Classic Margarita

This classic margarita is crisp, refreshing, and made with just 4 simple ingredients. It’s perfect for warm evenings or any easy at-home cocktail moment.

Why I Love a Classic Margarita Recipe

I’ve always said that I know a drink is good when I’d rather make my own at home than have one from a restaurant. And this drink is exactly that!

There’s just something about a classic margarita that never goes out of style. It’s sharp, citrusy, and wonderfully simple, but still feels like a treat every time. And when it’s made with just the right balance of lime, tequila, and sweetness, it really shines.

After a full day in the garden pulling weeds, tying up tomato vines, and deadheading flowers, I usually find myself dusty and in need of something refreshing. That’s when I’ll step inside, slice a few fresh limes, and shake up this recipe.

This is the margarita I make again and again, especially on summer evenings when the garden is buzzing.

And there’s nothing fancy here. Just 4 super simple ingredients, shaken with ice, and poured into a glass. It’s the kind of drink that fits right in when in the garden, at the beach, or at any summertime party!

Classic Margarita Ingredients

Just 4 ingredients come together to create something magical:

• Tequila blanco gives it a crisp, clean base. Personally, I love to use Lalo tequila because the flavor is super smooth!
• Orange liqueur, such as Cointreau, adds warmth with a subtle orange finish.
• Fresh lime juice brings brightness and bite.
• Agave syrup ties it all together with a gentle sweetness.
• Optionally, you can add some flaky salt to the rim for a bit of additional flavor. Personally, it’s my favorite way to enjoy a margarita! You can also throw in some lime slices to add a bit more color!

The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make a Classic Margarita

There are two steps to prepare this drink, which makes two cocktails.

Step 1: Prepare the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Serve! Strain into two glasses filled with fresh ice. Rim the glass with salt, if desired, and garnish with a slice of lime.

The result is light, smooth, and refreshing with no pre-made mix needed.

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately while the margarita is icy cold from the shaking. Margaritas are best when freshly shaken, poured, and consumed.
• For an extra-refreshing touch, chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
• You can dress these up however you want! Rather than a lime slice, you can add a grapefruit wedge, sprig of mint, or even a slice of fresh jalapeño for a spicy edge. But I also have a spicy margarita recipe that you need to try if you like a bit of heat.

Storage Tips

• Make it ahead: Mix everything except the ice and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. When ready to serve, pour over fresh ice to chill and dilute properly.
• Make a batch: If serving these margaritas for a party, you can multiply the recipe for however many servings you need. This can be made in advance (which I do quite frequently) in a large container and kept in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish.

More Cocktail Recipes

• Spicy margarita – My hands-down favorite drink of all time.
• Siesta cocktail – Like a margarita, but with grapefruit and Campari!
• Rhubarb margarita – A perfect springtime cocktail to make.
• Pineapple tequila sangria – For the tequila + sangria lover!
• Strawberry gin spritz cocktail – A bit of strawberry jam goes a long way.