Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Margarita Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have originated in Mexico in the 1930s or 1940s, with various stories attributing its creation to different bartenders and socialites. The Margarita is a popular choice for those who enjoy the refreshing combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur.
- Some believe it was first created by a bartender in Tijuana, Mexico, for a showgirl named Marjorie King who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila.
- Others claim it was invented by socialite Margarita Sames, who mixed the drink for her friends at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948.
- The Margarita gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, and it remains a favorite choice for many cocktail enthusiasts today.
How Margarita Tastes?
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Interesting facts about Margarita
- The Margarita is often served in a distinctive glass with a wide, shallow bowl and a long stem, known as a Margarita glass.
- The cocktail is traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, but there are many variations, including fruit-flavored Margaritas and frozen blended versions.
- The Margarita is so popular that it has its own holiday: National Margarita Day is celebrated on February 22nd.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup(optional): 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1cup
- Salt: 1tbsp
- Lime wedge: 1
Tequila: 2oz
A foundation of any Margarita, tequila brings the heat and depth. It's the heart of the drink and what sets the Margarita apart from other citrus cocktails. If you skimp on the tequila, you're basically having slightly boozy limeade—not that there's anything wrong with that on a hot day! Using more might send you searching for the nearest hammock too quickly, though.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice: 1oz
Lime juice is like the best friend who turns every gathering into a party—it adds zest, tang, and freshness to the mix. Omit it, and your Margarita will probably start questioning its life choices. Less lime, and you're missing out on that zingy kick. More, and you might pucker more than you'd like.
Alex Green
Orange Liqueur: 1oz
Hello, sweetness! This adds a kiss of citrusy sugar that balances the assertive tequila and tart lime. Whether you go for triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier, it's what rounds out the drink. Without it, you’d have a very tart Tequila Lime—still fun, just less sophisticated.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup (optional): 0.5oz
Simple syrup is like the negotiator of the cocktail—smoothing things over when there's too much acidity. It's on standby if you prefer a sweeter touch, but it's not essential. If you like living on the tart side of life, feel free to skip it!
Emma Rose
Ice: 1 cup
Ice keeps everything cool, plus it gives you those chill vibes necessary when sipping a Margarita. No ice means a lukewarm experience nobody's craving.
Alex Green
Salt: 1tbsp
The finishing touch—like the final sparkle on a sequined dress. It enhances flavors and provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness and acidity. If you skip it, the cocktail might lose its iconic charm, but hey, to each their own rim preference!
Mary Mitkina
Lime Wedge: 1
This garnish adds flair and functional flavor! Squeeze it in for extra zest and watch your guests nod their approval, or leave it as a purely decorative choice for those who like their drinks less tart.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Margarita Drink
- Prepare the glass:
- Rub the rim of a Margarita glass with a lime wedge.
- Dip the rim in a shallow plate of salt to coat it evenly.
- Make the cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup (if using).
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain and serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared Margarita glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice can't compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fresh-squeezed.
- Chill your glass: A cold glass will keep your Margarita cool longer and make it taste better.
- Quality tequila: The quality of your tequila will greatly affect the taste of your Margarita. Choose a good quality, 100% agave tequila.
Perfect Pairings
Food
- Mexican Dishes: Classic Margaritas pair wonderfully with Mexican cuisine like tacos, ceviche, or guacamole due to the citrusy flavors that complement the spices.
- Seafood: The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of dishes like grilled shrimp or fish, enhancing their flavors.
- Snacks: Salty snacks like chips and salsa or nachos are ideal companions, as the salt rim of the Margarita glass echoes the seasoning.
Drinks
- Water: To keep things balanced, sip on some still or sparkling water in between Margaritas to stay hydrated.
- Beer: A light beer can serve as a refreshing chaser after the bold flavors of a Margarita.
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What you could change in Margarita
- Orange Liqueur: You can substitute the orange liqueur with an equal amount of Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
- Tequila: If you don't have tequila, you can use mezcal. It will give the Margarita a smoky flavor.
- Lime Juice: If you don't have limes, you can use lemons. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
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And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Margarita
- Replace tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist.
Stir up the usual by swapping out the clean taste of tequila with its mysterious cousin, mezcal. Expect a Margarita that's less about the beach and more about a bonfire under the stars. The smoke will worm its way into your senses and leave you wondering why you didn't go rogue sooner.
Spicy Margarita
- Add 2 slices of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing.
Love to live on the spicy side? Drop a couple of jalapeño slices into the shaker and let the spiciness infuse your Margarita. This fiery twist doesn't just heat up the conversation, it adds a whole new level of 'fiesta' to your glass.
Hibiscus Margarita
- Include 1oz of hibiscus syrup in the mix.
The tartness of hibiscus syrup can tango beautifully with the citrus notes for a Margarita that's not only complex in flavor but stunning in color. Sip on this and you'll feel like you're toasting to the sunset no matter the time of day.
In case you forgot basics how to make Margarita
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Margarita
Can I make a Margarita without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can also stir the ingredients together in a glass with a spoon. However, using a shaker helps to mix the ingredients more thoroughly, and the ice in the shaker chills the drink.
What type of tequila is best for a Margarita?
A 100% agave tequila is the best choice for a Margarita. This ensures that the tequila is pure and does not contain any additives, which might change the taste of the cocktail.
What other glasses can be used to serve a Margarita if I don't have a Margarita glass?
If you don't have a Margarita glass, you can use a rocks glass or a highball glass. The important thing is that the glass should be wide enough to accommodate the salt rim.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Margarita?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of a Margarita, often referred to as a 'Virgin Margarita', can be made by substituting the tequila and orange liqueur with non-alcoholic ingredients that still provide a similar flavor profile.
How strong is a Margarita?
The strength of a Margarita can vary depending on the proportions of the ingredients used, but it is typically considered a strong cocktail due to the presence of tequila and orange liqueur.
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