Step by Step: How to Make a Margarita

The classic margarita requires a few simple ingredients. Tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, plus a dash of salt on the rim. Not only does the salt give your drink a little visual pizzazz, it also works to counteract the bitterness from other ingredients. Whether it's served over ice or frozen into slush, the end result is a perfectly cool and crisp balance of flavor.

The best tequila for margaritas is 100% agave tequila. Bottles labeled tequila mixto or oro are cut with natural cane spirits, and generally regarded as inferior for mixing cocktails. Blanco tequila is the most common spirit used to make great margaritas. Clear and unaged, these tequilas feature crisp, fresh agave flavors. 

One of our favorite tequilas for margaritas is Patron Silver, a popular Blanco tequila with a light, sweet flavor. If you like a little more depth to your margaritas, choose a reposado tequila, which has been aged for up to a year in oak barrels. Smooth and taste and golden in color, these tequilas are perfect for adding complexity to any cocktail.

As the margarita cocktail continues to evolve, mixologists are getting more creative with flavors and garnishes. Wondering if you can make margaritas with vodka? The answer is yes! In this recipe, the standard Blanco tequila is replaced with an equal part of clear, crisp vodka. While the drink may taste different from a regular margarita, it's an excellent base for orange liqueur and fresh lime. Another innovative Margarita can be found right here at The Corner Taqueria. We offer the Beerita, which is made with frozen margarita and topped with a Coronita! 

It may be tempting to purchase a bottle of store-bought sour mix, but it's incredibly easy to make a margarita from scratch. With just a few fresh ingredients, and no sugary sweeteners, the best way to make a margarita is to begin with quality tequila and fresh, whole limes.

The first step in making a Margarita involves preparing the salted rim garnish. Fill a saucer or small plate with coarse sea salt or kosher salt, plus any extras like lime zest, chili powder, or other seasonings. Use another saucer to hold water or lime juice for moistening the rim of your glass.

Turn your glass upside down into the saucer of lime juice, and turn the cup so the outside lip of the glass is dampened by the mix. Immediately place the rim into the saucer of salt, then lift and set aside. Take care to only moisten the outside of the glass so the salt doesn't end up inside, where it may affect the flavor of your drink.

Measure your ingredients into a cocktail shaker, using 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of high-quality orange liqueur, and 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice per margarita. 

Add ice to fill your cocktail shaker and close the lid. Shake the mix until the outside of the shaker is frosty and cold.

Using fresh ice cubes, carefully fill your cocktail glasses. Strain the cocktail evenly among your glasses, then add a little pizzazz with a lime wheel, paper umbrellas, or other fun garnishes.

Deliciously tart and delightfully tangy, Margaritas go perfectly with delicious Mexican food. Join us at The Corner Taqueria and explore our specialty drink menu, featuring unique margaritas and other decadent cocktails. Bring your friends and share a pitcher, or dive in on your own. The Corner Taqueria is known as the “ margarita taqueria ” for our exceptional line of refreshing and tasty margaritas.