The perfect classic margarita is just two simple steps away
It’s margarita sipping season. Here’s the perfect recipe for an easy margarita cocktail that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
When it comes to making the perfect margarita cocktail recipe, the first question you need to ask yourself is: classic or frozen? And the second question: well, per che no los dos?
Whether you prefer a classic margarita cocktail, a frozen margarita, or perhaps a spicy variation, we’re here to answer your burning (or cooling) marg queries. Just in time to make a batch for your NYE party needs (even if ‘partying’ for you means crawling into bed well before midnight).
The perfect poolside provision, the limey margarita drink is an easy cocktail to prepare and originated in Mexico in the 1940s. Gracias, Mexico.
Here’s how to get the classic margarita formula right and ready to cool your guests on a balmy summer night (or day), courtesy of taste.com.au.
How to make the perfect classic margarita cocktail
A no-fail formula for achieving this zingy, refreshing cocktail.
What is a classic margarita made of?
With all the margarita experimentation that has occurred since it first appeared in the 1940s, it’s safe to say that the options for this cocktail can be a tad bit overwhelming. We decided to return to its true roots with our classic margarita recipe, which uses the traditional mix of tequila and triple sec, plus lime. Citrusy and fresh! Mariachi music optional.
What are the different types of margaritas?
A classic margarita is by far the most popular margarita variation (and for good reason), but there are many more out there for all those who just can’t get enough of the tangy cocktail. Frozen margaritas are also very popular, especially in summer, as are fruity margaritas, like these strawberry margaritas or these pine-lime frozen margarita cocktails. Of course, you can always combine the fruit-inspired margaritas with an old favourite, the spicy marg, in these grapefruit and jalapeño chilli margaritas.
What’s in a Tommy’s margarita?
Instead of using triple sec (orange liqueur) as is used in a classic marg recipe, a Tommy’s margarita mingles together tequila, lime and agave syrup. This makes a less citrus-forward margarita and enhances the taste of the tequila.
Do you need Cointreau for margaritas? Is it the same as triple sec?
Triple sec is an orange liqueur, making it an alcoholic category of its own. Cointreau is essentially a type of triple sec, but often considered slightly more special as it is only produced in one region in France. So triple sec is the type of alcohol, while Cointreau is a specified brand. If you can find a different orange liqueur, you can substitute it for Cointreau.
How much alcohol is in a margarita?
Depending on the recipe you follow, a margarita can vary in alcohol content. Typically it is on the stronger side of the cocktail spectrum due to the base being primarily tequila and Cointreau (or another triple sec), with less non-alcoholic liquids than say a cosmopolitan or gin and tonic. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free margarita, this lime spritzer quenches our zesty cravings, minus the booze.
Why is a margarita served with salt?
It’s super common to add it to classic margaritas. But why? Well, it’s the same reason that you may add salt to some of your favourite desserts. It intensifies the sweetness of the other ingredients, and even the flavours of the tequila and triple sec. Also, sometimes margaritas can be a little bitter, which many people love. But if it’s too overwhelming for you, salt can occasionally help eliminate the intensity of the bitterness.
How do you make a margarita cocktail recipe spicy?
If you want to add some spice to your classic or frozen marg, you can add a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper (be careful because a little goes a long way), a slice of jalapeño, or even add chilli flakes with the salt to the rim of your margarita glass.
Our ultimate classic margarita cocktail recipe
Sometimes you just can’t beat the original. This classic marg (as tested and snapped by resident Taste margarita enthusiast, Elisa Pietrantonio) is made up of freshly squeezed lime juice, tequila and triple sec. Finished off with its iconic salt rim, this margarita recipe is simplicity at its finest. If you like things a little on the sweeter side, add a little sugar (to taste) to your salt when decorating your glass. This recipe makes one cocktail, so size up accordingly if you’re making cocktails for a crowd.
Recipe and image by Elisa Pietrantonio
Prep 5m
Serves 1
Sea salt flakes, to garnish
1 lime wedge, plus 45ml fresh lime juice
Ice, to serve
45ml tequila
30ml triple sec
Lime slices, to garnish
Method steps
Step 1 Spread salt over a small plate. Rub the rim of a serving glass with the lime wedge. Dip rim into salt and set aside.
Step 2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Shake well. Fill prepared serving glass with ice. Strain mixture into glass and garnish with lime slices, to serve.
Notes: you can also serve this margarita straight up – just omit the ice from the serving glass before pouring the mixture in.
Fancy an icy margarita? We have a fabulous frozen margarita recipe, too. We make it in a blender and add one cup of ice cubes to get an ideal slushie-like texture.
Other refreshing cocktails to make in summer
If tequila cocktails aren’t your cup of tea (or should we say tea-quila!), we have plenty of cocktails for you to choose from this season, from the classics to the experimental! For instance, take these gin cocktail recipes; they’re perfect to sip on hot days. And, peruse our collection of 80 easy cocktail recipes for summer. Have you tried the genius ‘frapperol spritz’ yet?
If you love the flavours of a margarita, you’ll love these margarita-inspired recipes too:
And, try these 18 margarita recipes that’ll get the party started.
Originally published as The perfect classic margarita is just two simple steps away
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