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Classic Margarita

Classic Margarita – On the Rocks or Frozen

This classic margarita recipe is perfectly tart, smooth, and refreshing—great on the rocks or frozen! Made with fresh lime juice and good tequila, it’s perfect for taco nights, happy hour, or any celebration!
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Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: backyard barbecue, Cinco de Mayo, happy hour drinks, Poolside Drinks, summer cocktails
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Jennifer Locklin
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Ingredients

For Margaritas on the Rocks

For Frozen Margaritas

Instructions

How to Prepare the Glasses

    Rim with Lime Salt:

    • Pour lime salt rimmer onto a small plate.
    • Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass.
    • Dip the rim into the lime salt, coating evenly.
    • Set the glasses aside to dry slightly before filling.

    How to Make Margaritas on the Rocks

      Mix the Margaritas:

      • In a large pitcher, combine tequila, Cointreau, kosher salt, fresh lime juice, frozen limeade concentrate, and water.
      • Stir well until the frozen limeade is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well blended.

      Serve Over Ice:

      • Fill the prepared glasses with plenty of ice.
      • Stir the pitcher again just before serving.
      • Pour the margarita mix over the ice in each glass.

      Garnish and Enjoy:

      • Garnish each glass with a lime wheel.
      • For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh jalapeños to the pitcher before serving.

      How to Make Frozen Margaritas

        Blend the Ingredients:

        • In a blender, combine tequila, Cointreau, frozen limeade concentrate, and kosher salt. Do not add water.
        • Add a handful of crushed ice and blend until slushy.

        Achieve the Perfect Texture:

        • While blending, gradually add more ice, a handful at a time.
        • Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.

        Serve and Garnish:

        • Pour into the prepared, salt-rimmed glasses.
        • Garnish each with a lime wheel.
        • Serve immediately and enjoy!

        Notes

        Ingredient Substitutions:
        • Tequila: Swap reposado for blanco or añejo tequila.
        • Cointreau: Use triple sec or Grand Marnier as alternatives.
        • Frozen Limeade: Substitute with simple syrup and extra fresh lime juice.
        • Salt: Use flaky sea salt mixed with lime zest for a brighter citrusy rim.
        Make-Ahead Tips:
        • The margarita mix (without ice) can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
        • For parties, pre-mix in a large pitcher and refrigerate. Stir well before serving.

        Nutrition

        Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg

        *Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.