The Perfect Margarita

4.8
(43)
35 Reviews
8 Photos

This is the best margarita recipe I know! It has the perfect ratio of white tequila, high-quality triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice for the best-tasting margarita every time.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on March 5, 2024
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Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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mid angle looking at a glass of margarita garnished with lime slices
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What's Taco Tuesday without a delicious and fresh margarita? There's no need to go out to enjoy a tasty margarita when you have this recipe in your repertoire.

Chef John's margarita is created with the perfect ratio of ingredients that will give you the best-tasting margarita every single time.

Margarita Ingredients

Margaritas are incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients:

  • Tequila: Chef John recommends a good quality 100% agave white tequila.
  • Triple Sec: Use a high-quality triple sec for the best results.
  • Lime: You'll need freshly squeezed lime juice, plus lime slices for garnishing.
  • Salt: Use coarse salt for the rim of the glass.

How to Make a Margarita

When you make a margarita you'll want to follow Chef John's 4:3:2 ratio — which is different from the classic 3:2:1 ratio for a margarita. You'll find the full recipe below, but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make the perfect margarita recipe: Combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosted, then strain into a prepared glass.

Learn more: How to Make a Margarita

Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink

The Perfect Margarita

4.8
(43)
mid angle looking at a glass of margarita garnished with lime slices
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
1 margarita

Ingredients

  • 1 wedge lime

  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, or as needed

  • 1 large ice cube

  • 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

  • 2 fluid ounces white tequila

  • 1 ½ fluid ounces triple sec

  • 1 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 1 slice lime

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Overhead of a bowl of ice and margarita ingredients in various measuring cups.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Moisten the rim of a glass with a lime wedge. Sprinkle salt onto a plate. Lightly dip the moistened rim into the salt.

    Overhead of a salted rimmed glass, a plate of salt, and lime wedge.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Place a large ice cube in the glass and freeze the prepared glass until ready to serve.

  4. Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice. Add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker has frosted.

    Overhead of a shaker full of ice and three measuring cups filled with different margarita ingredients.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Strain margarita into the chilled glass and garnish with a slice of lime.

    mid angle looking at a glass of margarita garnished with lime slices

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Chef's Notes

For the best results, be sure to use fresh ice, fresh limes, and a nice bottle of triple sec, like Cointreau.

You'll also want to use a decent 100% agave white tequila, like the Don Abraham's Single Estate Blanco Tequila I enjoyed, but having said that, feel free to use one with a shorter name.

Some like to add a dash of agave nectar for a little extra sweetness, but I do not.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

321 Calories
0g Fat
30g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 321
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 331mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 1g 1%
Vitamin C 31mg 35%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 125mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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