Entertaining ·
Recipes ·
Classic Margarita (No Blender Required)
Cheers to a Classic Margarita
Any good gathering deserves a great drink, and a classic margarita is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a backyard get-together, or just unwinding at home, this timeless cocktail is the perfect way to raise a glass and celebrate.
We may never know who mixed the very first margarita, but one thing is certain — it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Simple ingredients, no blender required, and always a hit. So go ahead — pour, shake, and enjoy. ¡Salud!
My favorite no-blender margarita recipe for easy entertaining
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila (Cazadores and Hornitos are favorites)
- 1.5 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (or Nelli & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice, in a pinch)
- Kosher salt (or Tajin for a a spicy kick!
- Fresh limes for garnish and rimming the glass
Directions
- Pour a few teaspoons of lime juice onto a small plate and sprinkle kosher salt onto another. Rub the rim of a chilled glass with lime, then gently press it into the salt.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice. Shake vigorously.
- Strain into the prepared glass, either straight up or over fresh ice.
Serves 1 — but this recipe doubles easily if friends happen to stop by. 🍹
Originally posted February 22, 2017, updated 1/4/2026
