Fresh Margarita Recipe Tips
Do you need orange liqueur for margaritas?
Orange liqueur isn’t essential to a delicious margarita, but it's in most traditional recipes. Making a margarita is a balancing act, and the orange liqueur adds a fruity yet bitter flavor to the mix. There are many affordable brands on the market that are labeled Triple Sec, but you can also substitute higher-quality orange liqueurs like Cointreau, Curacao or Grand Marnier in equal amounts.
Is Triple Sec or Cointreau better for margaritas?
Cointreau is a type of Triple Sec made from bittersweet and sweet orange peels. It's known for its high-quality smooth and crisp flavor, and is a more expensive choice than generic-brand Triple Secs. However, if you want a less-boozy margarita, go for generic Triple Sec. (Here are other
ways to upgrade a margarita.)
How can I make fresh margaritas ahead of time?
You can make this fresh margarita recipe ahead of time by mixing the first five ingredients together until the sugar is properly dissolved. Store it in a sealed container for up to 1 day and then serve it over ice moments before sipping!
What variations of this fresh margarita recipe can I try?
- For frozen lime margaritas: Reduce lime and lemon juices to 2 tablespoons each. Increase superfine sugar to 1/4 cup and crushed ice to 4 cups. Add 3/4 cup limeade concentrate. Prepare glasses as directed. In a blender, combine tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, lemon juice, superfine sugar, limeade concentrate and crushed ice; cover and process until smooth. Yield: 5 cups.
- For frozen strawberry margaritas: Follow directions for Frozen Lime Margaritas, except add 2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries and reduce crushed ice to 2 cups. Yield: 4 cups.
Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
