How To Make A Classic 3-2-1 Margarita

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.

Classic 3-2-1 Margarita.

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.

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How To Make A Classic 3-2-1 Margarita

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

A classic margarita, served on the rocks. Recipe slightly adapted from Chow.com. Recipe in parenthesis is for 4 drinks.

Course: Alcohol

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4

Author: Cynthia McCloud Woodman

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of a rocks glass. Coat rim with kosher salt. Fill with ice.
3. 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.

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Simple Syrup

Author: Cynthia McCloud Woodman

Ingredients

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part water

Instructions

1. Bring water and sugar to boil, stirring, just until sugar has dissolved.
2. Turn off heat and cool.
3. Store syrup in a jar or bottle in refrigerator.