How to Make the Best Margarita From Scratch, According to Experts

For tequila fans, it's hard to beat a well-crafted margarita on Cinco de Mayo or—let's face it—any hot summer day. Many of us start with a walk down the margarita-mix aisle at the grocery or liquor store, but tequila and a splash of neon-yellow sweetness do not a memorable margarita make.

Fortunately, margaritas are easy to make from scratch, whether it's for a signature cocktail for a summer party or just a table for two on your back deck. Despite shelves lined with name-brand mixes that claim, "Just add tequila!" you can do better with fresh ingredients or add-ons you probably have in your fridge. Try this customizable margarita recipe that will have your drink going from soso to fabuloso!

The Secret to a Well-Balanced Margarita

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

The dry, orange-flavored liqueur commonly used in margaritas, Triple Sec—you may know it by the brand name Cointreau—is made by macerating orange peels with sugar and alcohol. The problem is that using a sweetened liqueur like this to make your cocktail means you can't customize it to your liking (sweeter, for example, or boozier) because the orange flavor, sweetener, and alcohol come out of the same bottle.

The 3-2-1 Rule for Making Margaritas

The classic 3-2-1 ratio for making a margarita is 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, and 1 part lime juice. It's a reliable starting point—but it’s not a hard rule as long as you achieve a well-balanced mix of flavors, says Cutwater spirit expert Gwen Conley. When replacing Triple Sec with OJ, for example, you'll need to fine-tune the sweetener and tequila. The same balancing applies when you add other flavors.

"Swapping lime for mango, cranberry juice, or hibiscus tea? You’ll likely need to adjust the sweet and tart elements to keep the balance," says Conley. "Just like a great band, each component should support the others—not steal the spotlight."

Conley thinks jalapeño or serrano peppers are perfect if you want subtle heat, or you could try something unexpected like tart apple juice to alter the acidity. "Sweeteners like maple syrup or agave can round things out, while a touch of herbal or bitter liqueur adds depth," says Conley. "The key? A great margarita is all about harmony—no single note should overpower the others."

Customizable Margarita Recipe Without Triple Sec

You don't need a fully stocked bar to make a simple margarita from scratch, meaning you can (and, in some cases, should) skip the Triple Sec. Here's a basic margarita recipe you can tweak based on your preferences.

What You Need:

• Cocktail shaker, pitcher, or mason jar
  
• Tequila
  
• Fresh-squeezed lime juice
• Simple syrup or agave
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Rocks glasses
• Ice
• Lime wedges
• Coarse salt

Step 1: Mix Tequila and Lime Juice

Instead of using Triple Sec or similar liqueur, add a mixture of equal parts tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice to a cocktail shaker, about 2 ounces each per serving.

Step 2: Add Sweetener

Start with just a tablespoon of sweetness per cocktail, keeping in mind that you can always add more, but you can't take it away. The sweetener can be simple syrup or agave, which works well because its neutral sweetness doesn't overpower the citrus and tequila flavors. (Agave is a great substitute for simple syrup in most recipes, not just cocktails.)

Step 3: Add OJ and Ice, and Shake

Add a splash (or two) of fresh orange juice and lots of ice, and then give it a big shake. If you didn't make yours in a cocktail shaker, that's OK—just give it a confident stir. Alternatively, shake your margarita in a mason jar (with a lid, of course).

Step 4: Customize With Other Flavors

Here's where you can make this margarita recipe your own. Taste your concoction, and if it's not sweet enough or not strong enough, adjust accordingly. Or, better yet, add more flavors. Tequila expert Marcelo Chasi suggests the following add-ons:

• Blackberry, Lemon, and Mint: Muddle blackberries, lemon slices, and mint with a touch of agave syrup. "This combination is fantastic because the tartness of the lemon and blackberries balances the sweetness of the agave, while the mint adds a refreshing twist," says Chasi.
• Passionfruit: Add a splash of passionfruit juice and a dash of Tabasco sauce. "The passionfruit juice accentuates the fermentation elements of the tequila," says Chasi. "The Tabasco adds a surprising spicy finish."
• Cucumber and Jalapeño: Muddle cucumber slices, jalapeño, and a splash of fresh lime juice, and Chasi says you've just made yourself an easy spicy margarita.
  

Step 4: Garnish

To finish, run a lime wedge along the rim of a rocks glass and dip in coarse salt, if that's your thing. Fill the glass with more ice—all the way to the top—and pour your perfect personalized margarita over the top. Serve with an extra lime wedge for squeezing.

How to Upgrade Pre-Made Margarita Mix

It's perfectly acceptable to rely on a pre-packaged margarita mix in a pinch. "As an easy button, you can always start with a quality ready-to-drink cocktail," says Conley. "Have fun experimenting with garnishes, so you can entertain without spending too much time in the kitchen."

To enhance a pre-made margarita mix, Conley suggests adding fresh ingredients for depth and complexity. "A splash of elderflower liqueur can bring a floral pop, while a bit of chili liqueur or jalapeño can add a subtle heat," she adds.

To round out the flavors, drizzle in some maple syrup for a smoky element, a smoothing touch of vanilla extract, or even a splash of mezcal for a smoky, earthy edge. "The best margaritas come from small, thoughtful tweaks that make the drink feel uniquely yours," says Conley.