Margarita
Tequila, lime and orange liqueur in flawless harmony—Mexico's most famous cocktail and a symbol of celebration.
33%
ABV
216
Calories
Rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
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
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Margarita.
Tommy's Margarita
Tequila, lime, and agave nectar—a clean, modern take on the Margarita without orange liqueur.
Mezcal Margarita
A modern classic smoky twist on the beloved Margarita—mezcal's earthy, complex character balanced with fresh lime, agave, and orange liqueur.
Cadillac Margarita
Premium margarita spec—reposado tequila and lime sweetened with agave, finished with a float of Grand Marnier.
Spicy Margarita
A modern classic that elevates the beloved Margarita with a piquant kick, perfectly balancing the tartness of lime, the sweetness of orange liqueur, and the fiery warmth of fresh jalapeño.
Frozen Margarita
The blender classic—tequila, triple sec, and lime blended with ice; salt rim optional.
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.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Blue Margarita
A vibrant margarita riff—blanco tequila, blue curaçao, and fresh lime served tart with an optional salted rim.
Mexican Mule
Tequila bucks the Moscow Mule template—earthy agave, zesty lime and fiery ginger beer over ice in a frosty copper mug.
Picador
The definitive blueprint for the Margarita, this 1937 London creation combines tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in perfect harmony—the Margarita in its purest, unadorned form.