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Theodore Hawthorne IV bartender portrait

Classic Mixologist · Theodore Hawthorne IV

Margarita

A citrusy and sweet sour built around tequila & mezcal, with the classic proportions and service that make the Margarita endure.

“The Margarita rewards precision and exposes improvisation. Fortunately, you have the proper proportions.”
Margarita cocktail served in a rocks glass with lime wheel and optional salt rim

WHY THIS DRINK WORKS

The Margarita works because blanco tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, fresh lime juice meet in deliberate proportion. Keep the method shaken, use fresh ice, and give the final garnish enough attention to finish the aroma without distracting from the drink.

Makes1 cocktail
Time5 minutes
GlassRocks glass
FinishLime wheel and optional salt rim

Ingredients

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 3/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec
  • 3/4 to 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 oz optional agave syrup
  • As needed salt rim

Make it

  1. Salt half the rim of a rocks glass.
  2. Shake tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and agave with ice.
  3. Strain over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with lime.

Behind the bar

  • Chill the serving glass while you prepare the drink.
  • Taste balance depends on fresh citrus and accurate measurements.