This simple Margarita cocktail recipe took me years of research and I have finally found the absolute best one ever! This easy agave margarita has only 4 ingredients. You don't need expensive liqueurs or mixes to make this classic cocktail!
If you've been around ACT for a bit, you know that I LOVE Margaritas - especially ones served on the rocks! Whether it's this slightly exotic Tamarind Margarita or this gorgeously red Hibiscus Margarita, this is one cocktail I never tire of.
So, for years I've searched for the perfect margarita recipe.
And I found it. Finally. And Yes, the search was worth it!
So what makes this margarita on the rocks the BEST?
The tequila - and yes, I'm serious. But it isn't about the brand! Read on to find out why the type of tequila used makes such a difference!
Ingredients
- Tequila - most margarita recipes use silver tequila but using Reposado is THE gamechanger! Reposado is smoother, with hints of vanilla and caramel which is why you don't need Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
- Fresh limes - ditch the sweet and sour mix, fresh lime juice tastes so much better!
- Chili lime salt- you definitely could use kosher salt but I love the "bite" of chile-lime salt!
- Agave nectar- although simple syrup is the most common sweetener in this cocktail, the richer honeyed flavor of agave works much better!
What is Tequila
Tequila is a hard liquor like gin, bourbon, and vodka but made from the blue agave plant that is native to Mexico. To be called "tequila" the liquor has to be distilled in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
What are the different types of tequila
Yes, there are different kinds of tequila. So here's a little rundown of the different types.
- Blanco: sometimes called "silver", isn't aged and has a neutral flavor and is a bit harsher than aged tequilas. Most margarita recipes use this type of tequila - but you don't have to!
- Tequila Gold: This is a Blanco tequila that has additional colorings and/or flavorings added to taste more like an aged tequila.
- Reposado: aged in wooden barrels from 2 to 11 months. It's mellower and has a bit of a caramel flavor which makes for a smooth margarita.
- Anejo: aged for 1 year, it's mellower than Reposado and tastes a bit spicy.
- Extra Anejo: aged for 3 years with a smokey flavor.
Can you substitute one type of tequila for another in cocktails
It really depends upon the cocktail! Blanco works very well in mixed drinks with other strong flavors. Reposado has a bit more flavor and but also works really well in most cocktails - and especially a margarita. The Anejo's are more like aged whiskeys and are intended for straight sipping.
How to make the Best Margarita on the rocks
- Start with a quality Reposado . I like Milagro but there are tons of choices. TIP: Look for Reposado based cocktails when you are ordering a cocktail - it's a great way to try other tequilas without having to purchase multiple bottles!
- Juice your limes: If you're making these for a crowd, you can juice the limes several hours in advance. Hold on to some of the juiced limes to use to rim the glass!
- Rim your glass or glasses
- Shake your cocktail: You can shake the margaritas a couple of hours before serving but I like to do it just before. There is something so festive about the sound of a cocktail shaker!
- Add ice: Add ice to your glass or glasses and pour the margarita over. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired and then serve!
How to rim a cocktail glass
You definitely can rim your glass ahead of time- which is great when you are having a party. Spread the salt or chile-lime salt on the plate. Run a juiced lime around the rim of the glass and then dip the glass into the salt, rotating the glass to cover the entire rim.
Other Margarita Cocktails you'll love!
- Pomelo and Mint Margarita - mellow grapefruit and zesty mint flavor this twist on the classic.
- Hatch Chile Margarita - a margarita with a spicy kick!
- Mango Margarita - sweet and juicy!
If you think this is the BEST Margarita on the rocks too, I'd love for you to give it a 5-star rating in the comments!
Cheers! Nancy
Margarita on the Rocks
Ingredients
- 2 oz. reposado tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz. agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon chile lime salt I used Tajin
- 1 lime wedge optional
Instructions
- Reserve one of the juiced limes to rim the glass. Run the lime around the rim.
- Spread the chile lime salt on a small plate. Dip the rim into the chile salt, making sure to cover the entire rim.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar.Add ice and shake for 45 seconds.
- Add ice to the rimmed cocktail glass and pour the cocktail over.
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Mark Buchanan says
I've tried many margaritas over the years, and this one stands out. The Reposado makes the difference. It's just a better tasting margarita. This combination of great taste and simple preparation makes it perfect, and my friends oohed and aahed when they tried it. I highly recommend trying this.
Nancy says
So glad they liked it Mark!!! It really is a fabulous margarita!
Mimi says
There are so many great margarita recipes. I typically use a 1-1-1 ratio of tequila, lime juice, and Grand Marnier. I’ve seen the same recipe with twice as much tequila. I’ve also added Fresca to margaritas and they’re wonderful! My friends and family kid me about writing a Fresca cookbook... Anyway. I’ll try yours out, for the sake of research...
Km says
Awesome. Just what i like.
Nancy says
Thanks KM! It honestly is the best margarita I've had!