Mom's Dinner

  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef
    • Instant Pot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork
    • Instant Pot Turkey
    • Instant Pot Pasta
    • Instant Pot Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Mexican
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Tequila

Classic Margarita on the Rocks

By Susie Weinrich · Date May 28, 2021· 8 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

a classic margarita in a rocks glass with a salt rim and a lime wheel
↓ Jump to Recipe
Pin the Recipe

A Classic Margarita has a few crucial ingredients that make it oh so good! Fresh lime, good tequila, Cointreau, agave and kosher salt. Get the proportions right and you have a killer Margarita on the Rocks! Perfect for pairing with chips/salsa and good conversation.

a classic margarita in a rocks glass with a salt rim and a lime wheel

After you fall in love with this Margarita Recipe, you can give this Frozen Margarita a try, especially on a hot summer day or tropical vacation!

If you love all things Tequila Cocktails… then you are in the right spot. Tequila is our favorite spirits here at Mom’s Dinner. Some of our faves are the Pineapple Margarita, Tequila Soda, Orange Jalapeno Tequila Cooler, and Anejo on the Rocks.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic version this Margarita Mocktail is amazing!!

Table of Contents hide
1 Listen To The Recipe
2 Why This is The BEST Margarita Recipe
3 Ingredients
4 Variations on the Classic
5 More Margarita Recipes
6 Did you make this recipe?
7 Classic Margarita on the Rocks + Video

Listen To The Recipe

You can also LISTEN to this Margarita recipe. I go over exactly how to make this yummy cocktail on my podcast, Let’s Make Dinner. I share all the tips and tricks to make it perfect! There is an audio player available in the recipe card below.

Why This is The BEST Margarita Recipe

  • It is perfectly balanced in flavor, not too sweet, not too tangy, not too salty.
  • Adding a little agave to the mix actually enhances the tequila and lime flavor and takes some of the bite out of a strong cocktail.
  • Using quality ingredients like fresh lime juice, Cointreau and good Tequila makes it the BEST Margarita on the Rocks!

Ingredients

Just a handful of simple ingredients for this Classic Margarita Recipe.

ingredients for margarita on the rocks

Tequila – To keep it totally classic I recommend using a quality mid-range silver tequila. We love Espolon, Cazadores, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, all are good at varying price points.

Cointreau – Although Cointreau is a type of triple sec, it is not the same as “Triple Sec” that you buy in the store. I recommend using Cointreau specifically for this Margarita Recipe because it is not nearly as sugary as triple sec.

Lime Juice – Make sure to use fresh squeezed lime juice here. It is not quite the same as the store bought bottled stuff. Depending on the size of your limes you will need 1-2 per cocktail.

Agave – Just a little agave goes a long way. By only using ¼ ounce it sweetens your Margarita just enough to enhance and balance the tequila and lime flavor without making it overly sweet.

Kosher Salt – It is key to use kosher salt here and not table or iodized salt. You want the rockier texture and smoother saltiness that you get with kosher salt!

dipping a glass rim in kosher salt

Variations on the Classic

The basics of a Classic Margarita are 1 part citrus (lime), 1 part sweetener (Cointreau), and 1.5-2 parts tequila. With that combo you can create just about any Margarita combo you would like!

Pineapple Margarita: Pop over to this recipe for Pineapple Margarita for a truly yummy drink!

Grapefruit Margarita: 1 part lime juice, 1 part grapefruit juice, .25 part agave, 2 parts silver tequila.

Spicy Margarita: Sub in a little jalapeno infused tequila for the silver tequila.

Jalapeno, but not super spicy – Drop a jalapeno slice in your margarita. Just stir it in, don’t muddle it. It will give you nice kiss of heat and verdant flavor.

Reposado: Use a Reposado tequila in place of the silver. It is mix of aged and silver tequila and will have a slightly stronger vanilla/caramel flavor.

margarita on the rocks with a lime garnish

More Margarita Recipes

  • Frozen Margarita in a glass with a kosher salt rim and a lime wedge
    Next Level Frozen Margarita Recipe
  • skinny margarita in a glass with a kosher salt rim and a fresh lime
    The BEST Skinny Margarita
  • Cucumber margarita in a glass with a cucumber rosette garnish
    Refreshing Cucumber Margarita
  • ginger margarita cocktail with a lime and fresh ginger coin
    Fresh Ginger Margarita

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

💛💛💛💛💛

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→
a salt rimmed glass with a classic margarita garnished with a lime

Classic Margarita on the Rocks + Video

A perfectly balanced and delicious recipe for Margarita on the Rocks. Silver tequila is mixed with lime juice, Cointreau, and a little agave.
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 margarita
Calories: 215kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces Silver Tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice - one or two limes
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • .25 ounce agave
  • ***Optional – soda water to top off

Serving

  • kosher salt - place on a flat plate
  • ice
  • lime wedge or wheel

Instructions
 

  • Rim The Glass – Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a 8-10 ounce glass. Dip the rim in the kosher salt on a flat plate. Fill the glass with ice. Set aside.
    Pro Tip: If you are having more than one margarita (duh!), instead of rimming the glass on the second or third drink simply sprinkle a pinch or two of salt straight into the drink!
  • Make the Margarita – Place a few cubes of ice in a cocktail shaker. Add the fresh squeezed lime juice, Cointreau, agave, and tequila. You can also add just a pinch of kosher salt!
    1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice, 1 ounce Cointreau, .25 ounce agave, 1.5 ounces Silver Tequila
  • Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds.
    If you do not have a cocktail shaker use a mason jar with a lid, shaking your margarita makes ALL the difference in the taste!!!
  • Serve – Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
    lime wedge or wheel
  • Optional, but recommended– if you like a few bubbles in your Margarita you can top it off with 1-2 ounces of soda water.
    ***Optional – soda water to top off

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Margarita Tips:
  • Use a good mid range silver tequila. I find that Espolon, Cazadores or Jose Cuervo Tradicional are all great at varying price points. 
  • Don’t skip the agave, it adds just the right amount of sweet to balance the tart lime and salty tequila.
  • Don’t skip shaking the margarita in a cocktail shaker (or mason jar!), it truly develops the flavors and blends all the ingredients.
  • If you have a second or third margarita skip rimming the glass with salt to keep things simple. Just sprinkle a little pinch or two of kosher salt right into your Marg. So GOOD!!!
Virgin Margarita: If you want a non-alcoholic version this Margarita Mocktail is absolutely delicious!
Frozen Margarita: When you need something extra frosty, pop over to this Frozen Margarita Recipe. 
Skinny Margarita: Just as tasty as this original, but a little less sugar. Pop over to this Skinny Margarita Recipe.
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1margarita | Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    5 from 11 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Tara says

    June 29, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    This was one of the best margaritas! And so easy to make! Had so many compliments at my father-in-law’s birthday!

    Reply
  2. Jen says

    June 02, 2022 at 10:42 am

    5 stars
    I used your Reposado tequila recommendation and I’ll never go back now! Thank you for sharing, Susie. Can’t wait to make your Pineapple Margarita next.

    Reply
  3. Jessica R. says

    April 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

    This recipe with the spicy infused tequilla is amazing!!

    Reply
  4. Debbie says

    March 27, 2022 at 10:08 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe made a da** good margarita! I didn’t have any of the soda but it tasted as good as what we get at the local cantina. Also, I used Teremana tequila which is quite an excellent tequila. Thank you for posting your recipe.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      March 28, 2022 at 8:56 am

      Love this!!! Thank you for rating the recipe. Tequila is my fave : )

      Reply
    • Ashley says

      May 05, 2022 at 10:18 am

      Are you using agave nectar? I’m trying to get the ingredients to make them 🙂

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich says

        May 05, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        Yes, I like the light agave nectar (or syrup) the best.

  5. Lauren says

    September 21, 2021 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    This is the perfect margarita, keeping this recipe in my regular rotation. Loved it!

    Reply
Susie in the kitchen with an apron on getting ready to cook

Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

YOU will feel like a huge success at dinner time with any of the simple recipes on Mom's Dinner! Read More

Helpful Meal Planning Resources

  • a table with white place settings and green garland
    Easy Meals for House Guests
  • a round table with a large family eating dinner
    30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation
woman owned small business certificate by Sertify

Amazing New Recipes

  • Pulled pork sandwich coated in barbecue sauce served on a sesame bun topped with pickled onions.
    Fall-Apart Oven Baked Pulled Pork
  • Dinner plate serving a barbecue bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and curly fries on the side.
    Over-The-Top BBQ Bacon Burger
  • A hand dipping a strawberry into marshmallow fruit dip
    Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip
  • Top view of a prepared Veggie Lo Mein in a skillet with snow peas and bell peppers.
    Simple Lo Mein With Veggies

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Susie Weinrich
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Contact

  • Sign Up! for emails
  • Contact Me!
  • Join Me On YouTube

Recipes

  • Recipe By Category
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

Copyright © 2025 Mom's Dinner

Rate & Review This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.