Margaritas: 3 Different Ways

Ingredients

• To rim the glassKosher salt
• 60 ml (2 oz)Fresh lime juice
• 105 ml (3.5 oz)Tequila, blanco or reposado
• 45 ml (1.5 oz)Orange liqueur
• 15 ml (0.5 oz)Simple syrup
• As neededIce cubes
• 1 sliceLime, to garnish
• To rim the glassKosher salt or sugar
• 30 ml (1 oz)Fresh lime juice
• 60 ml (2 oz)Freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 90 ml (3 oz)Tequila, blanco or reposado
• 45 ml (1.5 oz)Orange liqueur
• As neededIce cubes
• 1 sliceBlood orange, to garnish
• To rim the glassKosher salt or sugar
• 30 ml (1 oz)Fresh lime juice
• 120 ml (4 oz)Pineapple juice
• 90 ml (3 oz)Tequila, blanco or reposado
• 45 ml (1.5 oz)Orange liqueur
• As neededIce cubes
• 1 wedge or leafPineapple, to garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the fruit

   Wash the fruit. Halve the limes and, if using them, the oranges; cut a lime or orange wheel, or a pineapple wedge, for the garnish.

2. 2

   Rim the glass

   Put some kosher salt on a small plate. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge, making 2–3 passes, then dip it into the salt and turn it slightly to coat. Lift the glass and set it aside.

3. 3

   Juice the fruit

   Juice the limes and, if using them, the oranges.

4. 4

   Shake the margarita

   Add the lime juice, any other fruit juice, tequila, orange liqueur and simple syrup, if using, to a shaker. Fill it with ice, seal and shake for 10–15 seconds.

5. 5

   Pour and garnish

   Pour the shaker contents, including the ice, into the prepared margarita glass. Add your chosen fruit garnish and serve.

What are margaritas?

A margarita is a tequila cocktail commonly made with citrus juice and orange liqueur. Its familiar lime version is tart and bracing, while fruit juices can make it rounder and sweeter.

This set gives you three single-glass options, arranged from most sour to most sweet. Each is shaken with ice and poured without straining, so it stays chilled with the ice in the glass.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 380 calories, 0g protein, 13g carbs, 0g fat.

In the classic version, tequila and orange liqueur provide most of the energy, while the simple syrup and fruit juices supply most of the carbohydrates; the listed ingredients provide little protein. For a more balanced plate, enjoy one drink with a meal that includes a source of protein and vegetables.

Choose your fruit

Classic lime: The lime-forward mix uses 60 ml of juice and a little simple syrup to balance its sharpness.

Blood orange: This version combines 30 ml lime juice with 60 ml blood orange juice, giving the citrus mix a softer, fruitier edge.

Pineapple: With 120 ml pineapple juice and 30 ml lime juice, this is the sweetest-tasting of the three options.

Get the rim right

Salt or sugar: The classic version calls for kosher salt, while the blood orange and pineapple versions allow either salt or sugar. Choose based on whether you want a savoury contrast or a sweeter finish.

Even coating: Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into the plate topping and turn the glass gently. Keeping the coating on the outside helps avoid knocking it into the drink.

Shake with ice

Cold ingredients: Add the juice, tequila, orange liqueur and syrup where specified before filling the shaker with ice. Seal it securely so the liquid stays contained as you shake.

Short shake: Shake for 10–15 seconds, as directed. Pour everything into the prepared glass, including the ice, rather than straining it out.

Pick your tequila

Blanco: Blanco tequila is the lighter, unaged option listed for all three recipes and keeps the fruit flavours prominent.

Reposado: Reposado is also an option; its time resting in wood gives it a different flavour profile. Use the same measured amount whichever style you choose.

Serve straight away

Garnish: Finish the lime version with a lime slice, the blood orange version with an orange slice, and the pineapple version with a wedge or leaf.

Pairing: Serve alongside salty snacks or a meal with fresh, bright flavours. Make the drink just before serving so it reaches the glass cold.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use freshly squeezed citrus for the lime and blood orange versions.
• Chill the serving glass beforehand if you want the drink to stay cold longer.
• Use a lime wedge to wet the rim rather than dipping the glass into juice.
• Set out separate plates if you want to offer both salt and sugar rims.
• Measure the juices and spirits before shaking for a consistent mix.

Variations

• Salted rim: Use kosher salt on the blood orange or pineapple version for a savoury contrast.
• Sugared rim: Coat the blood orange or pineapple glass with sugar for a sweeter finish.
• Blanco tequila: Choose blanco for a lighter tequila flavour across any of the three drinks.
• Reposado tequila: Use reposado in the same quantity for a different tequila character.
• Fruit garnish: Match the garnish to the juice in your chosen version.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the rim: Wet the glass edge with a lime wedge first so the salt or sugar can adhere.
• Over-shaking: Keep to the stated 10–15 seconds to avoid shaking longer than the method calls for.
• Straining out the ice: Pour the shaker contents, ice included, into the prepared glass.
• Using the wrong garnish: Choose lime for the classic, blood orange for its version, or pineapple for the pineapple drink.
• Adding syrup to every version: The ingredient list includes simple syrup only in the classic lime recipe.

How to store

These margaritas are best made and served straight away. If you have a leftover portion, cover and refrigerate it promptly, then drink it within a day; the ice will melt and dilute the flavour, so do not store it with ice in the glass.

Frequently asked questions