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What is the Best Margarita Recipe? 10 Ways to Make a Margarita

June 15, 2022 by Helena Lombard

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Did you know that the Margarita is the most ordered cocktail in America, and not far behind in the UK? It’s not surprising seeing that tequila is one of the most popular spirits around the globe. In fact, a staggering 53% of cocktail drinkers order Margaritas at the bar. We think it’s time to get in on the action and keep your own Margarita cocktail ingredients at home.  

The classic Margarita on the rocks rocketed to fame in the 1960 and back then Blended Margaritas were all the rage. In the 70s, Frozen Margaritas shot to fame (along with the invention of the frosted drink machine). The 80s arrived, and along with it came the addition of Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur with a cognac base that added something a little more interesting to the mix than triple sec. 

No matter what decade they originated in, the best Margarita recipes have three things in common – they have to be strong, sweet, and sour. It might sound like a tall order for a simple drink, but once you know all the tips and tricks for the best Margaritas, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Blue Margarita

Front view of blue margarita cocktail

If you’ve just discovered a big love for margaritas, then the Blue Margarita is the perfect place to start if you’re making your own. This cool-looking cocktail is a spin-off of the original Margarita, but instead of triple sec, you will use blue curaçao to give it that distinctive blue colour—and a zesty bittersweet taste. Mixed with tequila and the juice from fresh limes, served in a margarita glass with a salted rim and garnished with a wheel lime, these easy summer cocktails are sure to be a hit.  

Strawberry Margarita

Overhead shot of a strawberry margarita with slices of lime on a wooden surface

Fruit brings a lot of flavour to the Margarita party and adds fresh tanginess, sweetness, and acidity that ventures beyond the commercial Margarita mix. Fruit also brings a bit of seasonal flair to the traditional Margarita, and the choices are endless.  

One of our favourites is the Strawberry Margarita, a great Margarita recipe for berry lovers. To make one, muddle fresh strawberries in a cocktail shaker, then add Espolòn Tequila Blanco, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Shake it up until icy cold and strain into a double Old Fashioned glass.  

Frozen Mango Margarita

Frozen Mango Margaritas

Another fruity favourite is the Frozen Mango Margarita. The addition of fresh mango adds sweetness and acidity to this great Margarita recipe. Also known as the Mango Cart, you’ll only need four ingredients, ice, and a decent blender to make it.  

Combine Espolón Tequila Blanco, mango puree (made with ripe seasonal mangoes), fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, and ice in a blender. Blend until slushy-like and pour into a jug. Serve on the table (along with some spicy fish tacos) and let your guests pour their own). Vibrant in both colour and taste, these Frozen Mango Margaritas are awesome. 

Lime Margarita

Top image of refreshing and citrusy Lime Margarita Cocktails

Ah, the classic! With so many different homemade Margarita recipes doing the rounds, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t know that the humble Lime Margarita is the one that kicked off this drink craze. Most cocktail aficionados will tell you that the Lime Margarita is a spin-off of The Daisy—a much-loved drink of a similar nature. 

This super simple recipe is easy to make at home and is one of the best margarita pitcher recipes out there. Serve them individually or in a pitcher with salt-rimmed, lime, and ice-filled glasses on the side. A real crowd-pleaser, and very popular to serve at festive events like Cinco de Mayo parties, etc.  

Peach Margarita

Peach Margaritas with sugar rims

If your mouth isn’t watering right now, what are you even made of? This delicious frozen Margarita bursts with fresh peach flavour. The addition of triple sec and lime juice adds a level of tartness, and the agave from the tequila just takes it the Peach Margarita to a whole new level. In a word? Delicious! 

Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Margarita with Rosemary

If red is your favourite colour, the Blood Orange Margarita won’t disappoint. Taste-wise, you should expect complex citrus flavours from the blood orange juice and sweetness from the orange liqueur. Combine this with the distinctive taste of tequila and the bitterness of Campari, and you have the best Margarita recipe on the rocks. Serve these as part of a Mexican feast or a special Valentine’s dinner. 

Mojitarita

Refreshing and minty Mojitoritas

Yeah. Try saying Mojitarita after you’ve had a few of them. This cocktail is a party in your mouth, just like the name suggests. If the Mojito and Margarita made a baby, this would be it. To make one of these party-starters combine mint, lime and tequila in a glass. Top with soda water and add some fresh mint, and you’ve got yourself a great margarita recipe.  

So, when you can’t decide if you’re in in the mood for a Mojito or a Margarita, make a Mojitarita instead. It’s a vibe. 

Cadillac Margarita

Margarita on a metal tray with limes

Also known as the Grand Margarita or the Top Shelf Margarita, this cocktail is served with Grand Marnier either floating on top or served on the side. The Cadillac Margarita is made with Espolón Tequila Reposado, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. It’s the addition of the Grand Marnier that gives this cocktail an exotic orange taste and depth of flavour. The aged reposado and Grand Marnier is a match made in Margarita heaven and creates a uniquely luxurious taste. 

Watermelon Margarita

Two frozen watermelon margaritas with lime

The best summer cocktails with tequila tend to capture the essence of the season. We love that the Watermelon Margarita takes innocent summery watermelon and gives it some edge. This drink is as refreshing as it is simple to make, and the addition of mint is everything when it comes to freshness! Give it a go with our easy recipe and make them at your next picnic. 

Pomegranate Margarita

Pomegranate Margaritas

The Pomegranate Margarita is slightly sweet and tart and is a beautifully robust Margarita to serve during summer. This is another cocktail to add to your list if red is your go-to colour, and while it’s easy to master, it looks really impressive. Pomegranates are naturally festive, and we suggest you make these as a fun and boozy twist to your Christmas cocktail menu. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you’re looking to find your favourite Margarita, then you’ve come to the right place. From a festive Pomegranate Margarita, the fun-loving Mojitarita and our fruity favourite Frozen Mango Margarita. Just scroll back up for some more drinkspiration.

The most popular Margarita is the classic Lime Margarita. Made with tequila, lime and agave syrup this is the drink that kicked off the Margarita craze and inspired many (many) recipe spin-offs.

A Margarita is served on the rocks, and is more tequila-forward in taste. A Frozen Margarita is blended with ice so it’s more diluted and not as strong in flavour.

More like what can’t you put in a Margarita. Are we right? These days the world is your oyster when it comes to trying out new flavours and finding your favourite Margarita. So go ahead and play around!

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