4 Ingredient, Classic, Tequila Margarita (Video)

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Whether you are Team Salted Rim or Team No Salt, a classic margarita on the rocks is a delicious addition to Taco Tuesday or any happy hour.

A margarita cocktail is so easy to make, only takes 4 ingredients, and doesn't require sour mix. In fact, forget sour mix was ever created. Make some quick simple syrup, squeeze some limes, and mix your drink. I promise it’ll impress your friends and you'll never buy sour mix again.

Make it a Strawberry or Mango Margarita

Want to give your margarita a flavor besides lime? Make strawberry or mango syrup and swap that for the simple syrup. Just follow the fruit syrup instructions on my DIY cocktail syrups page.

What You Need

Silver tequila
Simple syrup
Limes
Triple sec (or your favorite orange liqueur)
Salt for garnish (optional)

Prep Your Glass

Run a slice of lime around the rim.

Pour some salt into a shallow dish and gently run the rim of your glass through the salt.

The rim of a glass being dipped in a shallow dish of salt.

Fill the glass with ice.

Set aside.

Make Your Margarita

Place all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well, strain and pour into your prepared glass.

Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Enjoy!

Tips on a Margarita

How do I make this into a frozen margarita?

Easily! Combine everything (except the salt) with ¼ cup of ice in a high speed blender. Blend up and enjoy!

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Of course it's possible, but fresh juice is SUPER important in this recipe. There’s only 4 ingredients in these margaritas, so there's really no substitute for fresh limes. They really do make a different. You should need 1 lime per drink. Be sure to roll your limes on the counter while pressing down firmly to release as much juice as possible before slicing into them.

How do I make simple syrup?

Simple syrup is literally white sugar dissolved into hot water. That's it! You can make it using a coffee cup and a microwave. Head over to my DIY Cocktail Syrups page for instructions and ratios for making simple syrup. Don't forget to make your syrup ahead of time so it can cool completely before you use it.

What kind of salt should I use on the rim?

You can use whatever salt you have on hand for rimming your glass. Coarse or flake salt are delicious and look nice on a rim. However, I often use table salt as it adheres nicely to the glassware (and honestly I'm lazy and that's what's hanging out in my kitchen).

Do I have to use Silver Tequila?

I love the fresh taste of silver (non-aged) tequila over reposado tequila, which is aged in oak barrels for a few months and has an amber color. If you prefer the flavors of Reposado tequila for your margaritas, feel free to swap out the silver tequila for its amber counterpart.

What can I use besides triple sec?

Any orange liqueur - or even a little orange juice - will work here instead of the triple sec. Grand Marnier and Cointreau are two of the most popular, and widely available orange liqueurs. If you want it to be Michigan-made, Long Road Distillers makes a delicious orange liqueur that works great in margaritas.