The Classic Margarita

Seeking the best margarita recipe for relaxing poolside? Planning a tacos-and-margs party and not sure of the best ratio? We adore this classic cocktail for its refreshing, strong, and tart personality—and its absolute ease of assembly. The secret to a great margarita? Good spirits—and fresh lime juice. No shelf-stable margarita mix, please! When stocking up your bar, look for tequila bottles labeled 100% agave. Using blanco tequila will impart a crisp, peppery vibe to your drink, while opting for a reposado will create a smoother cocktail with a warm finish. In addition to the best tequila you can muster, you’ll also need orange liqueur. Choose a good triple sec, such as Cointreau, for vibrancy and sweetness that’s not too cloying. Or, if you liked the idea of those warmer flavors, swap it out for Grand Marnier, a cognac-based spirit. Finally, fresh lime juice is essential for a drink that tastes refreshing and in balance.

A salt rim counters some of the bitterness in the liqueur and lime. Just rub a juicy halved lime around the rim of your glass and dip it into a dish of coarse sea salt, then flip over and fill with ice cubes. If you choose to skip the rim, just add a pinch of kosher salt to your cocktail shaker. Shake up your perfect margarita and pour it into the glass. We love a rocks glass for this drink, but a stemmed margarita glass works too if that’s your thing.

Read the margarita’s origin story here →