What is a margarita?

One of the world's most famous, and most-loved, cocktails, the margarita is sharp refreshing blend of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. It's often served in a salt-rimmed glass.

How to make a margarita

First rub the rim of flared glasses – like martini glasses – with lime juice and then dip these into finely ground salt.

There are three ingredients to the drink: for each measure of tequila, add a half measure of freshly squeezed lime juice and half a measure of an orange liqueur; Triple-Sec is classic but Curaçao or Cointreau can be substituted.

Shake the mix in ice and pour into the glasses without disturbing the rim; you can serve a margarita straight up or over crushed or cubed ice. A thin wedge or slice of lime is the classic garnish.

See our frozen margarita recipe.

How to store a margarita

The ingredients will all last well at home but the mixed drink is definitely sharper when drunk soon after making. Make the salted rims shortly before serving or they'll dry and become too crusty to contribute to the drinking.

Where to buy a margarita

A favourite in bars across the world. Tequila is now available in many styles and qualities. Don’t spend too highly on a style you'll be blending into margaritas, as the subtle differences will be lost.

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