Step-by-Step Margarita Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Drink
Cut fresh lime wedges and squeeze them directly into a glass. Crush the fruit in the glass with the tequila and agave syrup. Top with ice and stir. Garnish with chopped lemon and lime!
The Margarita cocktail is widely recognized in the United States and almost all over the world. It has the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and salty, and is simply delicious. For many, it evokes the taste of summer, vacation and fun. Whether you prefer it on its own, on the rocks or in a frozen version, the way to enjoy a Margarita drink depends on your preferences and mood.
From the traditional Margarita drink recipe with classic Margarita ingredients, such as tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, to our exclusive version with local honey, discover how to prepare Margaritas that satisfy your palate. At Olmeca Altos, we teach you how to prepare the best versions of the Margarita mix. The best part? Margarita recipes are quite simple, which minimizes the chances of making mistakes. If you want to enjoy a refreshing Margarita mix, here’s a perfect recipe you’ll love.
Ingredients to make the original Margarita cocktail
If you are wondering what is the original margarita recipe, here you have the basic ingredients for a classic Margarita drink, a cocktail that many people love, and everything you need to know about them:
- 60 ml / 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
- 30 ml / 1 part of your favorite sweetener (such as triple sec, agave syrup or local honey)
- 30 ml / 1 part of citrus juice
- Coarse salt for the glass rim
- A lime wedge for garnish
Remember the simple 2-1-1 rule: 2 parts tequila, 1 part sweetener, and 1 part lime juice. This easy-to-remember ratio ensures you’ll never forget how to make the perfect Margarita cocktail, whether you’re mixing one drink or preparing a pitcher for friends.
Tequila is the soul of the authentic mexican margarita recipe, any brand will work, but a quality tequila such as Olmeca Altos Plata tequila or mid or high end such as Olmeca Altos Reposado tequila can make all the difference. Many margarita recipes call for freshly squeezed lime juice. Always have a few extra limes on hand, useful for both the garnish and the signature rim.
What makes a homemade Margarita refreshing is the harmonious blend of sweet orange and bitter lime. An orange-flavored triple liqueur, such as Cointreau, or a quality cognac, such as Grand Marnier, provide a sweetness that balances the lime juice beautifully. You can also opt for a Mexican liqueur like Controy, agave syrup or another simple syrup of your choice as a sweetener.
Steps to create the classic Margarita drink
The old fashioned Margarita is undoubtedly one of the easiest cocktails to make, but mastering the technique ensures consistently delicious results. If you’ve been searching for an easy Margarita recipe to make at home, you’re in luck.
Start by gathering your essential margarita tools: a bar mat to protect your workspace, a cocktail shaker for proper mixing, a citrus juicer and a jigger for accurate measurements. Having everything ready ensures a smooth preparation process.
To create the classic salted rim, begin by running a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then gently roll the rim in coarse salt using a circular motion. This creates the perfect amount of salt coverage on the outside of the glass.
Next, pour the tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur into your cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Then shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty. Give the mix a quick taste and adjust – if you prefer it sweeter, add your preferred sweetener and shake again briefly.
Finally, strain the mixture into your prepared glass, either neat or over ice depending on your preference. Complete your masterpiece by garnishing with a lime wedge and enjoy your perfectly crafted Margarita recipe!
There are several fruity versions of the original Margarita that add fruity flavors and aromas to this cocktail. Explore our complete margarita flavors article to discover exciting variations. If you are looking for more options to keep discovering drinks, check out our best cocktail recipes.
How to make a Margarita pitcher (6 to 8 servings)
Whether you’re hosting a rooftop party, a weekend BBQ, or just catching up with friends, a Margarita pitcher is the perfect way to bring people together. Now that you know how to make a classic margarita, here’s how to craft a bold, refreshing batch that keeps the Olmeca Altos flavor front and center, based on the previous ingredients:
- 480 ml / 8 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
- 240 ml / 4 parts of your favorite sweetener (triple sec, agave syrup, or local honey)
- 240 ml / 4 parts of lime juice
Stir all ingredients together in a large pitcher filled with ice. If you’re prepping ahead, mix everything but the ice and chill in the fridge. Serve over fresh ice in salt-rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wedge. It’s the easiest way to serve good vibes by the glass.
How many calories are in a traditional Margarita?
A homemade Margarita is a delicious drink, but like any coin there is always a double side. It’s important to keep in mind that alcohol is a carbohydrate with a high caloric content, with 7 calories per gram. When mixed with Margarita ingredients, such as triple sec and lime juice, a typical Margarita cocktail (approximately 77 grams) can contain around 200 calories.
For a complete breakdown of nutritional values and healthier alternatives, check out our comprehensive margarita nutritional information guide. Olmeca Altos recommends you try the Skinny Margarita, a smart option for those who want to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing taste.
Food pairings for the original tequila Margarita recipe
From delicious appetizers such as shredded chicken and cheese flautas to fresh seafood dishes, these suggestions will make your Margarita cocktail the perfect companion for any occasion. If you are a meat lover, pulled pork tacos are an excellent option to accompany your classic Margarita.
On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and fresher, seafood is a great choice. A shrimp ceviche, fish tacos or even fresh oysters are ideal companions for a homemade Margarita. The acidity of the lime juice in the Margarita enhances the marine flavors and creates a refreshing harmony.
What not to do preparing your classic Margarita cocktail
To prepare an authentic traditional margarita, it’s essential to begin with the proper glassware selection. Completely ditch plastic cups and opt for glass or ceramic instead, as you’ll achieve a much better taste. If you serve your drinks in plastic cups, they will inevitably taste like plastic, which will completely ruin the experience.
In addition to the traditional margarita glass, you may also use a rocks glass or an old fashioned glass as appropriate alternatives. However, it’s important to avoid using “sombrero” glasses or martini glasses as serving vessels, since we are preparing the traditional recipe and should remain faithful to the original margarita glass.
Finally, do not use slushie machines for this drink. The syrups used in slushies often contain artificial flavors and colorings that will ruin the flavor of your traditional margarita recipe. Similarly, avoid using shot glasses, as they are not appropriate for serving this drink properly.
Olmeca Altos top shelf Margarita recipe
Creating your own version of the famous Margarita mix has never been easier or more delicious. With just three simple ingredients, you can craft a refreshing cocktail that’s bursting with contrasts and will absolutely delight your senses. What makes this Olmeca Altos version truly special is our innovative twist on the classic recipe: we’ve incorporated local honey and diced lime and lemon cubes.
In this unique recipe, we expertly combine the exceptional smoothness of 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila with the bright acidity of fresh lemons and limes diced into small cubes – use a generous handful for maximum flavor impact. The mixture is then perfectly balanced with 2-3 tablespoons of local honey, which you can adjust to your personal taste preference.
The diced citrus cubes release their essential oils as you drink, creating an evolving flavor experience that sets this margarita apart from traditional versions, while the local honey provides a smooth, natural sweetness that complements the tequila’s character beautifully.
Ready to see this extraordinary Margarita recipe come to life? Watch our step-by-step video tutorial that demonstrates exactly how to make margaritas and discover the perfect technique for incorporating these distinctive ingredients.
Classic Margarita Origins
The iconic Margarita cocktail has captivated drinkers since the early 20th century, though the history of the Margarita and its exact place of invention remain fascinatingly controversial. Multiple theories continue to be debated about the origin of the perfect Margarita mix, and it remains somewhat of an enigma exactly how or when this beloved drink came to be.
One widely accepted theory suggests that the drink has its roots in Jalisco, Mexico, with its invention attributed to Carlos “Danny” Herrera, who allegedly created it for a customer allergic to most spirits except tequila. However, there’s another prominent narrative that places the Margarita’s origins in cocktail evolution rather than individual invention.
This theory relates that the Margarita drink actually evolved from the Daisy, a classic cocktail that was well-known at the time and featured a similar combination of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a splash of soda. Whether born from creative necessity in a Mexican cantina or developed as a natural progression from existing cocktail traditions, the Margarita has undeniably become one of the world’s most cherished mixed drinks.
To learn more about the fascinating stories and legends surrounding this iconic cocktail, explore our detailed history of margarita article.
Why Choose Olmeca Altos Tequila for Your Margarita
Olmeca Altos Plata stands out as the ideal choice for crafting an exceptional Margarita cocktail, thanks to its unique production methods and flavor profile that perfectly complements the drink’s classic elements. Olmeca Altos is crafted using traditional methods in the highlands of Jalisco, where the agave develops more complex flavors due to the higher altitude and volcanic soil.
This tequila origin results in natural sweetness and smoothness that provides the perfect foundation for any Margarita recipe. The 100% Blue Weber Agave used in Olmeca Altos undergoes a slow-cooking process in traditional brick ovens, followed by fermentation with natural yeast and double distillation in copper pot stills. This artisanal approach creates a tequila with exceptional purity and character that enhances rather than masks the bright citrus and orange liqueur flavors in your cocktail.
The Margarita represents the perfect fusion of traditional Mexican cocktail culture and accessible home bartending. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this classic cocktail delivers an unforgettable drinking experience that celebrates both quality and simplicity. Master these recipes, and you’ll have signature cocktails that are sure to impress at any gathering.
