Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila. 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice. optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste.

A proper margarita is based on the 3-2-1 ratio of tequila, orange liqueur, (good triple sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau), and lime juice. It is not frozen, but rather, served on the rocks. Some people sweeten classic margaritas with a bit of simple syrup or agave nectar.

For a fresh, vibrant margarita, use a triple sec like Cointreau, a French liqueur made with bitter and aromatic orange peels. For something a little richer, perhaps with more of an autumnal vibe, use Grand Marnier, a cognac-based liqueur.

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

Triple sec, a term used interchangeably with curaçao, is a type of orange liqueur that provides fruity flavors as well as sweet and bitter notes — all of which are essential for a well-made Margarita. Popular labels include Cointreau, Combier, Pierre Ferrand Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.

Cointreau is a type of triple sec but with a significantly higher alcohol content (40 percent ABV). “Cointreau's flavors are well balanced between bitter and sweet, the warm spices give complexity but more than anything, enhance the orange flavor rather than masking it,” Gentry says.

Blanco/Silver Tequila: The Clear Choice

Its transparent appearance allows other ingredients to shine, making it the ideal canvas for crafting a classic Margarita that's brimming with freshness and vitality. This is the one to choose if you just want to make a classic great tasting Marg.

If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.

What is the ratio of tequila to margarita mix? ›

The traditional margarita recipe is made with a ratio of 2:1:1, which means: 2 parts tequila or 2 oz. 1 part triple sec or 1 oz. 1 part lime juice or 1 oz.

Unopened bottles of triple sec last indefinitely when stored properly. Even after they've been opened, properly stored bottles can last up to a year or longer. The liqueur won't necessarily go bad after that long, but the taste might start to change.

The IBA (IBA Official list of co*cktails) standard is 10:4:3, that is, tequila:triple sec:fresh lime juice. The "Original Margarita" recipe, as given by Cointreau on their website, has slightly more of their own sweet liqueur: 1 part white tequila, 1⁄2 part Cointreau, and 1⁄2 part fresh squeezed lime juice.

To balance the co*cktail's acidity, triple sec is absolutely necessary for traditional Margaritas, according to Bailon. “Without triple sec, we fall into a different co*cktail category, which is the sour,” she explains.

The main differenceis the base spirit used to create them. Grand Marnier is made with a blend of Cognac and orange distillate. It has a sweet and slightly bitter taste with hints of oak and spice. Cointreau is drier and less sweet, with a more straightforward orange taste.

Truly says the Margarita-style seltzers are made with real ingredients found in the co*cktail, including lime juice concentrate, agave nectar, and sea salt.

Margarita burns result when furocoumarin, a chemical compound found in plants, reacts with sunlight. Furocoumarin is found in limes and citrus fruits, along with celery, figs, fennel, and many other plants. “This chemical can become activated by UVA rays,” Barr said.

According to co*cktail historian David Wondrich, the margarita is related to the brandy daisy (margarita is Spanish for "daisy"), remade with tequila instead of brandy. (Daisies are a family of co*cktails that include a base spirit, liqueur, and citrus. A sidecar and gin daisy are other related drinks.)