The most timeless classic among cocktails is probably the Mexican Margarita. With only three ingredients, this traditional cocktail is prepared with little effort and brings you the flair of Mexico with every sip.
The perfect balance of fresh lime juice, fine tequila and a splash of orange liqueur promises you a journey into the authentic world of Latin America.
In this article you will learn all the important information about the preparation of a traditional margarita from Mexico.
Traditional margarita from Mexico
Equipment
- Cocktail bowl coupette
- Bar measure
- Shaker
- Bar strainer
Ingredients
- ½ lime
- 6 cl tequila 100 % agave
- 2 cl Triple Sec orange liqueur
- 2 cl lime juice freshly squeezed
- Ice cubes
- Salt
Instructions
- Rub the rim of the jar with the flesh of the lime.
- Sprinkle salt on a flat plate and press the rim of the glass into the salt.
- In a shaker, pour tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, add 8 ice cubes, then shake in the shaker for about 15 seconds.
- Pour the contents of the shaker through a bar strainer into the margarita glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
Notes
- Do not fill the glass with too much ice, so as not to water down the margarita.
- Shake the ingredients well in the shaker.
- Use only tequila made from 100% agave. This has a much better quality than, for example, Sierra Tequila, which is not distilled from 100% agave sugar.
- More tips and information can be found further down in the article.
What does Margarita mean?
The Spanish word “Margarita” means “daisy”.
The exact origin of the name remains a mystery to this day.
Where does the margarita come from?
The origin of the Margarita is not clear, but the most common theory is that the cocktail originated in Mexico or the United States in the 1930s or 1940s.
How many ingredients make up a traditional margarita?
A traditional margarita consists of only three main ingredients: Tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice and orange liqueur.
These three components are carefully mixed together to create the cocktail’s characteristic aroma and flavor. The right balance between the ingredients is essential to obtain a perfectly balanced Margarita.
What is the best tequila for a traditional margarita?
For a traditional Margarita, a high quality Blanco or Reposado Tequila is recommended.
A Blanco Tequila, also known as “Silver” or “Plata”, is young and unaged, which emphasizes its pure agave notes.
PATRÓN Silver Premium Tequila is a high quality blanco tequila hand distilled from 100% Weber blue agave in Mexico
A Reposado Tequila has been aged for a short time in oak barrels, which gives it a slightly smoky note that blends well with the other ingredients.
PATRÓN Reposado Premium Tequila is a tequila perfect for your margarita. This premium tequila is hand distilled in Mexico from 100% Weber blue agave.
Look for tequilas with the “100% Agave” seal of approval to choose the most authentic and flavorful option that will provide a premium base for your margarita.
How is a traditional margarita prepared?
You can make a traditional Mexican margarita in 4 easy steps.
- Moisten the rim of your margarita jar and dip it in salt to create a salty rim.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- In a shaker, mix tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice and orange liqueur with ice.
- Pour the cocktail into your margarita glass and garnish the glass with a slice of lime.
How is a traditional margarita served?
A traditional margarita is served in a special margarita glass, which has a characteristic shape: a wide top and a narrow bottom that tapers towards the bottom. This glass is also called a cocktail bowl or coupette.
The glass can be chilled beforehand with ice cubes and optionally add a salty rim.
The cocktail itself is poured directly into the glass, which is filled with ice.
The margarita is often garnished with a slice of lime.
What do you use salt for in a margarita?
Salt is used for the rim of the glass in the margarita.
Before pouring the cocktail into the glass, the rim of the margarita glass is moistened with a slice of lime. Then the wet rim is dipped in salt, creating a salty crust.
Each time you drink the margarita, you notice a small sip of the salty rim, which creates an interesting flavor combination of sweet, sour and salty. This is a characteristic feature of many margaritas.
What percentage of alcohol does a margarita have?
A traditional margarita with the usual amounts of tequila, fresh lime juice and orange liqueur contains about 15-20% alcohol.
The alcohol percentage in a margarita can vary, depending on the ingredients used and their proportions.
What do you call a non-alcoholic margarita?
A non-alcoholic margarita is called a “Virgin Margarita”.
In a Virgin Margarita, the tequila is replaced with juices and syrup.