The Margarita is one of the world's most popular cocktails: bright, tangy and refreshing, made with just three ingredients. Here is how to make a classic Margarita at home, plus a few easy variations.
Classic Margarita Recipe
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 50ml blanco (silver) tequila
- 25ml Cointreau or triple sec
- 25ml fresh lime juice
- Salt and a lime wedge, to garnish
- Ice
Method
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in salt (optional).
- Add the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into the glass over fresh ice, or straight up into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Tip: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled juice makes a flat, sour Margarita.
Which Tequila Is Best for a Margarita?
A 100% agave blanco tequila gives the cleanest, freshest Margarita. 1800 Silver and Sierra Antiguo Plata are great choices, while a reposado such as Jose Cuervo Tradicional adds a softer, rounder note. Browse our full tequila and mezcal range.
Cointreau or Triple Sec?
Cointreau is a premium 40% orange liqueur and gives a richer, more balanced Margarita. Budget triple secs such as De Kuyper and Bols work well too. Compare them in our triple sec collection.
Margarita Variations
- Tommy's Margarita: swap the orange liqueur for 15ml agave syrup.
- Frozen Margarita: blend the ingredients with a cup of ice until smooth.
- Spicy Margarita: muddle two slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker first.
- Mezcal Margarita: replace half the tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist.
Shop the Ingredients
1800 Silver Blanco Tequila 700ml →
Cointreau Liqueur 700ml →
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado 700ml →
Cocktail shakers and bar tools →
FAQs
What is the ratio for a Margarita?
The classic ratio is 2:1:1, two parts tequila to one part orange liqueur and one part fresh lime juice.
Should a Margarita be shaken or stirred?
Shaken. Shaking with ice chills, dilutes and lightly aerates the drink, giving a fresher texture.
Can I make a Margarita without Cointreau?
Yes. Use another triple sec, or make a Tommy's Margarita with agave syrup instead of orange liqueur.
WhiskeyOnline NZ recipes are for guidance only. Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.
