A margarita is recognized the whole world over, and its simple recipe is as equally alluring for its taste. But margarita recipes don't need to be the same or follow the rules. By mixing it up with unusual ingredients and juicy flavors, you can make a delicious margarita for any taste. Each margarita recipe is so easily customized, salt or sugar rim, extra sour or extra sweet, there's one for all.
Classic Margarita
The classic margarita is like greeting a familiar friend.
Ingredients
- Lime wedges and salt for garnish
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce sour mix, equal parts lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- Ice
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, sour mix, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with second lime wedge.
Blended Margarita
A blended margarita is for those afternoons when you want your margarita with an extra chill factor.
Ingredients
- Lime wheel, lime wedge, and salt for garnish
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce sour mix
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- ¾ cup ice
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a blender, add ice, tequila, sour mix, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Pulse to blend to desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Skinny Margarita
If you're looking for a lighter version of a margarita or want it a little less sweet, give this recipe a try.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge, and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce agave, to taste
- Ice
- Lime wheel
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Spicy Margarita
This is the perfect recipe for those that like their margaritas on the spicy side. Add additional jalapeño slices if you want more heat.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce sour mix, equal parts lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- 2-3 fresh jalapeño slices, to taste, plus additional for garnish
- Ice
Ingredients
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices and splash of sour mix.
- Add ice, tequila, sour mix, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slice.
Spicy Mango Margarita
This tropical margarita has a spicy flair and an herbaceous touch.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and tajin or chili powder to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 3 ounces mango juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 fresh jalapeño slices
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce basil simple syrup OR 2 fresh basil leaves and ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the tajin on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the tajin to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices and splash of basil simple syrup.
- Add ice, tequila, mango juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and basil simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slice and basil sprig.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
This refreshingly spicy margarita is a popular combination, one sip and you'll understand why.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and tajin or chili powder to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 3 ounces watermelon juice
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- 4 fresh jalapeño slices
- Ice
- Jalapeño slice and watermelon chunk for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the tajin on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the tajin to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices and lime juice.
- Add ice, tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with watermelon chunk and jalapeño slice.
Minty Melon Margarita
The best margarita for a shady summer afternoon or you need an escape from winter.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 3 ounces watermelon juice
- 1 ounce sour mix
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce mint simple syrup
- Ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, watermelon juice, sour mix, orange liqueur, and mint simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Strawberry Margarita
Consider a berry forward margarita when you're looking to shake up your margarita a little differently.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce strawberry liqueur
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
- Lime wedges and strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, lime juice, strawberry liqueur, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lime wedge and strawberry.
Blended Strawberry Margarita
The original berry margarita, but obviously way cooler. Additional strawberry syrup can be added to taste.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce strawberry liqueur
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce strawberry syrup, to taste
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ cup ice
- Strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a blender, add ice, tequila, sour mix, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Pulse to blend to desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with strawberry.
Skinny Strawberry Margarita
A margarita that focuses on fresh ingredients, perfect for when you have an abundance of strawberries.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ ounce strawberry liqueur
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- 4 whole strawberries
- Ice
- Mint sprig and strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and lime juice.
- Add ice, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, strawberry liqueur, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint sprig and strawberry.
Coconut Margarita
The perfect drink if you can't decide between a piña colada or margarita. If you want extra coconut flavor, consider using coconut tequila.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1½ ounces cream of coconut
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- Ice
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, cream of coconut, lime juice, orange liqueur, and pineapple juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lime slice.
Blended Coconut Margarita
The solution for when you're wondering what to sip on a Friday afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces cream of coconut
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ cup ice
- Pineapple chunk for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a blender, add ice, tequila, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur.
- Pulse to blend to desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with pineapple chunk, if desired.
Pineapple Margarita
A delicious twist with a tropical taste.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce agave
- Ice
- Pineapple chunk and pineapple leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with pineapple chunk and leaves.
Blended Punch Margarita
For those who want a fruit-forward margarita and don't want to choose which one.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and pink sugar to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 1 ounce strawberry liqueur
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce grenadine
- ¾ cup ice
- Cherry and pineapple chunk for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the pink sugar on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the sugar to coat.
- In a blender, add ice, tequila, juices, liqueurs, and grenadine.
- Pulse to blend to desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with cherry and pineapple chunk.
Honeydew Margarita
A tasty margarita that uses Midori for extra color and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce Midori
- 1 ounce sour mix
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
- Honeydew melon chunk and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, Midori, sour mix, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with honeydew melon chunk and mint sprig.
Blended Honeydew Margarita
A vibrant green margarita that's just as tasty as it is colorful.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1½ ounces Midori
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ cup ice
- Orange wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, add ice, tequila, Midori, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
- Pulse to blend to desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glass.
- Garnish with orange wheel.
Mezcalita
The smoky, sultry cousin of the margarita, don't overlook this cocktail.
Ingredients
- Lime wedges and salt to rim the glass and for garnish
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 1 ounce sour mix
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Ice
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, mezcal, sour mix, orange liqueur, agave, and orange bitters.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with second lime wedge.
Cadillac Margarita
This follows the traditional margarita recipe but uses top-shelf ingredients. Order with caution at a bar, and expect a big sticker price!
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces Patrón silver tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- ½ ounce agave
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce homemade simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, agave, citrus juices, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Mermaid Margarita
Named for the blue ocean color, this is a memorable margarita.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce blue curaçao
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ ounce agave
- Ice
- Orange wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, blue curaçao, citrus juices, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with orange wheel.
Grapefruit Tart-rita
A tarter, sour margarita, this isn't for the faint of heart. If you want a little extra something, top off with grapefruit club soda.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce agave
- Ice
- Grapefruit wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, grapefruit juice, citrus juices, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks or highball glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with grapefruit wheel.
Tart and Spicy Margarita
This margarita is a world of flavors, with a powerful punch.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3-4 fresh jalapeño slices, plus 1 for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices and lime juice.
- Add ice, tequila, grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, agave, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slice.
April's Margarita
A margarita reminiscent of a spring day, it's both refreshing and light. If you want extra cucumber flavor, consider infusing tequila.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce agave
- 3-4 fresh cucumber slices
- Ice
- Cucumber slice and mint for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber slices and lime juice.
- Add ice, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with cucumber slice.
Juicy Watermelon Margarita
One of the simplest takes on a margarita, it's a refreshing cocktail for any day or time.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 4 ounces watermelon juice
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ ounce agave
- Ice
- Watermelon chunk for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, watermelon juice, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with watermelon chunk.
Shirley's Margarita
Consider this Shirley Temple's margarita.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce raspberry liqueur
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce agave
- Lemon-lime soda to top off
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, raspberry liqueur, orange liqueur, lime juice, grenadine, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into highball or rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Mystery Margarita
Don't be fooled by this classic appearing margarita, the first sip with fill you with delight and surprise.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and chili salt to rim the glass
- 1 ounce silver tequila
- ¾ ounce reposado tequila
- ¾ ounce lychee liqueur
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce agave
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub rim of glass with lime wedge.
- With the chili salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequilas, lychee liqueur, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
Mix Up the Margarita
Consider a new margarita recipe, be it a new take on the classic recipe or throwing in fruit and herbs to make something that utilizes your favorite flavors. There's no reason to be bored with margaritas--there's a recipe fitting for those looking for something lighter, something sweeter, something spicier, or something that'll leave you wondering how you never tried that eyebrow-raising combination before.