Classic Lime Margarita

The classic lime margarita is a simple cocktail that’s fresh and citrusy, and slightly sweet. This recipe is super easy and requires no blending!

I’ve been getting more into making cocktails lately. I mean, I’ve always make them, but I’ve been experimenting more lately. Trying new drinks and adding new flavors to old favorites. Like the blood orange margarita I shared lately – a new spin on an old favorite. This Classic Lime Margarita however, is the original. I can easily say that a plain old lime margarita is my favorite cocktail. But only if it’s made right.

I’m very particular about my lime margaritas, and I won’t drink them (Okay, I will, but I won’t like it) if they’re not made to my specifications.

1. It must be on the rocks. I strongly dislike blended margaritas. If it comes out of a Slurpee machine, I’ll pass.
2. It must not be too sweet. I used to make them with simple syrup, but I didn’t always have it on hand, and I figured out I could skip the syrup making process by just using superfine sugar. Superfine sugar is just granulated sugar that’s ground into a powder. I’ve found that you can’t however, further simplify and just use granulated sugar. It won’t dissolve properly, and you’ll end up with a gritty drink with uneven sweetness.
3. It needs a little salt. This can come in the form of a salted rim, or if you’re really in a rush, simply adding a generous pinch of salt to your drink.So, because I’m so picky, I hardly ever order margaritas out, unless I know they’re going to make them the way I like them (unfortunately, it took me a few tries to learn this on my recent trip to Mexico), but this really is my stand-by drink at home. I usually have limes (and sometimes I even cheat and use the bottled stuff, but it isn’t as good), and I can have one mixed up in just a few minutes. And I don’t have to share! Hubby won’t drink margaritas anymore, after an unfortunate Christmas party many years ago involving both of us, and an entire Costco sized bottle of pre-made margaritas. Oh well, more for me!

   

   

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   Classic Lime Margarita

   Prep Time

   10 mins

   Total Time

   10 mins

    

   The classic lime margarita is a simple cocktail that's fresh and citrusy, and slightly sweet.

   Course: Beverage, Drinks

   Servings: 1 drink

   Ingredients

   • kosher salt
   • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (from 3 small or 2 medium limes)
   • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
   • 2 ounces tequila
   • 1 Tablespoon superfine sugar (see note)
   • 1-2 dashes orange bitters (optional)
   • crushed ice

   Instructions

   1. Spread a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Wet the rim of a margarita or highball glass with lime juice, and dip into the salt (rimming the glass with salt is optional - skip if you prefer). Fill glass halfway with crushed ice and set aside.

   2. Stir together the lime juice, lemon juice, tequila, sugar, orange juice and a pinch of salt (make it a large pinch of salt if you are not rimming the glass with salt). Stir together until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

   3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour the margarita mixture into the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Pour into prepared glass. Garnish with a lime slice or wedge if desired.

   Recipe Notes

   Superfine sugar is just what it sounds like - sugar that has been finely ground. To make your own, simply put granulated sugar in your food processor or spice grinder and pulse until it is finely powdered. Do NOT use powdered sugar (aka confectioners or icing sugar) in it's place, as it contains cornstarch and this is not something you want in your cocktail.