How to Make the Ultimate Margarita Recipe

Have you ever wondered how to make a margarita? This Ultimate Margarita Recipe only needs 5 ingredients! You can make it single serving, turn it into a pitcher margarita for a crowd, or even make a frozen margarita. It’s the best margarita recipe! 

Looking for more cocktail recipes? You need to try out my Fresh Raspberry Mojito Recipe or my Salty Dog Cocktail with fresh grapefruit juice.

The Ultimate Classic Margarita

Happy Margarita Monday!

I’m pretty sure I need to start every week like this. No more Meatless Monday, I think Margarita Monday has a much better ring to it, don’t you!? AND it will get us through the rest of the week worry free! Can I get an amen! With Cinco de Mayo coming up and being trapped inside from COVID-19, there is NO better time to learn how to make a margarita! 

I am going to teach you everything you need to know about Margaritas – this recipe is the perfect combination of zesty and sweet! Almost as if you’ve never made one before! From “how to” basics to margarita flavor variations or how to make margaritas in a pitcher. 

What is a Margarita?

A margarita is a mixed drink cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and a sweetener. The drink is served shaken with ice, blended with ice, or without ice. Some people like to add salt on the rim of the glass, but you can do it without if you’d like. When it come down to “how to make a margarita” there are so many variation options that you can truly make this easy cocktail your own.

What Tools Do I Need to Make a Margarita?

You don’t need much, but a few items would be helpful.

• Liquid Measuring Tools: A shot glass or a jigger to measure the liquid is great. If you are making it in pitcher form I’d recommend a regular measuring cup.
• Citrus Squeezer: Because you will be using fresh squeezed limes instead of a mix, you’ll definitely want to have a lime squeezer on hand. It’s a life saver, trust me.
• Cocktail Shaker: To really get that shaken foamy effect, pouring all of your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice then pouring into a glass is key! It’s not quite the same to just stir it around.
• Cocktail Rimmer: This isn’t mandatory but it is helpful. If you like to put salt on the rim of your margarita this helpful gadget is nice to have and make it’s way easier to salt the rim of your glass. Otherwise you can do it the old fashion way.
• Pitcher: If you’re making it in a pitcher you’ll need a large glass pitcher as well as a long bar spoon to stir everything together for a good smooth margarita.

Homemade Margarita Ingredients

• Tequila: The biggest thing I can’t emphasis enough, use a good tequila! It was make your margarita that much better and smoother. (Don Julio, Patron Silver, Herradura)
• Orange Liqueur: For the perfect touch of orange to take your margarita over the top. (Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Triple Sec)
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice
• Orange Juice: This is not necessary but I’ve found it smoothes out the tang from the lime juice and bite you can sometimes get from tequila.
• Sweetener: Lots of people use a homemade simple syrup, however I prefer to just use agave. After all tequila and agave go to, they are made from the same plant. 🙂
• Ice

How To Salt a Rim

Add course salt to a shallow rimmed plate, then add lime juice to a shallow bowl. Dunk the rim of your glass in the lime juice first then in the salt. Voila. You could also use a cocktail rimmer set that has a holder for both the lime juice and salt in the shape of a glass rim for ease.

How to Make a Margarita

1. Add 2 oz. tequila, 1/2 oz. orange liqueur, 1 oz. lime juice, 3/4 oz. orange juice and a splash of agave nectar to a cocktail shaker along with ice. Gently shake with the top on for 30 seconds.
2. Pour mixture into a salt rimmed glass (option) and serve.

How to Make Margaritas for a Crowd

Let’s be honest. If you’re having a party, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen shaking drinks all night. So the next best option is making a pitcher to your guests can serve themselves! Here’s an easy recipe that makes 8 servings! (need more, just double it, triple it, etc.)

1. To a large pitcher add 2 cups of tequila, 1/2 cup orange liqueur, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, 3/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of agave nectar. Mix together with a large bar spoon.
2. Pour mixture over salt rimmed glasses filled with ice.

How to Make a Frozen Margarita

To get that perfect slushy texture you’ll want to follow these simple instructions on how to make a frozen margarita from home. (This recipe serves 6)

1. To a blender add 1 cup of tequila, 1/2 cup orange liqueur, 3/4 cup lime juice, 1/3 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons agave nectar and 6 cups of ice.
2. Blend until mixture is slushy and pour into salt rimmed glasses.
3. Garnish with lime wedge.

Margarita Variation Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of how to make a margarita, it’s time to start playing with variation ideas!

What to Serve with Margaritas:

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