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Dive into our collection of the best margarita recipes to make at home, featuring classic, frozen, and fruity variations—all deliciously easy! Learn the ingredients and ratio to make the classic recipe, plus popular riffs on this drink.
Crisp, zingy, and salty, the margarita is one of the most popular co*cktails of all time. As two co*cktail experts, Alex and I have made the classic margarita recipe more times than we can count—and just about every variation!
Types of margaritas
Here we’ve reviewed our library of co*cktail recipes to find our top margarita recipes you can make at home! Because we’re purists, we recommend starting with the classic simple margarita.
Then try all the different types: frozen, spicy with jalapeño, smoky with mezcal, Italian with amaretto, and fruity with strawberry, mango, pineapple, and more. There are so many ways to change up this popular tequila co*cktail, and we’re here for them all!
25 best margarita recipes to make at home
🍹Want a recipe for a party? Try a margarita pitcher!
Classic Margarita Recipe
The best margarita recipe! Serve this classic margarita on the rocks with 3 simple ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila (no added sugar!).
Variations:TryTriple Sec Margarita,Cointreau Margarita, orPatron Margarita
Ingredients:Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice
Frozen Margarita
You know you love margaritas: but have you tried them frozen? This best frozen margarita recipe will be your new go-to drink!
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, simple syrup, ice
Jalapeño Margarita
Heat up your co*cktail repertoire with this spicy jalapeño margarita recipe! Crisp and tart, it’s got just the right kick. Perfect for sipping or with tacos.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, jalapeño pepper slices
Strawberry Margarita
This strawberry margarita is cool, icy, tangy, and so refreshing! This fruity spin on the classic co*cktail is quick and easy using frozen berries.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, frozen strawberries, agave or simple syrup, ice
Cadillac Margarita
Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita: it uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur to add sophistication and style!
Ingredients: Tequila reposado, Cointreau, lime juice, Grand Marnier
Mango Margarita
Here’s the best mango margarita! This sunny spin on the classic drink is so refreshing, with a creamy texture and a tangy sweet mango essence.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, lemon juice, frozen mango, agave or simple syrup, ice
Mezcal Margarita
Make a mezcal margarita for a smoky spin on the classic! It’s tangy and smoke-forward, giving this popular co*cktail a rich depth.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, mezcal
Skinny Margarita
This refreshing skinny margarita recipe boasts 40% less calories than a classic marg! All you need is 4 ingredients and 5 minutes.
Ingredients: Tequila, Fresh lime juice, Fresh squeezed orange juice, maple syrup
Pineapple Margarita
This margarita recipe marries the perfect combination of flavors: sweet pineapple goes hand in hand with the sharp bite of the tequila and zingy lime. Also try the Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita or Spicy Pineapple Margarita!
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice
Coconut Margarita
Tropical coconut pairs perfectly with the zing of lime and bite of tequila. The best part? A toasted coconut drink rim gives a crunchy, tropical infusion to each sip.
Ingredients: Tequila, lime, triple sec, cream of coconut
Italian Margarita
An Italian margarita uses amaretto to give this classic co*cktail an Italian makeover! Blood orange juice gives it an eye-catching vibrant color.
Ingredients: Tequila, orange juice, amaretto, lime juice
Beer Margarita
Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! Here’s the very best beer margarita recipe: with fresh and all natural flavors (no limeade!).
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, beer
Peach Margarita
This peach margarita is quick, easy and so tasty! Frozen peaches, lime juice and tequila form the most refreshing, sweet tart spin on this classic co*cktail.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, frozen peaches, agave or simple syrup, ice
Blueberry Margarita
Got berries? Try this fresh Blueberry Margarita recipe! This impressive spin on the classic is bright purple and deliciously tangy.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, blueberries, lime juice, simple syrup
Grapefruit Margarita
Here’s a tasty citrus spin on the margarita that might even be more fun to drink than the original. Try this Grapefruit Margarita! The juice adds a lovely delicate pink color.
Ingredients: Tequila, Triple Sec or Cointreau, grapefruit juice, lime juice
Watermelon Margarita
This watermelon margarita is tangy, sweet, and seriously refreshing. Instead of salting the rim, it’s lightly salty for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Ingredients: Watermelon, tequila, lime juice, salt
Cranberry Margarita
This bright red cranberry margarita absolutely stunning to look at, and the sweet tart flavor is crisp and refreshing. It’s got all the character of the classic margarita, but a beautiful nuance to the flavor.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup
Blood Orange Margarita
This tasty citrus makes a brilliant bright orange red drink that’s perfectly balanced and sweet tart. In all of our margarita recipes, this one’s a favorite.
Variation: Also try Orange Margarita
Ingredients: Blood orange juice, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice
Blue Margarita
This co*cktail looks as bright as the waters of the Caribbean, doesn’t it? Blue Curacao liqueur is the secret to the jewel-toned color of this Blue Margarita!
Ingredients: Tequila (reposado or blanco), Blue Curacao, lime juice
Texas Margarita
Add orange juice to the classic co*cktail to make a Texas Margarita! This citrusy sweet spin is even better than the original.
Ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice
Pomegranate Margarita
Sweet tart pomegranate juice pairs perfectly with tequila and lime, balanced with the orange perfume of Cointreau. You can use either pomegranate juice or fresh-squeezed juice from the fruit!
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup
Cucumber Margarita
The cucumber margarita is a cool, crisp co*cktail loaded with flavor! It’s a delicious pale green spin on the classic.
Also try: Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita
Ingredients: Cucumber slices, tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice
Raspberry Margarita
This raspberry margarita recipe has the best zingy berry flavor! Mix up this easy drink with fresh berries to impress all your friends.
Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau or Triple Sec, lime juice, raspberries, simple syrup
Agave Margarita
This agave margarita recipe is sweetened to perfection with agave nectar, giving this classic co*cktail a little upgrade!
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice. Triple sec (or Cointreau), agave nectar
Virgin Margarita
This virgin margarita tastes just as good as the real thing! This mocktail is tangy and lightly sweet, with a secret ingredient that takes it over the top.
Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, pickle juice, tonic water
A few more fun margarita recipes
We couldn’t narrow it down! Try these deliciously fun margarita recipes and flavors:
- Make a bright pink Prickly Pear Margarita, or a floral Hibiscus Margarita.
- Make a tropical Passion Fruit Margarita, citrusy Orange Margarita, or bright and bold Beet Margarita.
- Try seasonal spins like a Apple Cider Margarita, Fall Margarita, or Christmas Margarita.
- Make a fun Sangria Margarita or add a caffeine jolt with an Espresso Margarita.
Passion Fruit MargaritaOrange MargaritaPrickly Pear MargaritaApple Cider MargaritaSangria Margarita
Popular margarita recipes by liquor
Want to mix up margaritas based on alcohol? Here are a few margarita recipes with a twist:
- Use Cognac for a Hennessy Margarita.
- Pick up the best tequila to make a Patron Margarita or Casamigos Margarita.
- Experiment and try a Vodka Margarita.
- Try a Triple Sec Margarita with zippy citrus flavor.
Patron MargaritaCasamigos MargaritaTriple Sec MargaritaHennessy MargaritaVodka Margarita
Best tequila for a margarita
What’s the best tequila for margaritas? A co*cktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Here are a few pointers:
- Any mid-priced tequila tastes great in a margarita.Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
- Tequila blanco is ideal for margaritas. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we recommend areEspolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.
- Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita.Tequila reposado is aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (reposado means “rested” in Spanish). It has a smooth flavor and notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like includeCasamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
Margarita ingredients & ratio
When it comes to margarita recipes, there’s nothing better than a classic margarita! It’s tart, with just the right bite from the tequila and scent of orange from the Cointreau. Many bars and mixes load it down with sugar, but that strays far from the classic co*cktail recipe. The margarita recipe for the classic margarita is:
- 1 ½ ounces tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- ¾ ounce lime juice
Tip: Some people like a margarita ratio that is 3, 2, 1: 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur and 1 part lime. Alex and I like our margaritas on the tart side, so we use the ratio above. Feel free to experiment and find the ratio that’s right for you!
How to make margaritas at home: step by step
Once you’ve got the ingredients, it’s time to mix up your drink! Here’s how to make margaritas at home:
- Step 1: Rim the glass with salt. The salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink!
- Step 2: Place the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a co*cktail shaker with 4 ice cubes, and shake until cold.
- Step 3: Strain the margarita into a glass, and add ice if serving on the rocks. The margarita is often served in a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, though of course you can use the classic margarita glass too.
How to make a salt rim
The salt rim is essential to these margarita recipes. The salt enhances the flavors in the drink, and gives it that classic look. Try our margarita salt for a colorful flair with lime zest and orange zest! Here’s how to make a salt rim:
- Spread on a plate: Spread the kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt on a plate in an even layer.
- Wet the glass with a lime: Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass.
- Rim the outside edge only: Tilt the glass so that only the outside edge goes into the salt. Then shake off any loose salt into the sink.
Try clear ice to look like a pro!
❄️ Want a professional look to your margarita recipes? Add clear ice! It will make your drink look like it came from a trendy bar, but you can easily make it in your own home. All you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the classic types of margaritas?
Original Margarita:The foundation – tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec), and a salt rim.
Frozen Margarita:A delicious icy version of the classic, perfect for hot days.
Tommy’s Margarita:A purist’s choice, made with just tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar (no orange liqueur).
What are some popular fruity margarita variations?
Strawberry Margarita:Blend frozen strawberries for a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
Mango Margarita:Tropical twist with fresh or frozen mango chunks.
Peach Margarita:A delightful summer option with fresh or frozen peaches.
Watermelon Margarita:Refreshing and perfect for poolside, uses blended watermelon or watermelon juice.
What’s the best tequila for margaritas?
A 100% agave blanco tequila is ideal for many, but tequila reposado also adds interesting flavor notes. Look for a mid-range priced tequila – you don’t need the top shelf for mixed drinks, but avoid the very bottom shelf options.
Salt or no salt?
It’s a personal preference! The salt rim adds a nice contrast to the sweet and tart flavors. (We like it best with salt.)
Frozen or on the rocks?
Frozen margaritas are great for hot weather, while on-the-rocks offers a more sophisticated, classic presentation.
What’s the best way to serve a margarita?
Margarita glasses with a salted rim are classic, but we generally prefer rocks or lowball glasses.
Best Margarita Recipe
5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star
5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Dive into our collection of homemade margarita recipes, featuring classic, frozen, and fruity variations—all easy to make at home! Learn the ingredients and ratio to make the classic recipe, plus popular riffs on this drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ ounces* tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- Kosher saltor flaky sea salt, for the rim
- For the garnish: Lime wedge
Instructions
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, use ourMargarita Salt).
- Place all ingredients in a co*cktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
For a margarita pitcher (8 servings):Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec, and ¾ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Pour into the prepared glasses.
For a spicy variation, add 3 to 4 jalapeno pepper slices to the co*cktail shaker, or go toJalapeno Margarita.
For a smoky variation, replace half the tequila with Mezcal, or go toMezcal Margarita.
For a frozen variation, go toFrozen Margarita.
For a virgin variation, go toVirgin Margarita.
For fruity variations, go toPineapple Margarita,Strawberry Margarita,Mango Margarita, or more of the recipes above.
- Category: co*cktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.
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