Tequila was first added to the margarita recipe in the 1940s. Since then, tequila has become an integral part of margarita culture and is often paired with tequila lime juice or tequila orange liqueur to create a margarita that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
How much tequila to margarita mix? Tequila should be added to the margarita mix for the perfect ratio. For Classic Margarita, 3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec, and 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice is the traditional recipe. However, the tequila ratio can vary with different margarita variations; this ratio determines the flavor and potency of your tequila margarita.
In this article, you will get a detailed Classic Margarita recipe, tequila ratios of different margarita variations, and the popularity of tequila margarita.
Classic 3-2-1 Margarita Recipe
There are many tequila brands out there, so feel free to experiment with what tastes best to you. For the tequila in this recipe, I chose a tequila that has some earthy and smoky flavors because it pairs well with the other ingredients. The orange liqueur can be any brand as long as it is high quality and has a good flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces silver (Blanco), 100% agave tequila
- 2-ounce triple sec orange liqueur, preferably Luxardo Triple or Cointreau
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 very thin lime slice, for garnish
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 thin lime wedge
- Ice
Instructions:
Step 1: Cover a small dish with enough salt to cover it.
Step 2: Rub the outside rim of a 4-ounce cocktail glass with the lime wedge. Dip the outside rim of the glass in the salt while holding it at a 45-degree angle and spinning it to coat the entire rim. (Be careful not to get any salt inside the glass.) Fill the glass halfway with ice and chill it in the freezer.
Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake the shaker hard until the outside becomes icy. In a chilled glass, strain the margarita and garnish with a lime slice.
Tips:
- Chill your tequila before making the margarita. In a pinch, you can chill tequila by swirling it in an ice bath (a bowl or other container filled with cold water and ice) for about five minutes.
- To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and hot water in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir until the sugar is dissolved, then let cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a Mason jar instead. Just make sure to cover the top with a cloth napkin (to prevent it from breaking) and shake vigorously.
- For a frozen margarita, blend all of the ingredients in a blender with about ½ cup of ice and serve immediately.
- Rimming the glass with salt is optional, but it enhances the flavor and makes for a pretty presentation.
- If you don’t like tequila, you can substitute gin or vodka for the tequila in this recipe.
LEARN MORE: Can You Buy Margarita Mix Under 21?
Taste Of Classic 3-2-1 Margarita Recipe
The tequila in this recipe has some earthy and smoky flavors because it pairs well with the other ingredients. The orange liqueur can be any brand as long as it is high quality and has a good flavor.
Earthy tequila is tequila with a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of the tequilana weber agave plant. The tequila weber agave, or blue variety, has been used to produce tequila for hundreds of years and is known for its earthy flavors. Earthy tequila is often described as having woodsy, herbal, and tobacco flavors.
The smoky flavor comes from barrel-aged wooden casks that have been exposed to fire. This process gives the tequila a smoky flavor that’s reminiscent of barbecued meat. Some smoky tequilas are also infused with smoked tequila essences.
Lime juice enhances tequila’s flavors and makes the tequila smoother. It also reduces tequila’s bitterness, which can be unpleasant for some people. The lime flavor plays an important role in balancing out tequila’s smoky taste because it complements rather than masks tequila’s natural earthy notes.
LEARN MORE: Can You Buy Margarita Mix With Food Stamps?
Other Tequila Margarita Variations
There are many variations of the margarita that you can make with tequila. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Tequila Margarita Pineapple Mango
Ingredients:
- ½ cup tequila (silver or gold)
- ¼ cup triple sec
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- ⅔ cup mango juice
Directions:
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into two margarita glasses and serve immediately. If you want a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with about ½ cup of ice.
LEARN MORE: Does The Margarita Mix Expire?
Tequila Margarita Strawberry
Ingredients:
- ½ cup tequila (silver or gold)
- ¼ cup triple sec
- ⅓ cup strawberry puree
Directions:
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into two margarita glasses and serve immediately. If you want a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with about ½ cup of ice.
LEARN MORE: Do You Need Triple Sec With Margarita Mix?
Tequila Margarita Frozen
Ingredients:
- ½ cup tequila (silver or gold)
- ¼ cup triple sec
- ⅓ cup lime juice
- ½ cup ice
Directions:
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into two margarita glasses and serve immediately. If you want a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with about ½ cup of ice.
LEARN MORE: Taste Of The Tropics Margarita
Tequila Margarita On The Rocks
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup tequila (silver or gold)
- ⅛ cup triple sec
- ½ ounce lime juice
Directions:
In a shaker, combine all of the ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into a margarita glass. If you want a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with about ½ cup of ice.
LEARN MORE: Strawberry Margaritas
Popularity Of Margarita With Tequila
The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. It’s thought to have originated in 1938 when a bartender named Margarita Henkel mixed tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice together and served it at her bar in Mexico City.
In the 1940s, tequila was initially added to the margarita recipe. Tequila has become a vital component of margarita culture since then and is frequently combined with tequila lime juice or tequila orange liqueur to make a pleasant and tasty margarita.
It wasn’t until 1958 that tequila was introduced in America when it became popular at bars in Austin, Texas. Today, tequila is the most popular liquor in America and margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails. In fact, Americans drink more than three million gallons of margaritas every year!
Conclusion
Now you know how much tequila to margarita mix, it’s time to start making some delicious margaritas! Whether you like frozen or on the rocks, tequila is the perfect liquor for a margarita.
LEARN MORE: Why Are Cocktails So Expensive?
