The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in North America—and for good reason. Its bright lime tartness, balanced by the sweetness of orange liqueur and the bold character of tequila, makes it a timeless star of the sour cocktail family. It’s the perfect companion to a warm summer evening and is loved around the world. Fittingly, margarita is the Spanish word for “daisy.”
History
Many legends surround the origin of the Margarita, but the most widely accepted stories place its creation in Acapulco, Mexico, during the 1930s or 1940s. One tale claims that bartender Danny Negrete crafted the drink as a wedding gift in 1936. Danny and his brother David ran a bar at the Garci Crispo Hotel in Puebla, Mexico, and he mixed the cocktail for his future sister-in-law, Margarita. Another popular story involves Margaret Sames, a Dallas socialite who said she first mixed this iconic drink at a house party in Acapulco in 1948. Regardless of which version you believe, the Margarita has become a symbol of tequila culture, Mexican flavors, and classic cocktail tradition.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) tequila (silver, also known as blanco)
1 oz (30 ml) orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
⅓ oz (10 ml) agave syrup
How to Make a Margarita Cocktail
First, prepare the glass: run a lime wedge along the rim, then dip it into salt or sugar, depending on your preference. Next, fill a shaker with ice and add all the ingredients. Shake vigorously so the drink chills quickly and the flavors blend smoothly. After that, strain the mixture into the prepared glass. If you prefer, you can add ice, although the cocktail doesn’t necessarily need it.
Serving and Garnish
Margaritas are traditionally served in coupe or margarita glasses. Place a lime wedge on the salted or sugared rim for a clean, stylish finish.
Calorie Content
One serving of a Margarita cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories, depending mainly on the type of orange liqueur and agave syrup you use. If you choose sugar on the rim of the glass instead of salt, you should also factor in a few dozen extra calories.