The Ultimate Margarita Recipes: 5 Irresistible Twists to Try This Summer
The Ultimate Margarita Recipes – Please note: Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about, as well as where and how they appear on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
Margaritas are more than just a happy hour staple—they’re a celebration in a glass. Whether you like them spicy, fruity, smoky, or sparkling, there’s a margarita for every mood. In this recipe roundup, The Curated Home presents the ultimate margarita recipes, each with a unique flavor profile and presentation.
From the fiery Spicy Jalapeño Margarita to the bubbly Champagne Margarita, these cocktails are designed to elevate your summer soirées, weekend barbecues, and poolside lounging. Let’s explore five margaritas you need to make right now—plus expert tips on garnishing, glassware, and presentation.
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients for the Rim:
- Lime wedge
- Tajín seasoning or coarse chili-lime salt
Ingredients for the Rim:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
- 3–4 jalapeño slices, seeds removed for less heat
- Ice
Instructions:
- Rim your glass with lime and dip it into Tajín. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices.
- Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish Tip:
Garnish with a jalapeño wheel and a sprig of cilantro for visual contrast and aroma.
Perfect Glass:
Serve in a double old-fashioned or rocks glass to highlight the bold profile.
Strawberry Mezcal Margarita
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients for the Rim:
- Lime wedge
- Sugar and smoked sea salt (equal parts)
Ingredients for the Drink:
Icearomatic notes of mezcal and fruit.
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz agave syrup
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- ½ oz orange liqueur
Instructions:
- Rim the glass using lime and dip in the sugar-salt blend.
- Muddle strawberries in a shaker until smooth.
- Add mezcal, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup.
- Add ice, shake well for 20 seconds.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish Tip:
Use a sliced strawberry fan or a lime twist for a balanced and elegant touch.
Perfect Glass:
A wide coupe or martini glass enhances the aromatic notes of mezcal and fruit.
The Classic Margarita
Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Ingredients for the Rim:
- Lime wedge
- Coarse sea salt
Ingredients for the Drink:
Ice rocks or margarita glass for authenticity and ease.
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
Instructions:
- Rim a rocks glass with lime and dip in coarse sea salt.
- Combine tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker.
- Add ice, shake for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
Garnish Tip:
A lime wheel or wedge is all you need to complete this timeless drink.
Perfect Glass:
Stick with a classic rocks or margarita glass for authenticity and ease.
Watermelon Margarita
Yield: 2 cocktails
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for the Rim:
- Lime wedge
- Pink Himalayan salt or regular kosher salt
Ingredients for the Drink:
- 3 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- 1 cup seedless watermelon cubes
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- Ice
Instructions:
- Rim your glasses and chill them in the freezer.
- Blend the watermelon into a smooth puree, then strain to remove pulp (optional).
- Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave to a shaker.
- Add the watermelon juice and shake with ice for 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into your chilled glasses filled with ice.
Garnish Tip:
Add a small triangle of watermelon on the rim or a mini skewer of watermelon balls. Mint sprigs add freshness.
Perfect Glass:
Serve in a tall Collins glass or stemless wine glass for a modern look.
Champagne Margarita
Yield: 2 cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients for the Rim:
- Lemon wedge
- Sugar crystals or superfine sugar
Ingredients for the Drink:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine
- Ice
Instructions:
- Prepare your glasses by rimming with lemon and sugar.
- In a shaker, mix tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
- Add ice and shake well for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into coupe glasses.
- Top with chilled Champagne. Stir gently.
Garnish Tip:
A twist of lemon or edible flower offers elegance without overpowering flavor.
Perfect Glass:
Use a coupe, highball, or flute glass to preserve the bubbles and elevate presentation.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Margarita
1. Use Fresh Citrus Juice
Always use fresh-squeezed lime juice—bottled versions often lack the vibrancy of the real thing. This single step enhances every margarita variation.
2. Balance Your Sweet and Sour
Tequila and mezcal can be bold. The right amount of citrus and sweetener balances the flavor, so adjust to taste. If it’s too tart, add more agave.
3. Salt Matters
Don’t settle for table salt. Use coarse kosher salt, smoked salt, or even flavored salts to elevate your rim game.
4. Choose Quality Spirits
A good margarita starts with good tequila or mezcal. Look for 100% agave tequilas and artisanal mezcals.
5. Shake, Don’t Stir
Shaking chills the cocktail and properly mixes the ingredients. A shaker with a built-in strainer makes this step easy and efficient.
Glassware & Garnish Guide
Choosing the Right Glass
- Rocks Glass: Perfect for spicy or classic margaritas with a salted rim and ice.
- Coupe Glass: Best for mezcal and champagne margaritas—no ice, sophisticated feel.
- Collins Glass: Ideal for watermelon or fruity margaritas with lots of ice and fresh fruit.
Check out glassware by Jonathan Adler.
Garnish Like a Pro
- Lime Wheels/Wedges: Classic, clean, and effortless.
- Fruit Fans or Skewers: Strawberries, watermelon balls, or citrus peel add flair.
- Herbs & Edibles: Fresh mint, cilantro, or edible flowers elevate presentation.
Final Shake: Hosting with Margaritas
Margaritas make every gathering more vibrant. Whether you’re planning a summer dinner party, an al fresco brunch, or a beach picnic, these five ultimate margaritas will impress your guests. Each recipe is easy to batch in pitchers, too—just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and serve chilled with plenty of ice.
Don’t forget: presentation matters. Dress your rims, choose the right glass, and garnish generously. With just a bit of extra effort, your margaritas can look and taste like they came straight from a high-end cocktail bar.
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