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 made 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.
- It must be on the rocks. I strongly dislike blended margaritas. If it comes out of a Slurpee machine, I'll pass.
- 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 using superfine sugar. Superfine sugar is just granulated sugar that's ground into a powder. I've found that you can't further simplify and just use granulated sugar. It won't dissolve properly, and you'll end up with a gritty drink with uneven sweetness.
- 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 (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!
Want more margarita recipes?
Classic Lime Margarita Nutrition Notes:
Like all alcoholic drinks, this one contains extra calories from the tequila and added sugar. Drink in moderation.
Classic Lime Margarita
Equipment
- Food Processor or clean spice grinder to make superfine sugar
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
- Spread a thin layer of kosher 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 and add a pinch of salt directly to your margarita instead). Fill glass halfway with crushed ice and set aside.
- Stir together 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 ounces tequila, 1 Tablespoon superfine sugar, 1-2 dashes orange bitters and a pinch of salt (make it a large pinch of salt if you are not rimming the glass with salt). Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- 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.
Notes
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