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Did you know there's only 4 ingredients in the perfect Classic Margarita on the rocks (not including the ice ???? so I guess 5 but water never really counts ????). Just 4! It's ridiculously simple, and just SO good. Concerning ingredients, I prefer to go for the good stuff. If you're making a margarita from scratch, definitely invest in a bottle of Cointreau. This orange liquor has great, yet subtle flavor that won't overpower your drink and will literally save you the headache of the over sweetened, $6-8 bottles of triple sec. Totally worth it.
I don't know about you, but I one hundred thousand percent prefer my Classic Margaritas on the rocks. Not going to lie, those first I-just-turned-21 days, I was definitely all about a blended margarita. Nope. Not anymore. Blending the ice inevitably waters down your drink much quicker and also takes away from the sweet orange of the Coiuntreau, the tang of the lime juice, and of course, the delicious burn of Tequila. On the rocks, a classic margarita truly shines.
Lastly, I know it's a pain but try and use fresh lime juices as best you can. It can be so obxnious juicing all those limes but sip a margarita with fresh limes versus one with bottled juice, and you'll instantly taste the difference. Trust.
PS. Pair these Classic Margaritas with some of my favorites over in the Mexican recipes section. Sure to make an appearance at my table this year? Mango Salsa and my go to Black Bean Enchilada Casserole. Drink up friends ????!
Classic Margaritas On the Rocks
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Reposado tequila
- 2 ounces Cointreau (you can also use triple sec)
- 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce sweetened lime juice (optional, otherwise use another ½ ounce fresh lime juice)
- Agave nectar or simple syrup to sweeten, as desired
- Coarse salt and lime slices to garnish
Instructions
- Run a lime slice along the rim of your margarita glass. Dip the rim the glass onto a small plate with coarse salt until coated. Set aside.
- Mix tequila, cointreau, and lime juices together in a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined.
- Taste and add sweetener as desired. Start with a small amount, ¼ to ½ teaspoon. Mix after each addition and taste again (I prefer mine with little to no sweetener but most people like a touch of sweet).
- Fill salt rimmed glasses with ice. Pour the margarita mix in the cocktail shaker over the ice. Garnish with a lime slice and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
Ian says
This is the standard recipe. If you don't have sweetener available you can try small amounts od fresh orange juice.