Classic Margarita Recipe (Frozen or On the Rocks)

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

A classic margarita doesn’t ask for many ingredients, so each one matters.

The complete ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

• Tequila: Use a tequila you enjoy drinking. Blanco tequila is the traditional choice for a classic margarita, with a bright, clean flavor that keeps the drink crisp. Reposado works too if you prefer something a little smoother. Avoid mezcal since it has a strong smoky flavor.
• Orange Liqueur: Cointreau gives a cleaner, drier orange flavor.  We prefer it over Grand Marnier for margaritas. Triple sec is usually less expensive and often a bit sweeter.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Go with fresh lime juice for the biggest difference in the final drink. It keeps the margarita sharp, balanced, and lively. Bottled juice can taste dull or harsh, which is not the energy we’re after here. To get the most juice from your limes, let them come to room temperature first, then roll them firmly on the counter before cutting. 
• Simple Syrup: We recommend making your own with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Warm just until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using. It keeps well in the refrigerator and is handy for other cocktails. If you prefer, agave nectar is an easy substitute and pairs naturally with tequila. If you want it less sweet, reduce the simple syrup slightly, or use agave nectar sparingly, adding more only if needed.
• Ice: For margaritas on the rocks, shake with ice and strain over fresh ice. For frozen margaritas, one cup gives the drink a thick, slushy texture without overwhelming the flavor.
• Salt or Sugar for the Rim: Salt is the classic choice for a reason. It softens bitterness, brightens the lime, and helps bring out the tequila’s earthy, peppery notes, making the whole drink taste a little more balanced. Sugar gives a sweeter contrast if that’s your preference. Tajín is another great option if you like a little heat and extra citrus. Or go naked and skip the rim altogether. To get the salt or sugar to stick to the rim, rub the rim with a lime wedge, then dip it in a little salt or sugar. We do it before we start making the cocktail so that it stays put.
• Fresh Lime Juice: A margarita is not complete without lime juice. The lime juice’s acidity helps brighten the cocktail’s overall flavor profile.

How to Make a Classic Margarita

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Both versions use the same ingredients, so your only real decision is whether you want it shaken over ice or blended frozen. We recommend chilling your glasses first to help the margarita stay cold longer.

Margarita on the Rocks:

Pro-Tip: Use fresh ice in the serving glass, not the ice from the shaker. The shaker ice has already started melting, which can water down the drink faster.

1. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then dip in salt, sugar, or Tajín. Fill each glass halfway with fresh ice.
2. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty.
3. Strain into the prepared glasses and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
4. No cocktail shaker? A mason jar with a tight lid works surprisingly well. If that fails, stir everything briskly in a large glass with ice, then strain.

Frozen Margarita:

Pro-Tip: Start with less ice than you think you need. You can always add more, but a blender full of ice can quickly mute the flavor.

1. Rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then dip in salt, sugar, or Tajín.
2. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice to a blender. Blend until thick and slushy.
3. If the mixture is too thin, add a little more ice. If it is too thick to move, add a small splash of tequila or lime juice to loosen it up.
4. Pour into the prepared glasses, garnish with a lime slice, and serve immediately.