Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

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. 

This recipe was first posted May 5, 2015. It was updated with new photos February 22, 2020.

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!

Cauliflower Tacos

Smoky Black Bean Tacos

Roasted Portobello Fajitas 

Sweet Potato Nachos

Mexican Quinoa Skillet Dinner

Mexican Chopped Salad with Spicy Avocado Dressing

Vegan Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Pico de Gallo

Perfect Guacamole

Margarita Variations

I have a few variations you can try, including this Grapefruit Margarita Recipe and this Frozen Mango Margarita. You can also muddle some jalapeño pepper slices with your margarita to make it a spicy margarita. Want a Skinny Margarita? Use fresh orange juice in place of the Cointreau and leave out the agave nectar.

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. 

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