Learning how to make a classic 3-2-1 margarita is as easy as counting to three. They’re delicious, too, which is all the more reason to celebrate with one.
Long, long, ago in college land, there lived a bunch of young kids who liked to think that frozen Margaritas were a “classic” Mexican drink.In real grown-up land, the Classic Margarita is a 3-2-1 ratio of tequila, orange liqueur, Grand Marnier (or Cointreau), and lime juice. It is not frozen, but rather, served on the rocks. Some people sweeten classic margaritas with a bit of simple syrup or agave nectar. I prefer a small amount of simple syrup in mine, and I also like to add a bit of lime zest.
- 3 parts tequila 6 ounces
- 2 parts orange liqueur triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau (4 ounces)
- 1 part fresh lime juice 2 ounces
- Simple syrup or agave nectar to taste (4 Tablespoons)
- Kosher salt for rims of glasses
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
- Optional: zest of lime
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Into a cocktail shaker, mix 3 parts good quality tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur and 1 part lime juice, simple syrup and zest of one lime, if desired.
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Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of a rocks glass. Coat rim with kosher salt. Fill with ice.
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Pour margaritas into glasses and garnish with lime slices.
Here in sunny Southern California, limes are 10 for a buck, so it’s a pretty easy summer-time drink. Salting the rim of the glass is optional. As long as you adhere to the 3-2-1 ratio, you can make as many margaritas as you wish!
Classic 3-2-1 Margarita
Learning how to make a classic 3-2-1 margarita also means learning that this isn’t the time to skimp on ingredients.
Use the best quality tequila you can afford. There’s a reason that a margarita made with Grand Marnier is called a “Cadillac”. Simple syrup is a bar staple for many mixed drinks, and it’s also perfect for sweetening iced tea.
- 1 part sugar
- 1 part water
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Bring water and sugar to boil, stirring, just until sugar has dissolved.
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Turn off heat and cool.
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Store syrup in a jar or bottle in refrigerator.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
May 3, 2015 at 6:36 amWe’re heading down to my sister’s for a barbecue today and I’m going to bring the makings for this drink, thanks for the ratio tip – now I can make a HUGE batch 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
May 3, 2015 at 5:51 pmNice! A simple Margarita that is easy to make and looks absolutely delicious! YUM! Perfect for summer.
Cynthia says
May 24, 2015 at 4:35 pmA margarita is the perfect summertime drink!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
May 8, 2015 at 8:54 amI love how simple you’ve made this Cynthia and I’m quite jealous of 10 limes for a dollar!
Cynthia says
May 24, 2015 at 4:34 pmChris that is the best part of living in southern california, our produce is so inexpensive!
Katalina @ Peas and Peonies says
May 14, 2015 at 12:55 pmRight in time for our opening pool party, so ready to make tis for our friends!
Cynthia says
May 24, 2015 at 4:31 pmKatalina, it’s the perfect summertime drink!
Fabiana says
May 15, 2015 at 8:25 amI am deffinitely prepare some of these later today. It has been a looong week and they sound amazing.
Cynthia says
May 19, 2015 at 8:57 pmthe perfect weekend drink for sure!
Lily Lau says
May 16, 2015 at 9:30 amThe perfect post for Saturday night! Need to try it tonight, thanks for sharing 😀
Cynthia says
May 24, 2015 at 4:31 pmThanks Lily!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
May 18, 2015 at 3:13 pmI think I’ve only had a Margarita once before, clearly I need to remedy that as your recipe is making my mouth water!!
Cynthia says
May 19, 2015 at 8:57 pmLol Sheena! you’re missing out!