Classic Margarita Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic margarita made of? ›

By contrast to many of the diluted, super-sweet, and sometimes fizzy huge mugs of margaritas that are often served in restaurants around the world nowadays, a traditional margarita is actually a strong, tart co*cktail made with three simple ingredients — good-quality tequila, orange liqueur, and freshly-squeezed lime ...

The classic margarita has a nobility that's expressed by its simplicity—tequila, orange liqueur for sweetness, and tart lime juice. Just three ingredients, harmoniously combined and perfectly balanced.

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that is commonly used in margaritas. If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.

Grand Marnier offers a richer, sweeter flavor that triple sec just doesn't have. If you think that Grand Marnier's flavors will work with your recipe in lieu of triple sec (or vice versa), go ahead and give it a go! After all, these liqueurs are both orange-forward and will do nicely.

In addition to powdered mixes, which are more affordable, restaurants also use liquid mixes they can purchase from their alcohol supplier -similar to the concentrate above. The two most popular mixes that restaurants use for margaritas are Zing Zang Margarita Mix and Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Original Margarita Mix.

Triple sec, a term used interchangeably with curaçao, is a type of orange liqueur that provides fruity flavors as well as sweet and bitter notes — all of which are essential for a well-made Margarita. Popular labels include Cointreau, Combier, Pierre Ferrand Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.

Winner: Cointreau Orange Triple Sec

Cointreau Orange Triple Sec is my pick for the best margarita orange liqueur. This French-made liqueur was created in 1875 by Edouard Cointreau, who aimed to create a clear, pure orange-flavored liqueur capturing the essence of oranges.

Do margaritas use agave or simple syrup? ›

Agave typically blends beautifully with tequila for the sweetness in a simple homemade margarita. Similarly, try mixing up a fresh, zingy grapefruit paloma with agave. For delicate drinks like a French 75, mix in simple syrup with your gin, champagne, and lemon juice.

Cointreau and Grand Marnier have quite a bit in common, and in a pinch you can certainly substitute between the two. If you do, expect the flavor profile to change. Cointreau will make the drink lighter and brighter, with a stronger citrus aroma. Grand Marnier will bring weight and oaky sweetness.

Patrón Citrónge Extra Fine Orange Liqueur

Combining sweet oranges from Jamaica, bittersweet oranges from Haiti, and neutral Mexican distillate, this liqueur has a zesty, citrus profile and finishes with a strong candied orange peel note. Despite clocking in at just 35 percent ABV, it mixes a boozy, bold Margarita.

Many alcohol-free co*cktails will simply use bottled orange juice as a replacement for orange liqueur and while orange juice is sweet it doesn't capture the range and complexity of flavors found in orange liqueur.

Part of the 'sour' co*cktail family, the Margarita traditionally consists of three ingredients; tequila, triple sec orange liqueur and lime juice, often served in a glass with salt on the rim.

Tequila

Margarita / Main alcohol

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

What makes a Texas margarita different from the traditional margarita is the addition of fresh orange juice. This gives a juicy and citrusy touch, making the drink lighter and more refreshing than the classic margarita. The classic margarita only relies on lime juice to counter the orange liqueur and tequila.