This is simply the best margarita recipe. You will never go back to a mix again once you learn how to make this classic cocktail.
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Whenever my husband Tim develops an interest in something, he wants to learn everything there is to known about the subject. He’ll read book after book until he’s satisfied he knows the topic inside and out.
Last year, he became interested in cocktails. A year later, you can bet he knows all about classic cocktails. He knows the best liquors, the ingredients, the recipes. He knows his cocktails.
I love it because he learned how to make the best margarita recipe. I happen to think this is the best margarita recipe, ever. Everyone who’s tried this margarita recipe agrees and says it’s the best margarita they’ve ever had.
These days whenever we have a get-together, Tim is usually stuck shaking margaritas the whole time. It’s basically the classic, original margarita recipe. Tim didn’t invent it, obviously, but he’s still my hero for making it for me. 
If you’re used to margaritas from a mix, get ready to have your socks blown off. This is how margaritas should be made. You won’t ever want a margarita from a mix again. Which is good, because not only does this margarita recipes taste a million times better, the mixes usually have ingredients you wouldn’t want to put in your body. We’re already putting alcohol in there. Let’s stop there.
Yeah, yeah, I know. The pre-made mixes make it easy. Blah blah blah. Sorry, but I’m not listening. This margarita recipe is worth every second it takes to make it. And if there ever were a time to take an extra step to make a superior margarita, it would be Cinco de Mayo. (Or National Margarita Day!!) Agreed?
Margarita Ingredients
All right then, here’s what you need: 
Should I use Blanco Tequila or Reposado Tequila?
You can use blanco or reposado tequila. Reposado is tequila that has been aged in oak whiskey barrels while blanco is distilled and bottled immediately. I prefer blanco for this margarita recipe, but it’s personal preference. You want a high-quality tequila that is 100% agave with no fillers or other ingredients. The bottle shown is Corralejo, the one that Tim recommends, and retails for about $25 a bottle.
Cointreau- Cointreau is an orange liqueur.
Agave Nectar- Agave nectar is used to sweeten your margarita. You can leave this out, but it’s already a strong drink without it as cointreau is drier than triple sec, which is sometimes used in margaritas.
Limes (lime juice)-Fresh lime juice is worth the effort! I use a citrus juicer and life’s never been the same.
Cocktail Shaker- You’ll use it to make so many classic cocktails. Here’s one I like.
Once you have your ingredients, you’re ready for the best margarita of your life! I hope you love this as much as we do.
What to Serve with Margaritas
In case you need some dinner or snack inspiration, here’s what you should make on Margarita Night!
Mexican Chopped Salad with Spicy Avocado Dressing
Margarita Variations
I have a few variations you can try, including this Grapefruit Margarita Recipe this Frozen Mango Margarita, and this Raspberry Margarita. Like it spicy? You can also muddle some jalapeño pepper slices with your margarita to make it a spicy margarita. I love this Spicy Jalapeño Margarita recipe! Want a Skinny Margarita? Use fresh orange juice in place of the Cointreau and leave out the agave nectar. Or try this Skinny Watermelon Margarita!
If you aren’t having margaritas today, I hope you’ll save this recipe for later. You’ll be glad you have this one! Need a fall cocktail? Give this Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail a go!
If you try this, please leave a star rating below. I so appreciate it and so do other readers! Let’s stay in touch–follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
Simply the Best Margarita Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This simple recipe is a classic margarita recipe. You’ll never need to buy a mix again because this is simply the best.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blanco or repasado tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau
- 1/4 ounce agave nectar
- ice
Instructions
- If you prefer a salted rim, rub the rim of your glass with lime juice. Dip the rim into a plate of salt until it is covered with salt.
- Measure tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave nectar into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake.
- Pour through the strainer into a glass of ice. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 0g
Please note that link to products are affiliate links.
Damn! It’s looks so delicious and yummy recipe. I like your blog post. Thanks for sharing us.
Why are there so many calories in one drink and 43 grams of carbs? Wowsers is that all from the agave?
I also make a diablo 2 oz. anejo hornitos 1 oz chamborg 1 – 2 fresh squeezed limes shake pour over ice and add blood orange ginger beer garnish with lime and enjoy
Great recipe i use hornitos anejo tequila 1/2 gran marnier-1/2 cointreau and top it with agood grade hennessee 1/2 oz you only need two.
Very lovely article 🙂 I like it so much!
Xoxo|Wayside Window Cleaning Burnaby, BC
Thanks so much for this recipe!!! We make this all the time! They are absolutely PERFECT!
So happy to hear that Lisa! Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Three of us all agree this was the best margarita we have ever had. We enjoyed putting a little floater on top because we love tequila so much. Thank you. Bought sold and using!!!!!❤️
What ounce glass was used 8 or 10?
Just wanted to let you know that your margarita drink recipe made our list of the Best Mixed Drink Recipes http://www.listsforall.com/best-mixed-drink-recipes/ Thanks for sharing!
Great! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Can you make a pitcher of this recipe? How would you adjust the quantities?
Yes, we have done that. I’m pretty sure we just kept the ratio the same and X it by as many as we wanted to make. I will double check with my husband, though. He’s the bartender in this house. 🙂
Would love to know this too (about making a pitcher). We are having a Father’s Day Fiesta on Sunday and plan to make magaritas for our families to enjoy! Thank you!
Ahhh I’m so sorry I didn’t see this comment before Father’s Day! My husband said that you can just increase the ingredients in the same ratio. I hope you were able to enjoy a pitcher of these! 🙂
Hi there!
How about converting this recipe to a gallon for a party? Can it be made ahead?
Thanks!
Judy
Margaritas are my favorite. Cant’ wait to try this. Thanks.
You’re welcome! 🙂
The masculinity is totally coming out but I love margaritas but all our tequila in Australia was terrible. Not anymore. Now that I’m here, I’m going to hunt this down!
Doooo it!
Just went out today to buy Tim’s recommended tequila – I’ll make this tonight 😀 A few days late but it just got hot in my neck of the woods so this is PERFECT.
Please let me know how you like it!
It was fantastic!!! This tequila was absolutely perfect. I forgot that the agave I had on hand was the dark amber variety, but it was fine. It was VERY WARM last night where I live and this hit the spot.
This is going to be my go-to recipe from now on 🙂 Thanks Maryea!
I just realized your agave was dark, too. Nevermind! 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes, we just use whatever agave we have on hand, so I don’t think it matters. 🙂
Yum! I love a good margarita. Nice and simple ingredient list, too. Love that!