Margarita
Tequila, lime and orange liqueur in flawless harmony—Mexico's most famous cocktail and a symbol of celebration.
33%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Margarita's roots trace to the late 1930s and early '40s along the Mexico–U.S. border, though its exact creator remains debated. Many point to Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who reportedly mixed it for dancer Marjorie King at his Tijuana-area bar, while others cite socialite Margarita Sames or the earlier "Picador" recipe printed in London's 1937 *Café Royal Cocktail Book*. Whatever its birthplace, the drink exploded in popularity after World War II as tequila became more accessible, eventually earning a spot on the IBA's Contemporary Classics list and becoming the world's best-known tequila cocktail.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or rocks glass and, if desired, lightly salt the rim
Combine tequila, triple sec and lime juice in a shaker with ice
Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled
Double strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or served up
Garnish with a lime wheel
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass, traditionally with a salted rim
Garnish
Cut fresh lime into wheels
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use fresh lime juice for best flavor
Salt only the outside rim so each sip can be adjusted
Shake hard to properly chill and dilute
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Margarita.
Tommy's Margarita
Agave syrup replaces orange liqueur for a drier, agave-forward profile.
Changes
Mezcal Margarita
Substitute smoky mezcal for tequila or split the base for a mezcalita.
Changes
Cadillac Margarita
Reposado tequila and Grand Marnier add oak and orange richness, often with a liqueur float.
Changes
Spicy Margarita
Muddled or infused jalapeño brings a fiery kick to the classic build.
Changes
Frozen Margarita
Blended with crushed ice for a smooth, slushy texture—Texas's contribution to cocktail history.
Changes
More to Explore
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Cosmopolitan
Vodka, cranberry, orange liqueur, and lime combine for a tart, vividly pink martini that defined 1990s cocktail culture.
Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban rum sour that showcases perfect balance—just rum, lime and sugar shaken icy cold.
Dark and Stormy
Trademark Bermudan highball of Gosling's Black Seal rum over fiery ginger beer with a squeeze of lime.