Classic Salt-Rim Margarita
This classic margarita keeps things simple: crisp lime juice, smooth tequila, a touch of orange liqueur, and a neatly salted rim for that familiar first sip. It’s an easy home cocktail for happy hour, taco night, or any casual get-together where you want something bright and refreshing.
Recipe at a glance
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Prep time: 8 minutes
- Chill time: 5 minutes, optional
- Total time: 13 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lime wedge, for the rim
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt, for the rim
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup, plus more to taste
- 1 cup ice, plus more for serving
- 1 lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the salt onto a small plate. Run the lime wedge around the outer edge of a rocks glass or margarita glass. Dip just the outside of the rim into the salt so the crystals cling in an even band. Set the glass aside.
- If you want a fully chilled drink, place the rimmed glass in the freezer for 5 minutes while you mix the cocktail.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and the drink is well mixed.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. The finished drink should look glossy and taste bright, tart, and lightly sweet, with the salt enhancing each sip.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve right away.
Tips, serving ideas, and easy swaps
For a less sweet margarita, start with 1/4 ounce simple syrup instead of 1/2 ounce. If you like a softer edge, use fine salt on the rim, but keep it on the outside of the glass so the first sip doesn’t turn overly salty.
For a simple variation, swap in mezcal for half of the tequila for a lightly smoky finish. If you’re making drinks for a group, you can also mix the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time; just keep it chilled and add ice only when serving.
Serve this margarita with chips and salsa, guacamole, grilled shrimp, or simple tacos. It’s especially good when the food is savory and the drink can bring a bright, citrusy lift.
Storage notes
Leftover margarita mix can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 2 days, but it tastes freshest the day it’s mixed. Store it without ice so it doesn’t water down. If you’re batching ahead, keep the salted rims off the glasses until just before serving so the salt stays crisp and the glass doesn’t turn damp.
As with any alcoholic drink, enjoy responsibly and keep a glass of water nearby if you’re serving cocktails over a longer gathering. It’s a simple habit that helps balance the evening.
