Original Margarita Recipe

The Original Margarita Recipe is a classic cocktail recipe that is made with tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, lime juice, and syrup. Rim the glass with salt or sugar for your next happy hour at home.

This classic margarita is a simple and delicious drink recipe that is sure to step up your at-home cocktail hour. It is made with few ingredients, including fresh lime juice and maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Today I will be serving it on the rocks (which is my personal favorite), but all of the ingredients can be added to the blender along with the ice for a frozen version. 

Previously I have shared recipes on the blog for a Jalapeno Margarita and a Kombucha Margarita, but it occurred to me that I had not shared a recipe for the original version. So we are going to circle back and fix that as I share this classic recipe with you. As you may notice it is very similar to the other recipes and this basically serves as the base for all margaritas. 

Most margarita recipes use simple syrup which is a mixture of part sugar and part water. You can make this mixture yourself or purchase it, but I prefer to use maple syrup. It really comes down to preference, so go with whichever you like, it is your kitchen...or bar...and your rules.  

Let's get started with this refreshing margarita recipe!

What ingredients are needed for this original margarita?

1. Tequila - This comes down to preference, for this recipe I used a reposado tequila. This tequila is aged in oak for two months up to a year and this softens the taste a bit making it perfect for using in margaritas. Other tequilas that are available are blanco, joven, anejo, and mixto. 
2. Orange-flavored liqueur - For this, you may substitute orange juice. However, some particular brands of orange-flavored liqueur that are available are Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Curaçao. Go with whichever you prefer, I enjoy Cointreau personally for margaritas. 
3. Lime juice - Use fresh limes for the juice or a lime juice that is 100% lime juice without any other additional ingredients. This is the most important part of the margarita in my opinion so fresh lime juice is the best option. 
4. Maple syrup - This twist really takes the flavor profile of a margarita up a notch. It provides so much depth and I prefer to use it instead of simple syrup. If you prefer to use simple syrup, simply mix one part granulated sugar and mix with one part warm water until the sugar dissolves. 
5. Salt or sugar - Coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or large flake salt work the best to rim the glass. If you prefer to use sugar, then I love to use raw cane sugar. This again comes down to preference, there is really no wrong answer here. 
6. Ice - Crushed or cubed. For a frozen version, add all of the ingredients into a blender along with the ice and blend to your likeness. 

How to make a margarita from scratch:

Begin the recipe by using a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid to combine together the tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, lime juice, and maple syrup together. 

Place the top/lid on the shaker or jar and carefully shake for 10 to 15 seconds.

Pour the mixture from the shaker or jar into the glass. Top with a lime wedge for garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Tips to make the best margarita recipe:

• Be sure to use fresh lime juice for this recipe. For an ounce use approximately the juice of 1 ½ small limes. 
• Rim the glass with salt or sugar. If you prefer to use salt, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt. For a sweet margarita, rim the glass with raw sugar. 
• If this margarita is too strong in terms of alcohol, adjust to your preference or allow the ice to melt a little before drinking to dilute. 
• You may substitute orange juice in the same unit of measure for the orange-flavored liqueur. 
• Double or triple the recipe as needed. 

Need more simple cocktail recipes? Try these:

• Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
• Kombucha Margarita 
• Blackberry Thyme Mocktail
• Margarita Cupcakes

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this Original Margarita Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe