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Cocktail History
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created by Carlos “Danny” Herrera in 1938 at Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico. Several variations of the recipe exist, but this lime-flavored version made with tequila, triple sec, citrus, agave syrup, and salt is the most popular.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Tequila Reposado: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with blue agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged from two to twelve months. We used Arette Tequila Reposado because it has a light and peppery flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative in place of the tequila.
Triple Sec: This is a liqueur made with bitter oranges, lemons, sugar, and alcohol. We used Cointreau because it’s one of the highest quality orange liqueurs on the market. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Orange Sec Non-Alcoholic Spirit in place of the orange liqueur.
Lemon Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lemon. We used freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. We used freshly squeezed lime juice.
Agave Syrup: This is a sweetener made with the liquid inside agave plants, sugar, and water. We made our own using Alex’s recipe.
Salt: This is a mineral. We used Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. We used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. We used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. We used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. We used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Tasting Notes
This tasty and tart Lime Margarita is based on the classic recipe but has been tweaked by us over the years. Its perfectly salty rim balances out the sweetness of the agave syrup and sourness of the citrus, and it can be served either on the rocks (how we prefer it), up, or frozen.
Recipe
Margarita
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created by Carlos “Danny” Herrera in 1938 at Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico. Several variations of the recipe exist, but this lime-flavored version made with tequila, triple sec, citrus, agave syrup, and salt is the most popular.
Ingredients
Method
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Pour salt onto a plate, rub outer rim of a margarita glass with lime rind, and roll glass in salt until coated.
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Add tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into salt-rimmed margarita glass.
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Garnish with lime slice.
FAQs
How do I make this cocktail recipe non-alcoholic?
Use Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative in place of the tequila and Lyre’s Orange Sec Non-Alcoholic Spirit in place of the orange liqueur to try a mocktail version of this drink.
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More Tequila Cocktails
If you like this tequila-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Something Tequila: A tequila cocktail made with pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, passion fruit syrup, a lime slice, a mint sprig, and edible flowers
Rosalita: A tequila cocktail made with lime juice, agave syrup, Amaro Montenegro, salt, and a lime slice
Hot Lips: A jalapeño tequila and mezcal cocktail made with pineapple juice, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, cane syrup, salt, and a lime slice
Mocha Spiked Horchata: A tequila cocktail made with horchata, cold-brew coffee, chocolate bitters, and ground cinnamon
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