Craving a taste of something refreshing, tangy, and downright delightful? Look no further than this classic margarita recipe with Cointreau.
It's like a little vacation in a glass, with the zesty kick of lime, the kick of tequila, and just a hint of sweet orange liqueur to round it all out.
Whether you're unwinding after a long day or kicking off a weekend fiesta, there's nothing quite like the simple pleasure of a well-crafted margarita.
If you've been following along on my blog, you know I'm a big fan of adding that extra touch of magic to recipes with Cointreau.
From cocktails that make you feel like a mixologist extraordinaire to unexpected treats like boozy milkshakes and infused whipped cream, Cointreau has a special place in my heart—and my kitchen.
So, buckle up, because today we're diving into this easy-at-home margarita recipe. This will sure to make you a believer in the power of this timeless liqueur.
🥘 Ingredients & Tips
- Tequila (40 ml / 1 ½ oz)
- Opt for a high-quality tequila with 100% agave for the best flavor.
- Silver (Blanco) tequila works well for a clean, crisp taste, while reposado adds depth with its oak barrel aging.
- Using Mezcal adds a smoky depth to the cocktail.
- Cointreau (20 ml / ¾ oz)
- Cointreau is a premium orange liqueur with a balanced flavor of sweet and bitter orange peels.
- Its clear color and smooth texture make it perfect for enhancing the citrus notes in cocktails without overpowering them.
- Fresh lime juice (30 ml / 1 oz)
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Roll the lime on the countertop before juicing to release more juice.
- Sugar syrup (10 ml / ½ oz)
- Homemade sugar syrup adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the lime juice.
- Check out this recipe to make homemade sugar syrup!
- Cubed Ice (for the shaker)
- Use plenty of ice in the shaker to chill the ingredients quickly and dilute the cocktail slightly for a smoother taste.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to ensure proper mixing and a frothy texture.
- Salt rim (optional)
- If opting for a salt rim, use coarse salt for a satisfying crunch and a balanced contrast to the cocktail's acidity.
- Try a half rim (like I did in our Paloma Cocktail Recipe) first to gauge your preference for saltiness without committing fully.
🍸 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lime juice by cutting a lime in half, squeezing out the juice, and setting it aside.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and homemade sugar syrup to the shaker, one after the other.
Step 4: Close the
Step 5: Strain the mixture directly into a cocktail glass through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or pulp.
Step 6: Enjoy your perfectly mixed margarita!
🍸 Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute Agave Nectar for Simple Syrup:
- Swap out the simple syrup for agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness profile. Adjust the amount to taste, as agave nectar is sweeter than simple syrup.
- Try Different Citrus Juices:
- Experiment with different citrus juices, such as grapefruit, blood orange, or lemon, for a unique twist on the classic margarita.
- Experiment with Different Orange Liqueurs:
- While Cointreau is popular, you can try other orange liqueurs, such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, for a slightly different flavor profile. Each liqueur brings its own nuances to the cocktail, so explore to find your favorite.
- Make it Frozen:
- Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita variation. Adjust the amount of ice and liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Different Tequilas:
- Try using different types of Tequila, such as Reposado or Añejo, to add unique flavors and complexities to your margarita.
- Garnish Creatively:
- Get creative with your garnishes by adding slices of jalapeño, cucumber, or a sprig of rosemary for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.
🍽 Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: Check out our detailed post about different types of shakers to find the perfect one for you!
- Close-meshed sieve, fine strainer - small
- Jigger
- Cutting board & Sharp knife
- Lemon squeezer
- Cocktail glass
💭 Top tips
Salt rim—Skip the salt rim or make a half rim, as I did in our Paloma Cocktail Recipe, if you are not sure if you like it. The half rim helps you decide whether or not it’s something you fancy.
Why fine strain?
A Margarita is served shaken but without ice (straight up). Use a fine strainer to catch even the smallest pieces of ice that may splinter during shaking. This gives the drink its wonderfully smooth texture.
🙋🏻 FAQ
A margarita is typically made with tequila, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec), fresh lime juice, and sometimes simple syrup for sweetness.
Both Cointreau and Triple Sec are commonly used in margaritas, but Cointreau is often preferred for its higher quality and smoother flavor profile. However, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and budget.
Other Recipes with Cointreau for You to Try
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
Classic Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Close-meshed sieve, fine strainer small
- Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- Cubed Ice for the shaker
- 1 ½ oz Tequila
- ¾ oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- ½ oz Sugar syrup
Optional
- Salt Rim Half or full rim
Instructions
- Cut a lime in half, squeeze, and set the juice aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with Cubed Ice.Cubed Ice
- Add 1 ½ oz Tequila, ¾ oz Cointreau, 1 oz Fresh lime juice, and ½ oz Sugar syrup syrup one after the other.1 ½ oz Tequila, ¾ oz Cointreau, 1 oz Fresh lime juice, ½ oz Sugar syrup
- Close the cocktail shaker and shake.
- Then, pour directly into the cocktail glass (with or without Salt Rim) through a fine-mesh strainer.Salt Rim
Notes
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Ashley
Everyone needs a classic margarita recipe, and this one's the best! I loved your idea for the half salt rim--it's just the right amount!
Nora
Thank you, Ashley! Yeah, I especially appreciate the half-salt rim because it allows for flexibility based on my current mood.
Liz
I made a these for my book club and they were a hit! I had never used Cointreau before and it was a delicious change of pace!!
Nora
That is awesome, Liz! Thank you!
Gloria
What a fun drink for parties. Just in time for patio season. This will be a hit with friends.
Nora
Thank you! Let me know how you liked it, Gloria!
Stephanie
I get the best drink recipes from this website - and this margarita recipe is no exception! We enjoyed these for our first patio gathering of the season. So refreshing!
Nora
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I am so glad you like our recipes! 💕