What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade margarita recipe is simple, fun, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and the fresh, zesty flavors will make it your go-to drink.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using real lime juice and quality tequila makes all the difference.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the bar and enjoy a restaurant-quality drink at home.
Recipe
Crafting a classic margarita at home is simple and allows you to enjoy the invigorating flavors of this iconic cocktail. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and citrusy notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec or Cointreau
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt (for rimming the glass, optional)
- Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- If desired, rim a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge along the edge and dipping it into a plate of salt.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Use high-quality tequila for the best flavor. Blanco (silver) tequila is traditionally used.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste.
- For a frozen margarita, blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
Equipment:
Cocktail shaker, citrus juicer, jigger (for measuring), knife, and cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: Serves 1
Nutrition
Margaritas are a popular cocktail that can be enjoyed responsibly as part of a balanced diet. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a classic homemade margarita:
| Nutrition | Per Serving (1 cocktail) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 168 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade margaritas with crunchy chips and fresh salsa—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. Grilled tacos, especially with smoky flavors, also make a fantastic match for the drink’s tangy kick. These sides keep things simple and fun, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Chips and Salsa
While a revitalizing margarita shines on its own, it’s even better with crispy chips and zesty salsa to round out the experience. I love grabbing a handful of warm tortilla chips and dipping them into salsa that’s bursting with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. The crunch of the chips and the kick of the salsa pair perfectly with the tangy-sweet margarita. Sometimes, I’ll make my own salsa by blending fresh ingredients, but store-bought works just fine too. It’s a classic combo that feels festive and fun, whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Grilled Tacos
Grilled tacos are a crowd-pleaser, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides to balance smoky, savory flavors. I love serving them with fresh, tangy pico de gallo and creamy guacamole—they add brightness and richness. A simple cabbage slaw with lime dressing gives a crunchy contrast I can’t resist. Warm refried beans or charred street corn are hearty complements that feel festive. Sometimes, I’ll include a zesty salsa verde or chipotle crema for dipping. And, of course, crispy tortilla chips are a must. These sides make every bite feel complete, especially with a margarita in hand.
