Ah, the margarita. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser. And it’s no wonder: This famously sweet and tart drink can be served countless ways: frozen, on the rocks, salted rim or no salted rim, spicy, fizzy, fruity…the list goes on!
But there’s something about an authentic margarita – that traditional blend of Tequila, orange liquor, lime juice, sweetener, and salt – that makes it stand out from the countless other variations on the market. And with a few thoughtful tweaks, you can whip up a classic margarita that’s not just good – it’s unforgettable.
Let’s dive into what makes the PERFECT authentic margarita – along with our favorite Mexican margarita recipe.
What Makes a Great Margarita?
Quality Ingredients
An unforgettable margarita starts with quality ingredients. Look for Tequila made from 100% blue Weber agave – pure agave Tequila boasts a richer taste and less burn. The label should say “100% de agave” or “100% agave azul.”
And, of course, look for high-quality orange liquor. Top orange liquors typically have a high ABV (35-40%), are made from real orange peels, have a clear or slightly amber appearance, and are made from fresh ingredients vs. dried ones. But don’t stop there – use fresh limes and natural sweeteners like agave syrup, natural honey, or maple syrup to keep your margarita fresh and less artificial tasting. (While a bit unconventional, maple syrup pairs beautifully with a reposado Tequila and lends a deep, complex flavor.)
Flavor Balance
The perfect margarita is a harmonious blend of tartness, sweetness, and bitterness. Too much fresh lime juice can leave you with a drink that tastes sharp and unbalanced. Too much sweetener, though, can overpower the other flavors, making the drink one-note and heavy. And too much orange liquor can make your margarita too bitter to savor. To mix a well-balanced, delicious margarita, be sure to use the right ratios of ingredients (2 parts premium Tequila, 1 part orange liqueur and 1 part lime juice) and avoid “eyeballing” your measurements. Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go, adjusting the ingredients until the flavors are in harmony.
Real Lime Juice
You might be tempted (out of convenience) to use bottled lime juice when whipping up a batch of margaritas. However, we can’t emphasize enough just how much freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the quality of a margarita. Fresh lime juice adds a vibrant, zesty taste that pre-bottled lime juice just can’t replicate. It brings a natural brightness, a zing, a liveliness – while bottled lime juice can be overly acidic or artificial. So, we promise you: It’s worth the extra time (and mess) to squeeze your own limes.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Margarita
1. Tequila
We recommend 100% agave Blanco Tequila, otherwise known as silver or white Tequila. It’s the go-to for margaritas because of its minimal flavor profile, which allows the other drink flavors to shine.
2. Orange Liqueur
A Mexican cocktail deserves a Mexican orange liqueur made with locally sourced ingredients. Our distinguished liqueur, Alma Finca, made with fresh sweet and bitter oranges, Persian limes, citrus blossoms, and spices, gives any margarita a deep and complex taste that’s authentic and unforgettable.
3. Fresh lime juice
Look for fresh key limes or Persian limes. You’ll need 1 to 1.5 limes for 1 margarita. For batches of drinks, plan on using 6 to 8 limes. Pro tip: Use a citrus juicer, to maximize juice yield.
4. Natural sweetener
Agave syrup, honey, maple syrup, coconut milk, date syrup, stevia – the options for a natural sweetener are endless. Agave syrup is the most popular natural sweetener due to its Mexican origin (like the drink) and its mild sweet flavor that dissolves easily in drinks.
5. Salt (optional)
Kosher salt is the traditional choice for a margarita rim because its coarse grains don’t dissolve quickly and have a satisfying crunch. But if you’re looking for a unique flavor twist, consider flavored salts: Himalayan pink salt, chili salt, citrus-infused salt, or celery salt, for example.
The Best Margarita Recipe (In Our Opinion)
- ¾ parts Alma Finca
- 1 ½ parts Tequila
- ¾ parts Lime Juice
- ¼ parts Agave Syrup
- Salt Rim (optional)
Preparation: Add all of your ingredients with ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour over ice into a low-ball glass. Feelin’ fancy? Garnish with a lime wheel.
FAQs About the best margaritas
What kind of Tequila is best for margaritas?
We suggest a Blanco Tequila that’s distilled from 100% blue Weber agave, but there is no right or wrong option. For a richer and more complex-tasting margarita, opt for a gold Tequila, which is often a blend of reposado Tequila and Blanco Tequila. Reposado tequilas are often used in premium mixed drinks.
What type of glass should I serve margaritas in?
We recommend using traditional margarita glasses or rocks glasses. Ideally, you want a glass with a wide rim for easy salting and a clear color, to view the drink’s pleasing color and textures.
What’s the best way to salt a margarita glass?
Start by cutting a lime wedge and rubbing the wedge all over the rim of your glass to moisten it. Add a small amount of coarse salt to a plate and gently roll the rim of your glass in the salt, ensuring that the entire rim is coated in an even layer of granules. Tap off any excess by holding the glass upside down and gently tapping the sides.
Make Alma Finca Part of Your Best Margarita
However you choose to enjoy a margarita, do so responsibly. And be sure to make Alma Finca your go-to ingredient when you’re looking to make the best margarita recipe.
