This classic margarita recipe, made with just agave, tequila and freshly squeed lime juice, is perfect for the summer season! Ready in just 5 minutes, you only need 3 ingredients to make this easy margarita.
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try my Cranberry Margaritas, Blood Orange Mojito or my Classic Mint Mojito!
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Classic Margarita Recipe
The unofficial start of summer is less than a week away, and what better way to kick off the season than with fresh margaritas on the rocks? I just love the combination of sweet and sour in this classic margarita recipe.
Now, to be honest, I have not always had an appreciation for margaritas. The first I had was a pre-made bottle of margarita mix with instructions to “just add tequila.” To this day, I cringe at the thought of all the sour mix that has been added to my drinks over the years! Alas, I finally decided to make my own margaritas — completely sour mix free. And now, I’m a huge fan of this classic cocktail!
So learn from my mistakes. You don’t need to suffer through instant or pre-made margaritas! They’re so easy to make and taste so much better when they’re homemade.
Ingredients
- Agave: Is used to sweeten the margarita and helps to balance out the tartness of the lime. You can also substitute simple syrup if you have that on hand.
- Tequila: I use Patron Silver Tequila 100% Agave for my margaritas, but you can always opt for your own favorite. I usually try to stay within the silver (or clear) tequilas over the more flavorful reposado or añejo versions.
- Lime juice: A simple but key ingredient, I always like to have a few limes around when making this classic margarita recipe. Lime juice is used in the actual margarita, plus used to rim the glass — and I always like to add a lime wedge to garnish, too!
How to make a Classic Margarita
- Combine margarita ingredients: Add lime juice, agave and tequila to a measuring cup.
- Shake: Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker along with 1 cup of ice. Cover and shake for 1 minute. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you could use a mason car instead!
- Serve! Fill two glasses with ice. Divide contents of the cocktail shaker between two glasses. Garnish with lime slices, if desired.
TIP: If you are feeling fancy! Rub half of a cut lime or lime wedge on the rim of the glass and dip the glass in either salt or sugar!
Tips for making the perfect Classic Margarita
- Use fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice really is the best! To get the most juice out of your limes, first slice in half then roll the lime out on the counter-top, pushing down to release the juices.
- Sugar vs. salt on your rim: I typically prefer to add sugar for the added sweetness, but if you’re looking for something to balance out the sweetness of the margarita, you can opt for salt instead. Either way, be sure to rim the glass with lime juice first so the sugar or salt will stick to the glass. If I am having a party with a pitcher of margaritas I will usually sit two plates of sugar and salt to rim each glass with — to each their own, after all!
- Add fresh fruit: I love margaritas because they are so easy to customize! Keep things simple with this classic margarita recipe or experiment with different flavors, like my Mixed Berry Margaritas. You can add in any of your favorite fruits for an extra sweet touch.
- Make it frozen: While my recipe leads to a margarita on the rocks, you can always use the same recipe and blend. This will give you the classic frozen margarita you crave from your favorite restaurants.
Spice up your Classic Margarita
Looking for a twist on this classic Margarita? Jalapeño margaritas have made their way to restaurant menus everywhere! Make your own version at home by adding sliced jalapeños or use jalapeño flavored vodka. If you can’t find jalapeño flavored vodka at the liquor store, then make your own by placing jalapeños in tequila and allowing it to sit overnight.
More drink recipes to try!
- Mixed Berry Margaritas
- Mixed Berry Mojito
- Red Wine Sangria
- Cranberry Pomegranate Mojito
- Skinny Orange Crush
- Frozen Mixed Berry Lemonade
Classic Margarita
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Ingredients
- 3 ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce agave
- 4 ounces tequila
- 1 cup ice, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Add lime juice, agave and tequila to a measuring cup.
- Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker along with 1 cup of ice. Cover and shake for 1 minute.
- Fill two glasses with ice. Divide contents of the cocktail shaker between two glasses. Garnish with lime slices, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice really is the best! To get the most juice out of your limes, first slice in half then roll the lime out on the counter-top, pushing down to release the juices.
- Sugar vs. salt: Today I choose to use sugar because I prefer the added sweetness, but if you’re looking for something to balance out the sweetness of the margarita, you can opt for salt instead. Either way, be sure to rim the glass with lime juice first so the sugar or salt will stick to the glass. If I am having a party with a pitcher of margaritas I will usually sit two plates of sugar and salt to rim each glass with — to each their own, after all!
- Add fresh fruit: I love margaritas because they are so easy to customize! Keep things simple with this classic margarita recipe or experiment with different flavors, like my Mixed Berry Margaritas. You can add in any of your favorite fruits for an extra sweet touch.
- Make it frozen: While my recipe leads to a margarita on the rocks, you can always use the same recipe and blend. This will give you the classic frozen margarita you crave from your favorite restaurants.
Nutrition Information
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Joe G.
How come you don’t use a liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau?
Nathan
Hi Joe,
It’s Just personal preference, You can certainly use triple sec or Cointreau in place of the simple syrup and it will taste great! Thank you for your comment!
Nathan