Here’s the perfect margarita recipe! This Cointreau Margarita has an authentic flavor thanks to the classic balance of tequila and lime.
What is the perfect margarita? We’re glad you asked. After over 200 homemade cocktail recipes, the margarita always wins. The balance of tequila, orange liqueur and lime is so pure that you can’t get enough of it. This classic cocktail from the 1930s has stood the test of time: because it is, well…perfect. Here we show you how to make the perfect margarita using the classic ratio and Cointreau, the best orange liqueur for the job.
Ingredients for the perfect margarita recipe
The Margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktails in history. It was invented in Mexico in the 1930s, and there are many competing origin stories. It is most likely a variant of Brandy Daisy (margarita means “daisy” in Spanish). Daisy is a family of drinks with base liqueur, orange liqueur, lemon juice and soda water.
The margarita became popular during Prohibition when Americans traveled to Mexico to buy alcohol. It has become a classic and has stood the test of time. But it’s also spawned many, many variations that have watered down the classic approach. For the perfect margarita recipe, we recommend the International Bartender Association’s definition of official IBA cocktails. The ingredients in the perfect Margaritas are:
- 1½ ounces of tequila
- 1 ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau (we prefer Cointreau)
- ¾ oz lime juice
Why Cointreau makes the best margarita
Why Use Cointreau in a Margarita? Cointreau is a type of orange liqueur that’s a cut above triple sec, which is often used in this drink. What is the difference between Cointreau and Triple Sec? Here’s what you need to know:
- Cointreau makes the perfect margarita. It’s balanced between bitterness and sweetness, with warm spices adding complexity and nuance. It has a fragrant aroma and a smooth, clean finish.
- triple sec has a more direct orange flavor with less depth. It’s also less expensive, but we recommend the extra few bucks to snag a bottle of Cointreau.
What else can you do with a bottle of Cointreau? So many things! Try our Cointreau drinks like Sidecar, Cosmo and more.
Best tequila for a margarita
What tequila makes the perfect margarita? Well, you can use any brand, but we prefer the type! Here’s what we found is the best tequila for margaritas:
- Tequila Reposado makes the best margarita. Tequila labeled “Reposado” is aged for 2 to 12 months. It has a complex flavor with hints of oak and vanilla.
- Tequila Blanco works too, but it has a simpler flavor with that signature tequila burn. Resposado makes a better drink every time!
How to Make a Perfect Margarita: Unique Drink
Once you have your Tequila Reposado and Cointreau, you’re ready to make the perfect margarita! For a single drink you need a cocktail shaker. Here’s what to do:
- Make the edge of the salt. The best salt is kosher salt or sea salt flakes: it has the best consistency. (Of course, don’t use table salt!) Place on a plate in a single layer. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run it around the glass. Dip the outer rim of the glass in the salt.
- Shake the ingredients. Pour the tequila, Cointreau, and lime into a shaker with 2 handfuls of ice and shake!
- Filter and garnish. The perfect margarita is served over ice with ice. Try clear ice if you can: It’s artisanal-style crystal clear ice that looks like a chic bar. It’s very simple: just think 24 hours in advance.
Or make a Cointreau Margarita pitcher!
Want to make 8 servings of that perfect Cointreau Margarita? You can make a margarita pitcher instead. The most important thing about a pitcher: you have to add a certain amount of ice to dilute the drink like a shaker. To Prepare an 8-Serving Cointreau Margarita Pitcher:
- 1 1/2 cups of tequila
- 1 cup Cointreau
- 1 cup lime juice
- 3 handfuls of ice cream
Add ice and stir until cool. That’s it!
More margarita recipes and variations
There are many more margarita recipes that are riffs on the classic! We have spicy, lean, fruity and more. Here are some additional resources:
This perfect margarita recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
The description
Here’s the perfect margarita recipe! This Cointreau Margarita has an authentic flavor thanks to the classic balance of tequila and lime.
- 1½ ounce (3 tablespoons) Reposado Tequila (alternatively white tequila)*
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Cointreau
- ¾ ounce (1½ tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt or sea salt flakes for the rim
- Ice to serve (try clear ice)
- For the garnish: lime wedge
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then brush the lime over the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim in a plate of salt (or use our Salt Margarita for a festive look).
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salt rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
Remarks
*To make an 8-serving pitcher, combine in a pitcher: 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice. Add three handfuls of ice and stir until cool. Pour into individual glasses.
- Category: drink
- Method: Shocked
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Perfect Margarita, Perfect Margarita Recipe, Cointreau Margarita, Cointreau Margarita Recipe
