This original margarita recipe is a true classic. There is nothing like a good Margarita to help kick off the weekend. Especially when they are a little sweet, a little tart and a little salty. That’s why I adore this drink.
This simple recipe takes only a few simple ingredients and produces a truly refreshing cocktail.
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This original margarita recipe is amazing. The key to this drink is to have the best quality ingredients possible. Fresh and delicious.
This classic margarita was created in the 1940’s as a Christmas cocktail. It was invited at Tommy’s Place in Juarez Mexico and I had the amazing opportunity to have a margarita there a while back. It has become a staple in restaurants and homes ever since. Here in the states it is a summer staple to cool off.
If you’re looking for more cocktail recipes, try these Classic Mojito, Peach Moonshine and Huckleberry Hooch.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
Why We Love This Basic Margarita Recipe
Truly once you master the basics for this original margarita recipe you can become adventurous and start creating your own special versions that your family, friends and guests will adore.
- Minutes to Make: Ideal for last minute guests as you can assemble in minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: Only five simple ingredients that everyone should have in a well stocked liquor cabinet.
- Party Friendly: These were originally made for a Christmas party, however, they are perfect for your summer cookout or barbeque.
- Adaptable: Can make it with any flavors that you enjoy.
Ingredient Notes for this Classic Margarita
- Tequila: Good quality tequila makes for the best classic margarita recipe.
- Triple Sec: One of the most recognizable brands of triple sec is Cointreau. It is an orange flavor liqueur from France It makes a difference in this original margarita recipe.
- Lemonade: Fresh lemonade is the best. Take the time and make your own. This is a great recipe for lemonade.
- Lime wedge: Fresh lime wedges.
- Coarse salt: This type of salt is exemplary for the rim of your glass.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for this Traditional Margarita Recipe
Of course you can make many different varieties of this traditional cocktail. Substitute and change up the recipe with the fruit that you have.
- Limeade: Replace the lemonade with lime aid.
- Sugar Free: Indeed you can make this classic margarita with sugar free lemonade.
- Sugar: Not a fan of salt, line the rim of your glass with sugar instead.
How to Make an Authentic Margarita
Five simple ingredients make an exceptional cocktail. This authentic margarita is simple and so delicious.
These are the basic steps for making an original margarita recipe. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: IN A COCKTAIL SHAKER
First, pour the tequila, triple sec and lemonade in the cocktail shaker that you fill with ice. Shake well.
Step 2: SALT RIM
Next, pour the salt on a plate or shallow dish. Then cut a slit in the lime, and rub it along the rim of the glass to moisten and then dip the glass in the dish of salt to coat.
Step 3: TRANSFER
Finally, pout the cocktail into the salt rimmed glass. Lastly, finish with a fresh lime wedge.
Recipe FAQs
Expert Tips for Making This Basic Margarita Recipe
- Add Agave Nectar: Make a little sweeter by adding the agave nectar to your margarita.
- Flavored Tequila: Enhance the margarita by adding a delicious flavored tequila to you original margarita recipe drink.
- Dietary consideration tip: Feel free to use sugar free lemonade or limeade.
What to Serve with this Original Margarita Recipe
Original Margarita
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce tequila
- ½ ounce Triple Sec
- 1 ounce lemonade
- Lime wedge
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- Pour the tequila, Triple sec and lemonade into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake well.
- Salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass.
- Pour contents into the glass.
- Garnish with the lime wedge.
Expert Tips
- Add Agave Nectar: Make a little sweeter by adding the agave nectar to your margarita.
- Flavored Tequila: Enhance the margarita by adding a delicious flavored tequila to you original margarita recipe drink.
- Dietary consideration tip: Feel free to use sugar free lemonade or limeade.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.
Very nice post
Thanks