Traditional Margarita Recipes

Margarita is a cocktail that is very popular, especially among women. It incorporates tequila, triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur), and lime or lemon juice. The proportions officially accepted by the International Bartenders Association for a margarita are 50% tequila, 29% triple Sec, and 21% fresh lime or lemon juice.

There are many contemporary variations to the traditional recipe. One such example is with the inclusion of an additional sweetener, such as simple syrup. Another variation uses bottled lime juice which is already sweetened. Alternate options for triple sec are other orange-flavored liqueur such as Patrón Citrónge, Cointreau (which is an expensive option), or blue curaçao in a blue margarita. The cordon bleu margaritas include Grand Marnier or Gran Gala.

Adding sweetened fruit juices or blended fresh fruits is another common trend. In these versions, the orange-flavored liqueur may be reduced or not used at all to prevent the cocktail from becoming syrupy. Alternately, a secondary liqueur may be added.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz. silver tequila
• ¾ oz. Cointreau
• ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tbsp. superfine sugar
• A lime wedge

Instructions

To prepare a salt-rimmed glass, wet the rim of the margarita glass with water and place the glass face down in a dish with salt. Then, refrigerate the glass. In a cocktail shaker, add a few cubes of ice and add in all the other ingredients―tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and sugar―and shake it vigorously.

Take the chilled glass out of the refrigerator and pour the prepared margarita into it. Position the lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

While there is only one way to make an original, authentic margarita, below listed are some popular versions that are in vogue.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. tequila (we recommend Cuervo 1800)
• ½ oz. triple sec
• ½ oz. white tequila
• 1¼ oz. lime juice
• A splash of blue curacao

Instructions

Prepare a salt-rimmed glass as mentioned above. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and then add all the ingredients―tequila, triple sec, white tequila, lime juice, and blue curacao. Give the shaker a good shake. Pour the drink into the chilled margarita glass.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. dry white wine
• Margarita salt
• 4 oz. Mexican Controy (Cointreau or Triple Sec may be used)
• Crushed ice
• 10-12 limes (freshly juiced)

Instructions

Add the crushed ice to the blender until almost full. Pour in the wine, Controy, and lime juice over the ice. Blend the ingredients till you get a slushy drink. Pour it into the salt-rimmed margarita glass, and serve.

Margarita is a delicious, easy-to-make cocktail, whether it is the traditional version or the newer varieties. Try these recipes the next time you have family or friends over.