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.

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.

With plenty of ice cubes and fresh fruit, it will fill the average Mason jar mug perfectly. To make this margarita, shake 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, and 3 ounces fresh sour mix with ice. Strain it into an ice-filled Mason jar (rimmed, if you like) and add a few lime wedges.

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.

Made with real lime juice concentrate, agave nectar and sea salt to deliver a unique mix of sweet, sour, salty and refreshing flavor in every sip. Bring a Truly pack to your next tailgate for the win!

Margaritas can also be made with different flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, or mango. The alcohol content of a margarita can vary from 0% (a virgin margarita) to 55% (a super-sized margarita). But the average alcohol content of a margarita is around 18-25%.

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.

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.

Tequila

Margarita / Main alcohol

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.

Can I use orange juice instead of triple sec? ›

If you're looking for a simple and readily available replacement for triple sec in your co*cktails, orange juice is a great option. With its sweet and citrusy flavor, it can add the perfect amount of brightness and acidity to your drink.

If the co*cktail ingredients are mostly, or entirely, spirits (such as in a Manhattan, Martini or Negroni), you should stir. If a co*cktail includes juice (such as in a Margarita, Daiquiri or Cosmo), you should shake.

Shake 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 3/4 ounce agave nectar, and 3/4 ounce cold water vigorously in a co*cktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass or coupe filled with ice. Garnish with the wheel of lime.

While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative. Regardless of your preference, Red & White offers both options for purchase, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your liquor needs.

What makes a Texas margarita different from the traditional margarita is the addition of fresh orange juice. This gives a juicy and citrusy touch, making the drink lighter and more refreshing than the classic margarita. The classic margarita only relies on lime juice to counter the orange liqueur and tequila.