What's in a Margarita?

The ingredients of tequila, lime juice and triple-sec are undisputed, but bartenders sometimes use variations of their ingredients. For example:

• Triple-sec is occasionally substituted with similar liqueurs like orange curacao or branded liqueurs that are both sweet and (with varying nuances) flavoured with orange.
• The tequila can be blanco, reposado or añejo (depending on your preference and budget), each providing a distinct profile to the cocktail. Blanco is typically the most popular choice.

Learn More About Tequila

How is a Margarita presented?

Whilst the three constituent ingredients are fixed, bartenders may differ in how they prepare and present their Margarita, whether blended, shaken, straight up or on-the-rocks.

For a Margarita's trademark salt rim, some bartenders serve the cocktail with a full salt rim, some prefer to coat half the rim with salt (to give drinkers a choice), and some forego salt altogether.

Three Simple Margarita Recipes

1. Margarita ‘On the Rocks’ is prepared by mixing the ingredients over ice and is served in a glass with the ice cubes included. See Recipe. 
2. Margarita ‘Straight up’ is prepared by mixing, shaking or stirring the ingredients with ice and serving by straining the drink into a glass without any ice cubes. See Recipe.
3. Margarita ‘Blended’ also known as a Frozen Margarita, is prepared by blending all the ingredients together with ice to create a smooth, icy, and slushy texture. See Recipe.

Salt Rim Top Tips

The salt rim isn't solely for aesthetics. It serves to enhance the flavour balance by adding a salty contrast to the sweetness and tartness of the drink.

USE GOOD QUALITY SALT

• Salt is added to the rim of the Margarita glass, rather than directly to the shaker or blender, for a textural accompaniment and a flavour nuance.
• Sourcing good quality flaked sea salt for your Margaritas is essential.  
• While good quality salt won't make a poorly made Margarita taste good, cheap granulated table salt will make a well-made Margarita taste bad and even make a poorly made Margarita taste worse.

KEEP THE SALT OUT OF THE DRINK

• When preparing the salt rim, use a lime wedge or napkin to remove excess salt from the inside of the glass. This will keep salt and liquid separated until consumption.
• Avoid overfilling the glass to leave a clear 'wash line' between the cocktail and the rim. 
• Attach the salt firmly to the rim of the glass by applying an adhesive to the rim of the glass. For example, rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass to moisten it and then dip the moist rim into a dish of salt.
• With the salt kept on the rim and out of the liquid, the guest can enjoy their Margarita how they like it.

Key Takeaways

• Margarita's Popularity and Profile: The Margarita is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity, tangy taste, and lively character, making it the most popular Tequila-based cocktail worldwide. 
• Ingredients and Variations: The essential ingredients of a Margarita are tequila, lime juice, and triple-sec. While these components are standard, variations in the choice of triple-sec and tequila provide different flavour profiles. 
• Presentation and Preparation: Margaritas can be prepared and presented in various ways, including blended, shaken, straight up, or on the rocks.   
• Salt Quality: High-quality flaked sea salt is recommended as cheap granulated table salt will spoil the taste of a well-made Margarita. 
• Salt Rim: Make sure the salt is firmly attached to the rim of the glass using an adhesive. For example, rub a wedge of lime around the glass to moisten it and then dip the moist rim into a dish of salt.