Today, we are going back to the basics of cocktail making with this Mexican margarita. This cocktail is incredibly easy to make, quick, and extraordinarily versatile, as you may know.
Once you have perfected the art of making this authentic cocktail, you can start experimenting with different ingredients and flavors.
If you’re looking for something even more creative, try Susannah’s frozen Grasshopper Drink with vanilla ice cream and crème de menthe!
What Is A Traditional Mexican Margarita?
A margarita is one of the most famous cocktails ever created. Unfortunately, there isn’t much known about its origin. What we do know is that it most likely originated in Tijuana before 1936, when the first written record of it was found.
Therefore, many historians and mixologists commonly refer to an authentic and traditional margarita as a Mexican margarita.
This beverage consists of three ingredients only; tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. The official IBA ratio is 50% tequila, 20% orange liqueur, and 15% lime juice. The rest is ice. The cocktail is served inside a salted rimmed cocktail glass.
However, as you may have guessed, there are hundreds, if not thousands of variations on this original recipe.
For example, you can use flavored tequilas, liqueurs, and a variety of citrus juices. You can also serve the margarita in different ways (on the rocks, clean, and frozen).
Today, as I’ve already mentioned, I am taking it back to the basic and authentic version of this amazing cocktail. We will be making a traditional Mexican margarita from scratch.
And if you love this cocktail, you have to try some of my others too. This Strawberry And Watermelon Margarita for example is one of my favorites!
Variations For Mexican Margarita
A Mexican margarita is the original form of this cocktail. So naturally, there are thousands of variations you can use. I won’t go into too many of them, but here are some that I frequently go to.
First, you can substitute the lime juice for lemon juice if you have to. They do have slightly different flavors though.
Then, you can also use any type of white tequila that you’d like. I like to use unflavored options. However, many cocktail enthusiasts use the opportunity to try out some flavored versions. An orange-flavored tequila is a great option!
The best options for orange liqueur include triple sec, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau. But, any will do really. I prefer using clear liqueur so that the margarita doesn’t have a golden or blue color.
And finally, always use white (or silver) tequila. The general rule of thumb is that the higher quality of the tequila is, the better it will taste. While I don’t completely agree with this saying, there is a slither of truth behind it. If you buy cheap watered-down tequila, you will immediately notice it in the overall flavor of the cocktail.
Tips And Tricks To Make My Mexican Margarita
- If you like it sweet, add only a tablespoon of simple syrup. You don’t want to make it to sweet. Remember, a Mexican margarita doesn’t contain any sweeteners. So, don’t overdo it if you want to keep the authentic flavor.
- If you don’t have store-bought simple syrup and would like to make your own at home, it’s incredibly easy. Combine 1 part sugar and 1 part water in a medium saucepan. Slowly heat it up over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt completely while whisking slowly. Once you have a sweet uniform mixture, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker or jug, a regular bowl will work just fine too. The reason a cocktail shaker is preferred is because it helps aerate the ingredients, cool them evenly, and mix them together very effectively.
- There are three ways you can serve this Mexican margarita; on the rocks (over ice), straight up (without ice), and frozen. A frozen margarita is essentially like a slushy. So, you will need to pulverize the ingredients together in a blender.
FAQs
What are the differences between a regular margarita and a Texan margarita?
A Texas margarita also uses tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. But, it also includes some fresh orange juice. However, not as much as what you would add to an orange margarita.
How do you make a virgin margarita cocktail?
A virgin margarita is made with lime juice, orange juice (instead of orange liqueur), and tonic water (instead of tequila). You can still add simple syrup if you’d like, but it’s optional.
Looking for a skinny margarita?
The term “skinny margarita” refers to versions that are lower in calories. It’s not to say that they are healthier, but they should be more nutritionally dense. The way you make skinny margaritas is by using fresh lime juice and no sweeteners. They also replace the orange liqueur with fresh orange juice.
Other Drink Recipes
Mexican Margarita – A Refreshing Drink With A Super Quick Recipe
Ingredients
For the cocktail glass
- 1 lime, quartered
- Sea salt flakes
For the Mexican margarita
- Ice cubes
- 3 limes, halved
- 1/2 cup white tequila
- 1/3 cup orange liqueur
- Simple syrup, optional at room temperature
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Garnish the cocktail glasses
- Before making the cocktail mix, first, garnish the cocktail glasses. Choose any type of glass that you'd like.
- Pour the sea salt flakes onto a flat plate or into a shallow bowl.
- Then, rub the lime wedge over the rim of the glass. Make sure it covers the edge evenly.
- Dip the lime-covered edge into the sea salt flakes. Where the is lime juice, the salt will stick.
- Remove the glass from the salt and set it aside in the fridge.
Make the margarita
- Place the ice cubes into a cocktail shaker or a jug.
- Add the juice of 3 freshly squeezed limes into the cocktail shaker or jug.
- Then, add the white tequila and orange liqueur. If you want to add any simple syrup to make the margarita sweeter, do so now.
- Then, mix the ingredients well for 30 seconds. if you are using a cocktail shaker, you can add the lid and shake it well. If you are using a jug, just keep mixing the ingredients with a fork.
Serve your Mexican margarita
- To serve your refreshing cocktail, remove the chilled salted glass from the fridge.
- Gently pour the cocktail into the glasses with some ice. Don't pour the drink onto the salted edge.
- Garnish your cocktail with a lime wedge and some fresh mint leaves.
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