This easy margarita recipe combines tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and limeade for a quick and refreshing cocktail! Happy hour never tasted so good.
If you have been around here for a while, you’ll know that I have a big love for cocktails. Especially cocktails made with tequila.
With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner, I figured it’s high time I share my go-to margarita recipe. This recipe is SO EASY. It uses one of my favorite drinks as a mixer, Limeade.
This is completely not sponsored, but I highly suggest you use a more natural limeade in this drink. Simply limeade is the one I always reach for. The flavor is bold without an overwhelmingly sweet finish. Since a big part of the flavor comes from this ingredient, make sure it is one you love.
In as little as five minutes, you can have this drink ready to go and happy hour can begin!
The Best Margarita Recipe
Easy Margarita Ingredients:
Ready for the ingredients you will need to make the worlds easiest margarita? Note: I really love this because the ingredient list is so short + the tequila flavor shines through. If you like your drink on the sweet side I suggest adding in a simple syrup, but it is not necessary.
- Tequila- Reach for your favorite. I’ll talk a little more below on what we suggest for margaritas.
- Orange Liqueur- I used Combier, because we had a bottle open, but our all-time favorite option is Cointreau. A little more pricey, but well worth the splurge.
- Limeade- I suggest sticking with either a homemade limeade or a quality brand with limited additives. Simply Made is a fantastic option (not sponsored. Just a brand we love).
- Lime – I love a squeeze of fresh lime juice. My brother swears by a splash of orange juice. Both ways are equally delicious!
- Ice
- Margarita Salt, optional- but recommended!
Best tequila for margaritas:
This is such a deep question and one I have found has many answers. Our favorite tequila to use in a margarita is either a silver or blanco. A few great options that won’t break the bank are Tres Agaves, Lunazul, Camarena Silver. Prices range from $20 to $40 a bottle.
Do you have to use orange liqueur in a margarita?
Technically, no. You do not need to add orange liqueur (Triple Sec) into a margarita. However, it really does help balance the flavors by giving it an added fruity flavor and sweet and bitter notes. It is the key to a well rounded drink and helps pull all of the flavors together.
Is a margarita really a margarita if you don’t line the rim of your glass with salt?
Ok, so technically it is. BUT it is so much better when you have that added touch. Not to mention it adds some serious “wow” factor if you are serving to guests! We love to add a touch of sugar and lime to our rime salt.
How to make margarita salt:
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Sugar
- Lime Zest
Stir together 2 tablespoons of salt, two tablespoons of sugar, and the zest of one decent sized lime. Rub the edge of your glass with lime juice and roll in the salt mixture. Prepare your cocktail and serve.
Helpful tool: I suggest using a fine grater or zester for the sugar. This will give you smaller lime zest pieces vs big chunks.
Frozen or on the rocks: Which way to serve margaritas?
The great debate. Which is better? Frozen is more of a slushy. Margaritas are made in a blender giving you a fun chilling drink. On the rocks means your margarita is poured right over ice cubes.
I always opt for the second version. On the rocks seems to keep longer. The ice is in bigger pieces which means they melt a little slower.
That being said, it is really all personal preference. Make it whichever way you want and enjoy!
How to make a simple margarita recipe:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake 30 seconds or until mixed.
- Strain the margarita into a salt rimmed and ice filled glass.
- Top with limeade. Enjoy.
Easy, right? This recipe makes a single serving. I am working on a pitcher margarita and will hopefully have that coming your way soon!
Easy Margarita Recipe- Made with Limeade
This easy margarita recipe combines tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and limeade for a quick and refreshing cocktail! Happy hour never tasted so good.
Ingredients
- 3 oz tequila (a double shot)
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- Squeeze of lime (about half of one lime)
- 3/4 cup limeade
- Salt
Instructions
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake 30 seconds or until mixed.
3. Strain the margarita into a salt rimmed and ice filled glass.
4. Top with limeade. Enjoy.
Notes
Sometimes we skip the shaker and just mix everything in the glass.
How to make margarita salt:
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Sugar
- Lime Zest
Stir together 2 tablespoons of salt, two tablespoons of sugar, and the zest of one decent sized lime. Rub the edge of your glass with lime juice and roll in the salt mixture. Prepare your cocktail and serve.
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