Perfect Classic Margarita Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

Just as important as the style of tequila is the use of a high-quality orange liqueur. Part of the Daisy category of co*cktails, the Margarita calls for triple sec such as Cointreau for sweetness and balance. Though some may opt for agave nectar instead, the addition of the liqueur is what makes a true Margarita.

Combine the lime juice, lemon juice, Triple Sec, tequila, and ice in a blender and puree. Place extra ice in a co*cktail shaker. Fill with margarita mix, shake well, and strain into glasses.

By contrast to many of the diluted, super-sweet, and sometimes fizzy huge mugs of margaritas that are often served in restaurants around the world nowadays, a traditional margarita is actually a strong, tart co*cktail made with three simple ingredients — good-quality tequila, orange liqueur, and freshly-squeezed lime ...

Triple sec, a term used interchangeably with curaçao, is a type of orange liqueur that provides fruity flavors as well as sweet and bitter notes — all of which are essential for a well-made Margarita. Popular labels include Cointreau, Combier, Pierre Ferrand Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.

Orange liqueur (often Cointreau or another triple sec) typically brings sweetness to this drink, balancing the tart lime and tequila.

In a recent interview with InStyle, the First Ladies star revealed that her secret to making margaritas is sticking to the basics. She said, “It's basically silver tequila with lime juice shaken and over rocks. And some people like a little Cointreau, some don't.”

Fill the jug of a co*cktail shaker with ice, then pour in the tequila and triple sec. Squeeze in the lime juice, pop on the top part of your shaker, then shake hard for about 30 seconds to mix it all together and chill the liquid really well.

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

The recipe for the Margarita follows later that year in the December 1953 issue of Esquire magazine along with a suitably flowery description, "She's from Mexico, Señores, and she is lovely to look at, exciting and provocative." The recipe given is one-ounce tequila, a dash of triple sec and the juice of half a lime or ...

Which is better, triple sec or Cointreau? ›

While Cointreau is a premium option with a higher price point and ABV, triple sec is a more affordable and sweeter alternative. Regardless of your preference, Red & White offers both options for purchase, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your liquor needs.

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

In his book, Imbibe, co*cktail historian David Wondrich agrees that the margarita was invented during the above timeframe. He says that the drink evolved from The Daisy, a classic co*cktail popular at the time that mixed alcohol, citrus juice and grenadine, and served over shaved ice.