Margarita
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Margarita
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.98 / 5
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s. Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick. The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1938
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tequila
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
153 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32.94% | 2.8 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Tequila ingredient icon
Tequila cocktails
Lime juice ingredient icon
Top ten Lime juice cocktails
Triple Sec ingredient icon
Top ten Triple Sec cocktails
Tequila ingredient icon
Top ten Tequila cocktails
Salt ingredient icon
Top ten Salt cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Triple Sec cocktail ingredient icon for the Margarita cocktail
Triple Sec
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Margarita cocktail
Lime juice
Tequila cocktail ingredient icon for the Margarita cocktail
Tequila
Salt cocktail ingredient icon for the Margarita cocktail
Salt
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Margarita is a masterclass in balance, juxtaposing the bright, zesty zing of lime juice against the deep, earthy undertones of tequila, with a hint of sweetness from the triple sec tying it all together. The salt rim not only salutes the senses but also amplifies the cocktail's flavors, rendering each sip as an invigorating taste adventure, perfect for sipping under the sun or as a festive evening starter.

Method
How to make a Margarita

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a cocktail glass and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Margarita with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for your Margarita, as it provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor compared to bottled lime juice.
For a smoother texture, consider using a fine-mesh strainer to double strain your Margarita, ensuring no ice shards or pulp make it into the final drink.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Margarita masterclass

Master the craft of the Margarita cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

History of the Margarita Cocktail

The margarita cocktail is a beloved classic with a rich, albeit somewhat mysterious history. This ic...

What is the Smoothest Tequila and What Is Good To Mix It With?

Whether you're enjoying a glass of tequila neat or shaking up a fresh cocktail, finding the smoothes...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Rim  ·  Shake  ·  Strain  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

  • The Night Before
  • Top 25 Cocktails Featured in Cheers
  • Barman das Horas Vagas

In the labyrinth of youthful indiscretions, where nights dissolve into a hazy kaleidoscope of laughter and mischief, with a morning...

Go to collection

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Margarita cocktail?

The Margarita is a classic cocktail with a murky history, with several people claiming to have invented it in the 1930s and 1940s. One popular story credits Carlos 'Danny' Herrera at his restaurant in Mexico, 1938, for creating the drink for an actress who was allergic to all spirits except tequila, but didn't enjoy tequila neat. Herrera supposedly solved this by adding lime and salt.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make a Margarita without Triple Sec?

Yes, you can make a Margarita without Triple Sec, but you'll be making a variation of the classic recipe. Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute it with other orange-flavored liqueurs like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or even orange juice in a pinch, though the taste will differ.

Preparation techniques icon

What's the best way to salt the rim of the glass for a Margarita?

To properly salt the rim of a glass for a Margarita, begin by running a lime wedge around the edge of the glass to moisten it. Then, invert the glass and press it into a plate of salt, twisting it slightly to ensure even coverage. Tap off any excess. For a more refined look, only salt half the rim.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Margarita?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Margarita, often called a 'Virgin Margarita' or 'Mockarita'. Replace the tequila and Triple Sec with non-alcoholic substitutes like non-alcoholic spirits or a mix of limeade, orange juice, and a splash of grapefruit juice. Follow the same method of preparation and serve it over ice.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Margarita compare to other cocktails?

The Margarita has an alcohol content of around 32.94%, which places it on the higher end of the spectrum compared to many other classic cocktails. For example, a classic Mojito or Cosmopolitan typically has a lower alcohol content due to the higher proportion of non-alcoholic mixers. However, variations in recipes can lead to different alcohol content levels.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

Create your own cocktail menu!

Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.

Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.

Get creating

You might also like

Long Island Iced Tea

Classic

The Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail characterized by its deceptive potency and refreshing taste, despite a hefty...

Pumpkin Spice Margarita

This tasty beverage is great any time of year, especially if you are enjoying a particularly mild autumn.

Moët Margarita

Easy

The Moët Margarita is a luxurious and sophisticated variation of the classic Margarita cocktail. It combines the zesty and refreshing...

Tequila Soda

The Tequila Soda is a refreshing, simple highball cocktail. It offers a crisp and clean taste with the earthy flavor...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image