A margarita from scratch is one of the great classic cocktails that anyone can make! Today, we’re sharing all of our favorite margarita recipes to celebrate all year long.
Learn about all the flavors and techniques for everything from a margarita on the rocks to dessert style margarita recipes with sorbet.
There’s a recipe for everyone in this incredible homemade margarita recipe collection, and we’re sharing our classic original recipe, too
I love a fresh, vibrant cocktail… maybe as much or more than I love a glass of wine. There’s just something so special and festive about shaking, mixing, stirring and creating. It’s so satisfying!
Around here, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo all year long. I don’t need a holiday to mix up an incredible homemade margarita on the rocks!
However, many of us are still spending quality time at home and Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. I thought it would be fitting (and FUN!) to do a margarita round-up to go along with all of my reader-favorite Tex Mex recipes!
Margarita from Scratch
A classic margarita is always fresh, flavorful and delicious. Those vibrant flavors just can’t be captured in a bottled margarita mix! Not only is it more satisfying to make your own, but you’ll have control over each and every addition.
Want to save a few calories but keep all that yummy fresh lime juice flavor? You’ll find a skinny margarita recipe here. Want more of a dessert cocktail? I’ve got those, too!
Any margarita craving you might have, there’s a recipe for that- and it’s always better when it’s homemade. Skip the mix and let’s get the cocktail shaker out! Are you ready?
Host a Margarita Bar
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for the ultimate fiesta! Guests can serve themselves and customize each cocktail.
Entertaining
Margarita Bar
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for fun and effortless entertaining. A margarita bar is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summertime holidays and events. Read More
15 mins
Our Secrets
Most scratch-made margaritas start with a few simple ingredients. Of course, there are so many variations and ways to enhance your experience, too! My favorite classic margarita will start with the following ingredients:
- Fresh lime juice. Purchasing bottled lime juice will do in a pinch, of course- but fresh is best. I have a juicer attachment for my mixer that makes fresh juice a breeze. Either way it’s significantly better than a store bought mix.
- Simple syrup, and it’s so simple to make. I’ll even let you purchase it at the store, just anything but sweet and sour mix, please!
- Great tequila. The tequila you choose can enhance or detract from the flavor. In fact, what many people don’t know is that often, the more expensive tequilas are NOT the ones you want for a margarita. Find out why in my tequila guide!
Drinks
The Ultimate Tequila Guide
Tequila has come a long way, hasn’t it? Discover the keys to choosing the BEST tequila for margaritas, along with the simple distinction between añejo, reposado, gold and silver tequilas. Expensive tequila isn’t necessarily best for margaritas- learn why! Read More
5 mins
And my FAVORITE secret ingredient for enhancing a margarita from scratch?
- Crushed ice. So simple, but really makes a significant difference. Sometimes, it’s the little things – crushed ice included.
Nugget Ice
If you want the ultimate crushed ice for your margaritas (or any drink!) check out our counter top ice maker. It’s the perfect soft ice for cocktails!
Tips
- Pop a pitcher in the freezer to make it into a frozen margarita! It’s perfectly slushy!
- For another little twist, add a touch of orange liqueur or triple sec.
- To get the most juice out of each lime, let them come to room temperature and roll them on a hard surface before cutting them in half and squeezing them.
- Use a good quality tequila!
- Do a taste test to find your favorite tequila! Try a silver tequila for one and a reposado for another to compare. You might be surprised to find a new favorite!
How do you Rim a Margarita Glass?
A salt rimmed glass isn’t a requirement for a delicious margarita on the rocks, but it’s definitely an enhancement you don’t want to skip!
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass.
- Dip in thick flakes of kosher salt or margarita salt.
- Want to spice it up? Add a little chili powder to your salt!
A Margarita Recipe for Every Occasion
Now that we’ve answered some questions and shared a little margarita love, let’s get to the recipes!
Click any image below to head directly to the recipe, and at the bottom of this collection you’ll find our favorite homemade margarita recipe card! Cheers!
Cadillac Margarita
Drinks
Cadillac Margarita
Love a classic margarita? Then you’re going to love this smooth, premium margarita with a surprising burst of sweet orange flavor from the addition of Grand Marnier. Read More
5 mins
Champagne Margarita
Drinks
Champagne Margarita
If you love a glass of celebratory champagne and you love a homemade margarita, you’re going to be head over heels for this incredible pink champagne margarita. Read More
5 mins
Mint Margarita
Drinks
Mint Margarita
Why should a minty mojito have all the fun? This mint margarita recipe is full of the tangy, sour bite of limes and matched with the refreshing and icy blast of fresh mint. Read More
5 mins
Watermelon Margarita
Drinks
Watermelon Margarita
A light and flavorful watermelon margarita recipe made with fresh watermelon in just five minutes. Get the skinny on this amazing watermelon margarita that comes in at less than 112 calories! Read More
5 mins
Spicy Margaritas
Drinks
Spicy Margarita Recipe
A spicy margarita recipe that is the perfect sidekick to so many of your favorite Mexican-inspired dinners! This Jalapeño Margarita recipe has the perfect amount of spicy pepper flavor – just enough kick, but not-too-much! Read More
5 mins
Apple Cider Margarita
Drinks
Apple Cider Margarita
Add some fall flavor to your life with an Apple Cider Margarita! It’s an easy four ingredient fall cocktail you can mix up in minutes for one or a pitcher for a crowd. Read More
5 mins
Wine Margarita
Drinks
Wine Margarita
Do you love wine, and also love margaritas? Well, friend… let me introduce you to the wine margarita! Learn how to create this fun combination cocktail for a fresh flavor profile you’re going to love. Read More
5 mins
Mistletoe Margarita
Christmas
Mistletoe Margarita
Hosting a holiday get-together or looking for something festive to sip while helping Santa get ready for Christmas? This simple mistletoe margarita is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright! A cranberry margarita that is bursting with bright juicy flavor, this cocktail feels like a delicious little holiday indulgence. Read More
10 mins
Margarita Float
Drinks
Margarita Float
Cool off this summer with an incredible frozen cocktail concoction – a Margarita Float! A margarita float made with sorbet, and it is perfect for Cinco de Mayo and beyond. Read More
3 mins
Mango Margarita
Drinks
Mango Margarita
This is a simple and refreshing Mango Margarita recipe. This cocktail is full of fresh flavors and it’s so quick and easy to make! Read More
5 mins
Skinny Margarita
Recipes
Skinny Margarita Recipe
This easy skinny margarita recipe is fresh and flavorful without all the calories! It’s a skinny margarita made with agave… Read More
5 mins
Lime Popsicle Margaritas
Drinks
Poptails (Lime Popsicle Margaritas)
Add poptails to your list of must-try summer cocktails. These lime popsicle margaritas are a fresh, zesty and delicious way to stay cool by the pool! Read More
5 mins
12 Incredible Margarita Recipes: Classic Homemade Margarita
Ingredients
- crushed ice
- 3 ounces tequila
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 1 ounce water
Instructions
- Whisk or shake tequila, lime juice, simple syrup and water.
- Pour over crushed ice into a salt rimmed glass.
Julie’s Tips
- If at all possible, use crushed ice.
- Note: On average, 1 lime makes about 2 tablespoons juice.
- Tequila – Some of my favorite tequilas are Altos, Patron, Casamigos, and Camarena.
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed lime juice offers the best flavor, however, you can use 100% real lime juice found in the juice aisle of your grocery store.
Variations
- Make it Frozen – Blend ingredients in a blender along with frozen watermelon or mango cubes and ice.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
