This Limeade Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic! My go-to all summer long and made with only a handful of ingredients. You get a burst of zesty flavor with a hint of sweetness making it the perfect antidote to boring beverages!
Love tequila? Honestly, same! Be sure to try some of my other go-to cocktails like my Paloma Cocktail, Tequila Mojito, Strawberry Lemonade Margarita (fan favorite), and my Favorite Pineapple Margarita!
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. One Sweet Appetite and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
Why This Is The BEST Margarita Recipe
- Easy: The perfect beginner cocktail! As easy as measure, shake, and pour.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need FOUR super simple ingredients making this a go-to for parties.
- Tested Over 30 Times: I took one for the team and made this recipe over 30 times to make sure that I got the flavor balance just right!
I love tequila. It’s my go-to anytime we are out for dinner or whipping up batch cocktails for parties. THIS cocktail recipe ranks at the very top of my list. It’s so simple to make and has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s also so dang easy, thanks to the use of mone of my favorite mixers.
In as little as five minutes, you can have this margarita ready to go and happy hour can begin!
Simple Margarita Recipe 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!
Limeade Margarita Recipe
Ready to see just how easy this recipe really is? It makes a single serving. If you’re looking for a serving for a crowd, check out my pitcher margarita.
- PREP: Make a batch of margarita salt, if using. Line the rim of your glasses with the salt.
- MEASURE: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
- SHAKE: Shake 30 seconds or until mixed.
- POUR: Strain the margarita into a salt rimmed and ice filled glass.
- ENJOY: Top with limeade. Enjoy.
Helpful Tools
- Cocktail Shaker: I like to serve these on the rocks, which makes this cocktail shaker (affiliate) super handy!
- Jigger: These handy cocktail tools make measuring super quick and easy! I like the Oxo Jigger (affiliate).
- Margarita Glasses: Not necessary, but such a fun addition! I am really loving these shorter glasses (affiliate).
Recipe Notes:
Yes. You can serve margaritas blended or on the rocks.
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!
Yes. You can turn this into a mocktail by leaving out the tequila and triple sec. Add just a splash of orange juice to the limeade and serve over ice or blended.
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.
Technically, 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.
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 lime zest. This will give you smaller lime zest pieces vs big chunks.
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Easy Margarita Recipe
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
- 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.
Notes
How to make margarita salt:
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Sugar
- Lime Zest
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Comments & Reviews
Gini says
I was a little confused about the lime salt. You said to use a fine grater or zester for the sugar. I think you meant for the lime right? Haven’t tried making the margarita yet. I’m making little gifts of lime salt to give in my families stockings. 🙂
Jesseca says
Yes, Gini. That was a typo and is fixed. I love the idea of lime salts for stockings! great idea.