A classic margarita on the rocks begins with fresh lime juice and premium tequila.

Image Credit: Twenty20/@alecartidiello To make the best margarita on the rocks, start with a simple, classic margarita recipe. From there you can always tweak the ingredients to make the classic cocktail to suit your individual tastes. Starting with the best ingredients is key. Opt for fresh-squeezed lime juice instead of a mix, and use premium tequila if you can. Choose a tequila made from 100 percent agave and a high-quality orange liqueur for flavoring. Keeping it simple lets you enjoy the pure flavor of the classic margarita on the rocks, without unnecessary added flavorings or sweeteners.

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Step 1

Place a handful of fine sea salt on a small plate.

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Step 2

Rub a damp paper towel along the edge of a margarita glass to moisten the rim of the glass.

Step 3

Turn the glass upside down and place the damp rim in the salt, spinning the glass to make sure the rim is covered in salt.

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Step 4

Squeeze 1 oz. of fresh lime juice, by hand or using a citrus juicer, into a small bowl and set aside.

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Step 5

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the tequila, the orange liqueur and the lime juice.

Step 6

Shake the ingredients in the mixer until they are chilled.

Step 7

Fill the salted margarita glass with ice, then strain the drink from the cocktail shaker into the glass.

Things You'll Need

Citrus squeezer Lime Sea salt Plate Margarita glass Paper towel Cocktail shaker 1 1/2 oz. tequila 1/2 oz. orange liqueur, such as Cointreau Tip Garnish the margarita with a lime wedge.

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  references & resources
  
      Chow; Perfect Margarita Recipe; Lessley Anderson
    
      "Smithsonian"; The History of the Margarita; Lisa Bramen; May 2009
       




  references & resources
  
      Chow; Perfect Margarita Recipe; Lessley Anderson
    
      "Smithsonian"; The History of the Margarita; Lisa Bramen; May 2009
    




A classic margarita on the rocks begins with fresh lime juice and premium tequila.

Image Credit: Twenty20/@alecartidiello

Image Credit: Twenty20/@alecartidiello

  • Citrus squeezer
  • Lime
  • Sea salt
  • Plate
  • Margarita glass
  • Paper towel
  • Cocktail shaker
  • 1 1/2 oz. tequila
  • 1/2 oz. orange liqueur, such as Cointreau

Garnish the margarita with a lime wedge.

      Chow; Perfect Margarita Recipe; Lessley Anderson
    
      "Smithsonian"; The History of the Margarita; Lisa Bramen; May 2009