Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic margarita made of? ›

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

For A Single 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.

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

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.

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in margaritas. If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

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.

Can they replace Triple Sec? Both Grand Marnier and Cointreau are excellent replacements for Triple Sec when making a Margarita. In fact, both of these are significantly more expensive and are considered to be better than inexpensive Triple Sec both in quality and taste.

In addition to powdered mixes, which are more affordable, restaurants also use liquid mixes they can purchase from their alcohol supplier -similar to the concentrate above. The two most popular mixes that restaurants use for margaritas are Zing Zang Margarita Mix and Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Original Margarita Mix.

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.

Can You Substitute One Orange Liqueur for Another? In general, the answer is yes, you can substitute Grand Marnier for Cointreau or other types of triple sec, and vice versa.

What is the best orange liqueur to put in a margarita? ›

Winner: Cointreau Orange Triple Sec

Cointreau Orange Triple Sec is my pick for the best margarita orange liqueur. This French-made liqueur was created in 1875 by Edouard Cointreau, who aimed to create a clear, pure orange-flavored liqueur capturing the essence of oranges.

For A Single 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.

Problem: You're Using Too Much Sweetener

There are two classic ways of making a Margarita: with triple sec or with agave syrup (the Tommy's Margarita). If you use both agave and triple sec in your Margarita—rather than one in place of the other—your co*cktail is going to be an overly sweet mess.

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Part of the 'sour' co*cktail family, the Margarita traditionally consists of three ingredients; tequila, triple sec orange liqueur and lime juice, often served in a glass with salt on the rim.

Tequila

Margarita / Main alcohol

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

A regular Margarita is higher in sugar from sweetened lime juice and orange liqueur. A Skinny Margarita uses natural sweeteners, fresh juice, and little to now orange liqueur to reduce the calorie count. Taste: A Skinny Margarita will taste less sweet, but may have a fresher taste from the fruit juices.