget to prepare your preferred garnishes, such as lime wedges or kosher salt, for rimming the glass, to enhance the presentation and taste of your margarita. A salted rim is optional, so if you are mixing for others, check their preference.

Tips for the Very Best Margarita

Chill the Ingredients

To make sure your margarita is refreshing, chill all the ingredients beforehand.

Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients

Honestly, for the Very Best Margarita, don’t skimp on the tequila or orange liqueur and use fresh lime juice. You’ll appreciate the flavor from a good-quality tequila and orange liqueur, and there really is no substitute for fresh lime juice. The pasteurization that lime juice goes through when bottled truly does change the flavor.

Balance the Flavors

The key to the perfect Margarita is balance. The proper ratio of tequila, lime juice, and sweetener is crucial. Start with the classic 3:2:1 ratio (tequila: lime juice: sweetener) and adjust according to your taste.

Shake, Don’t Stir

Shaking your Margarita with ice before serving helps to properly chill and dilute the drink, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Don’t Skimp on the Ice

Use plenty of ice when shaking your Margarita to make it ice-cold. However, avoid over-diluting by shaking for just the right amount of time—about 15 seconds.

Strain and Serve

If serving on the rocks, strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice to avoid the ice used for shaking, which might be too broken down.

Chill the Glasses

A chilled glass will keep your Margarita nice and cool for a more extended period of time.

You don’t need any special glass for a Margarita. For the traditional look, go for a classic margarita glass. I have two boxes of these perfect for entertaining larger crowds.

What Do You Serve With Margaritas?

If you are looking for Mexican-inspired recipes to accompany your Margarita, 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!

Some Questions and Answers About Making the Best Margarita Recipe

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

Feliz Cinco de Mayo¡

Save this Margarita recipe to your bookmarks or pin it for your Cinco de Mayo planning—or just because you feel the need for a yummy cocktail tonight!

I sure hope you have time to enjoy this Margarita Recipe! For Cinco de Mayo or anytime, I think you’ll agree that it’s better than a restaurant margarita.

Thanks for making my day by SHARING!!