Perfect Margarita (with Cointreau!)

Here’s the perfect margarita recipe! This Cointreau margarita has pristine flavor from the classic balance of tequila and lime.

What’s the in perfect margarita? We’re glad you asked. After making 200+ homemade cocktail recipes, the margarita still wins. The balance of tequila, orange liqueur and lime is so pristine that we can’t get enough of it. This classic 1930’s cocktail has stood the test of time: because it’s just that, well…perfect. Here we’ll 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 1930’s, and there are lots of competing origin stories. It’s most likely a variant on the the Brandy Daisy (margarita means “daisy” in Spanish). The Daisy is a family of drinks with base liquor, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water.

The margarita became popular during Prohibition, when Americans would travel to Mexico to get alcohol. It went on to become a classic and has stood the test of time. But it’s also spawned many, many variations that have diluted the classic way to make it. For perfect margarita recipe, we recommend the definition by the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. The ingredients in the perfect margarita are:

• 1 ½ oz tequila
• 1 oz 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’s the difference between Cointreau vs Triple Sec? Here’s what to know:

• Cointreau makes the perfect margarita. It’s balanced between bitter and sweet, with warm spices that add complexity and nuance. It has a fragrant aroma and a smooth, clean finish.
• Triple Sec has a more straightforward orange flavor with less depth. It’s also cheaper, but we highly recommend the few extra dollars for grabbing a bottle of Cointreau.

What else can you make with a bottle of Cointreau? So many things! Try our Cointreau Drinks like the Sidecar, Cosmo, and more.

Best tequila for a margarita

What tequila makes the perfect margarita? Well, you can use any brand: but we have a preference on the type! Here’s what we’ve found is the best tequila for margaritas:

• Tequila reposado makes the best margarita. Tequila marked “reposado” is aged from 2 to 12 months. It has a complex flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.
• Tequila blanco also works, but it has a more straightforward flavor with that signature tequila burn. Resposado makes a better drink every time!

How to make a perfect margarita: single drink

Once you’ve got your tequila reposado and Cointreau: you’re ready to make the perfect margarita! For a single drink, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. Here’s what to do:

• Make the salt rim. The best salt to use is kosher salt or flaky sea salt: it has the best texture. (Of course, don’t use table salt!) Place it in a single layer on a plate. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run it around the glass. Dip the outside rim of the glass in the salt.
• Shake up the ingredients. Place the tequila, Cointreau and lime in a shaker with 2 handfuls of ice and shake!
• Strain and garnish. The perfect margarita is served on the rocks with ice. Try clear ice if you can: it’s crystal clear artisan style ice that looks just like a fancy bar. It’s easy to make: just think 24 hours in advance.

Or, make a Cointreau margarita pitcher!

Want to make 8 servings of this perfect Cointreau margarita? You can make a margarita pitcher instead. The important thing about a pitcher: you’ll need to add a specific amount of ice to help dilute the drink like a shaker would. Here’s how to make a Cointreau margarita pitcher that makes 8 servings:

• 1 ½ cups tequila
• 1 cup Cointreau
• 1 cup lime juice
• 3 handfuls ice

Add the ice and stir until cold. That’s it!

More margarita recipes & variations

There are lots more margarita recipes that are riffs on the classic! We’ve got spicy, skinny, fruity, and more. Here are a few more resources:

• 15 Best Homemade Margarita Recipes Try all our favorites: jalapeno, mezcal, pineapple, Cadillac, and more.
• Triple Sec Margarita Only got Triple Sec? Make this marg. (Here’s the best triple sec to use.)
• Grand Marnier Margarita Use top-shelf orange liqueur for this margarita variation!
• Patron Margarita Try top-shelf Patron Silver tequila for a smooth finish.

This perfect margarita recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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