What is the original recipe for a margarita?

The original margarita recipe is made with 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 oz lime juice, served with a salted rim.

What is the 321 rule for Margaritas?

The 3-2-1 margarita rule means 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, and 1 part lime juice—a foolproof formula for balance.

What are the 4 ingredients in a margarita?

Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and optional agave syrup or sugar for sweetness.

What is the best formula for Margaritas?

The best formula is the classic 3-2-1 ratio using quality tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

The Only Margarita Recipe You’ll Ever Need 🍹

The classic Margarita is one of the world’s most iconic cocktails, known for its perfect balance of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime. Simple, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable, this margarita recipe is the base for all the fun twists—like Prickly Pear Margarita, Blood Orange Margarita, and Apple Cider Margarita.

About This Margarita

Legend has it the Margarita cocktail was born in Mexico in the 1930s or 40s. Built on the 3-2-1 margarita ratio—3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec, 1 part lime—it’s tart, crisp, and endlessly satisfying. From Cinco de Mayo parties to Long Island beach cookouts, this classic margarita recipe is always a hit.

Pro link: Planning a margarita bar? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to size up tequila and mixers by guest count.

Ingredients

2 oz blanco tequila
1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Ice
Garnish: lime wheel, salt rim (optional)

Steps

Prep the glass. Salt the rim of a coupe or rocks glass (optional). Fill with ice if serving on the rocks.
Shake. In a shaker, add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and optional agave with ice. Shake 12–15 seconds.
Strain. Double-strain into the prepared glass (up for silky texture, or over fresh ice).
Garnish. Add a lime wheel and toast to simplicity.

Tips

Quality tequila: Use a 100% agave blanco tequila for clean flavor.
Fresh juice: Always squeeze limes fresh—bottled juice dulls the drink.
Balance: Adjust agave syrup to taste, depending on how tart your limes are.

Variations

Frozen Margarita: Blend with 1 cup ice for a slushy version.
Spicy Margarita: Muddle jalapeño slices before shaking.
Fruit Margaritas: Try Blood Orange, Prickly Pear, or Apple Cider.

Party Batch (8 drinks)

2 cups (16 oz) tequila
1 cup (8 oz) orange liqueur
1 cup (8 oz) fresh lime juice
2 oz agave syrup (optional)

Combine in a pitcher, chill 1–2 hours, and stir before serving. Pour 4–5 oz per drink over ice.

When to Serve

The Margarita is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, pool parties, or weddings. Need staff? Hire a Bartender and let us batch & garnish on site.

Explore more cocktail recipes or seasonal favorites: Summer Cocktails.

Margarita Recipe