The Art of the Margarita: Classic Recipes and Modern Twists

A Cultural Icon

Traditional or Adventurous?

The margarita is more than just a cocktail; it’s a cultural icon and a symbol of celebration and relaxation. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global favorite, the margarita has evolved in countless ways, offering an array of flavors and styles to suit every palate. In this blog post, we’ll explore the classic margarita recipe and introduce some innovative variations that use exotic ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Whether you prefer the traditional approach or are eager to try something new, there’s a margarita recipe here for you.

A Beloved Cocktail Worldwide

A Brief History of the Margarita

The origins of the margarita are shrouded in mystery, with several competing stories about its creation. One popular tale suggests that the margarita was invented in the late 1930s by a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. According to the story, Herrera created the drink for a customer who was allergic to all spirits except tequila but found the taste too harsh.

Another theory credits socialite Margarita Sames with inventing the cocktail at a house party in Acapulco in 1948. Her friends loved the drink so much that it quickly gained popularity, eventually making its way to the United States.

Regardless of its true origin, the margarita has become a beloved cocktail worldwide, celebrated for its refreshing taste and versatility.

Essential Ingredients

Start with Los Linderos Blanco

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that make up a classic margarita:

  • Tequila: The star of the show, tequila provides the distinctive flavor that defines the margarita. Opt for a high-quality  Los Linderos Blanco, which offers a vibrant bouquet of fresh agave, citrus, and a hint of pepper.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for that tart, refreshing kick. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible, as it often lacks the same bright flavor.
  • Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur, triple sec adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Cointreau is a popular choice, but other brands work well too.
  • Salt: A salted rim enhances the flavors and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and acidity of the drink.

When You Want the Original

Classic Margarita

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Los Linderos Blanco tequila
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
  • Ice
  • Salt for rim (optional)
  • Lime wheel or wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Glass: If you prefer a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of a margarita or rocks glass. Dip the rim into a plate of coarse salt to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup (if using).
  3. Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-chilled and thoroughly mixed.
  4. Serve: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the margarita mixture into the glass.
  5. Garnish: Add a lime wheel or wedge to the rim of the glass for a touch of elegance.

A Modern Twist on the Margarita

Spicy Mango Margarita

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Los Linderos Blanco tequila
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz mango puree
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup
  • 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño (adjust for desired spiciness)
  • Ice
  • Tajín seasoning for rim (optional)
  • Mango slice for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Glass: If you like a spicy rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it in Tajín seasoning.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, mango puree, triple sec, agave syrup, and jalapeño slices.
  3. Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
  4. Serve: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
  5. Garnish: Add a slice of mango to the rim for a tropical touch.

Something a Little More Tropical

Coconut Pineapple Margarita

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Los Linderos Blanco tequila
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • Ice
  • Toasted coconut flakes for rim (optional)
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Glass: For a tropical twist, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it in toasted coconut flakes.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime juice, and triple sec.
  3. Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
  4. Serve: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
  5. Garnish: Add a pineapple wedge to the rim for a tropical finish.

When You Need Something Exotic

Blood Orange Margarita

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Los Linderos Blanco tequila
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
  • 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup
  • Ice
  • Salt for rim (optional)
  • Blood orange wheel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Glass: If desired, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it in salt.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup.
  3. Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
  4. Serve: Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
  5. Garnish: Add a blood orange wheel to the rim for a vibrant touch.