Feast + West

Easy, elegant entertaining: Recipes and tips for cocktails and party food

Home » Holidays » Cinco de Mayo » The Best Margarita Recipes

The Best Margarita Recipes

|
This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Margaritas make everything better, especially Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo and regular Friday nights. These are the best margarita recipes to make the next time you’re craving one!

Two virgin margarita glasses with limes.

DISCLAIMER

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

Your ultimate guide to margarita recipes

What’s amazing about a margarita is that there’s something for everyone. It’s an incredibly customizable cocktail, meaning that there are endless ways to enjoy them:

  • Classic lime or flavored?
  • Sugar or salt on the rim?
  • Frozen or on the rocks?
  • Sour mix or fresh lime juice?
  • Bottom shelf or top shelf?
  • Tequila or mezcal?

With these options, you can really wind up with infinite possibilities! That’s evident in this list of the best margarita recipes.

While the margarita may not be the most popular drink in Mexico (that would be the Paloma), it is a stalwart element of any Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo celebration or girls’ night menu. Next time you’re planning a celebration in which you’re going to have margaritas, plan for one of these delicious recipes below!

margarita essentials

*

Quick tips for hosting 

When you’re serving margaritas, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Make a pitcher. Serve lots of guests by pre-batching your margaritas ahead of time. Our homemade margarita mix made with fresh lime juice can be made days in advance and pairs beautifully with the tequila of your choice. This way you don’t need to have a cocktail shaker * in hand all night!
  • Offer options. Some guests don’t like salt on the rim, while others may prefer a non-alcoholic margarita. Be sure to include everyone’s preferences.
  • Choose a quality tequila. But don’t break the bank! You don’t need to go top-shelf, but something in the middle will work really well. A reasonably-priced blanco tequila, reposado or añejo would be excellent.
decorative icon of a margarita.

Don’t miss Tequila 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.

Tequila 101
A glass of red cocktail with ice, garnished with blood orange and lime slices. A rim of chili powder, a juicer, lime, and blood orange in the background.

Non-alcoholic margaritas

Margaritas are easy to make non-alcoholic, with the help of a zero-proof spirit.

Zero-proof spirits work just like tequila in a recipe, only they don’t contain any alcohol. If your recipe calls for 2 ounces of tequila, you can replace it with 2 ounces of a zero-proof tequila to make it a margarita mocktail. Here are some of our favorites:

zero-proof tequilas

*

What to serve with margaritas

Margaritas are perfect for all kinds of occasions! It’s never a bad time to have a margarita! There are a couple of very margarita-appropriate holidays: Cinco de Mayo on May 5, National Tequila Day on July 24 and National Margarita Day on February 22 each year.

But you don’t need a special occasion for a margarita! Serve them for taco night alongside your favorite tacos and some homemade tortilla chips with a dip like queso fundido or tomatillo salsa.

These recipes are also fun for poolside and beach sipping, bachelor/bachelorette parties and summer cookouts. Serve them with some margarita bars or margarita pie for dessert.

decorative icon of a frozen margarita with a straw.

build a margarita bar

At your next get-together, set up a margarita bar for guests to DIY their drinks. Provide a few different types of margarita mix plus a couple bottles of tequila and triple sec. Take it up a notch with a few garnishes like sugar and salt for the rims — and lots of lime slices.

The best margarita recipes 

Okay, let’s get into it! Here are my all-time favorite margarita recipes.

1
Two margarita glasses with limes and garnishes.
Classic Margarita
The Classic Margarita is a no-fuss go-to that always hits the spot—fresh, tangy, and ridiculously easy to make at home.
GET THE RECIPE
2
A pink cocktail in a ridged glass, garnished with lime, mint, and a blackberry. The rim is sugared, with blackberries and mint scattered on a marble surface.
Blackberry Margarita
Juicy and a little fancy without the effort, the Blackberry Margarita is great when you want to feel like a cocktail pro with zero pressure.
GET THE RECIPE
3
frozen margaritas with tajin rims
Frozen Margarita
Basically a boozy slushie—blend, pour, and pretend you’re on holiday with the Frozen Margarita. Ideal for summer days or if you want something extra refreshing.
GET THE RECIPE
4
A glass with an orange cocktail garnished with a dried citrus slice and a salted rim, placed on a golden tray with halved passion fruits and a lime nearby.
Passion Fruit Margarita
Tart, tropical, and super refreshing! The Passion Fruit Margarita feels special but takes no extra skill to whip up.
GET THE RECIPE
5
A mason jar filled with lemonade, garnished with a lime slice and a green polka dot straw, sits on a dark countertop with limes and jars in the background.
www.stetted.com
Mason Jar Margaritas
These Mason Jar margaritas can be made and stored ahead of time right in a mason jar! Make a big batch for a party.
GET THE RECIPE
6
Two champagne margaritas sit on a gold tray along with lime wedges and a champagne cork.
Champagne Margarita
The Champagne Margarita is fizzy, fun, and perfect when you want a little sparkle with your tequila—easy enough for brunch or happy hour.
GET THE RECIPE
7
two beerita cocktails next to beer cans
Beerita
The Beerita is a beer margarita recipe that's perfect for sipping while watching the the big game or for just any night of the week. Tequila and beer makes a smooth, chilled-out combo.
GET THE RECIPE
8
A glass of margarita with a salted rim and lime wedge garnish sits on a striped cloth, with another glass and lime halves in the background.
www.cakenknife.com
Limeade Margarita
Limeade Margaritas are so easy to make! Just grab a can of limeade and you’re halfway there—minimal measuring, maximum flavor.
GET THE RECIPE
9
two glasses of margarita sangria next to a pitcher of the same
Margarita Sangria Recipe
Margarita Sangria combines all the refreshing flavor of your favorite tequila drink with your favorite fruity wine drink. This sangria uses white wine, tequila and citrus to bring you a margarita flavor that can easily serve a crowd.
Get the Recipe
10
An italian margarita on a white surface.
Italian Margarita
In the Italian Margarita, limoncello gives this one a sweet twist — it’s like a margarita with a fun little upgrade.
GET THE RECIPE
11
A glass of iced cocktail garnished with a cucumber ribbon and lime slice, placed on a wooden coaster. Sliced cucumber, lime wedge, and a metal jigger are nearby.
Cucumber Margarita
Super crisp and refreshing, like spa water but with tequila, Cucumber Margarita is great for cooling off and showing off.
GET THE RECIPE
12
a Strawberry Margarita in a glass with a gold stem.
Strawberry Margarita (On The Rocks)
No blender needed—just muddle, shake, and sip. This Strawberry Margarita on the rocks is sweet, simple, and totally beginner-friendly.
GET THE RECIPE
13
A plate with several clear plastic cups filled with yellow gelatin margarita jello shots, each topped with a green and white gummy candy shaped like a lime wedge.
Margarita Jello Shots
These Margarita Jello Shots are Tiny, boozy bites that are way easier than they look—perfect if you want to impress your guests with zero stress.
GET THE RECIPE
14
pink margaritas garnished with black salt on the rim
Prickly Pear Margaritas
Bright pink and naturally sweet, the Prickly Pear Margarita is an easy way to mix things up without making it complicated.
GET THE RECIPE
15
Two glasses of blue margarita with limes on a napkin.
Frozen Blue Margarita
It’s electric blue and frozen—what’s not to love with this Frozen Blue Margarita? Great for fun vibes and easy blending.
GET THE RECIPE
16
A glass of orange cocktail with ice, a salted rim, and a lime slice garnish sits beside a halved orange and a copper shaker.
joyfullymad.com
Orange Margaritas
Isn't the orange color of this Orange Margarita just gorgeous? The fresh orange juice adds color and sweet flavor to the classic marg recipe.
GET THE RECIPE
17
Two pineapple margarita cocktails with ice, garnished with pineapple slices and green leaves, presented on a light background with a pineapple and lime.
Pineapple Margarita
This Pineapple Margarita is sweet, tangy, and tropical—it’s like sunshine in a glass, and it comes together in a flash.
GET THE RECIPE
18
A glass of iced cocktail garnished with a lime wedge and a sugared rim, placed on a white surface with a green bowl and a patterned napkin nearby.
Peach Margarita
Light, fruity, and smooth—the Peach Margarita is ideal for when you want something sweet but still super chill to make.
GET THE RECIPE
19
A flavorful pomegranate margarita infused with fragrant sprigs of rosemary.
Pomegranate Margarita
A little tart, a little sweet, and very pretty—no stress, just shake and you're ready to take a sip with this easy Pomegranate Margarita.
GET THE RECIPE
20
Two apple cider margarita cocktails next to two red apples, some fall leaves and rosemary sprigs on a white background.
Apple Cider Margaritas
The Apple Cider Margarita is Fall in a glass with a tequila twist—super simple and perfect for cooler nights.
GET THE RECIPE
21
A refreshing orange cocktail served in a green stemmed glass, garnished with an orange slice and presented on a white background with citrus fruits and a cocktail shaker nearby.
Texas Margarita
Bigger, bolder, and just a bit stronger—if you like a punchier drink, the Texas Margarita is for you.
GET THE RECIPE
22
A glass of iced blood orange cocktail with lime and blood orange slice garnish. Another cocktail and a plate of blood orange slices with lime slices are in the background.
Blood Orange Margarita
Blood orange puts a sweet, fresh and bright twist on the classic margarita. Gorgeous color and a citrus kick—easy to make and always a hit.
GET THE RECIPE
23
A person holds a round glass filled with a frothy, light brown drink garnished with a mint leaf and a green-striped straw; the rim is coated with sugar.
www.thespeckledpalate.com
Cantaloupe Mint Margaritas
This minty Cantaloupe Margarita is refreshing and refined sugar-free. Light with hints of mint and melon, this drink is perfect for summer.
GET THE RECIPE
24
closeup of a lime garnish on a cadillac margarita.
Cadillac Margarita
A splash of Grand Marnier makes this feel fancy, but it’s still easy enough to throw this Cadillac Margarita together on a weeknight.
GET THE RECIPE
25
Two martini glasses with a Devil's Margarita in them.
Devil’s Margarita
The Devil's Margarita is red wine float on top making it a homemade fancy drink, but it’s actually super simple to layer—great for a “wow” and elegant moment.
GET THE RECIPE
26
A Virgin Margarita in a glass with lime and lime wedges.
Virgin Margarita
All the zing, none of the booze—super quick to mix up this Virgin Margarita and tastes just like the real thing.
GET THE RECIPE
27
A coconut margarita with lime and coconut.
Coconut Margarita
The Coconut Margarita is next level! It's creamy, tropical, and sweet without being over the top—feels like a beach day in a glass.
GET THE RECIPE
28
a blue margarita on a wooden coaster
Blue Margaritas
Also known as the Electric Margarita or the Moonlight Margarita, the Blue Margarita is a blue-hued beauty to add to your next taco night menu.
GET THE RECIPE
29
Spicy margarita with jalapenos.
Spicy Margarita
Just a little heat to keep things interesting—don’t worry, you can control the spice level of this easy to make Spicy Margarita.
GET THE RECIPE
30
Two pink cocktails in gold-rimmed glasses garnished with cucumber, lime wedge, and chili powder. A dish with watermelon pieces in the background.
Watermelon Margarita
Watermelon Margarita is a delicious cocktail you can serve en masse for a party. Juicy and refreshing—this one’s basically summer in a glass and couldn’t be easier to blend up.
Get the Recipe

How to customize margaritas

Here are a few ways you can customize a margarita to make the best margarita ever:

Rim: Choose from the classic salt or sugar, or make it fancy with an infused salt or infused sugar. If you go the salt route, I like this cocktail salt.

Tequila: I always recommend choosing the best liquor you can afford, but a bottle in the mid-range will be a good choice. I prefer silver, reposado or añejo. You can even opt for mezcal for a smokier flavor. You can even infuse your tequila (like this spicy jalapeño tequila

Triple sec: Triple sec is what provides the orange-flavored undertone. More top-shelf brands like Cointreau or Grand Marnier are sure to make your margarita taste more complex than regular triple sec. All of these are orange liqueurs.

Flavor: Lime is the classic option here — preferably with fresh lime juice but sour mix works too. You can also add in any number of flavors, through fruits and juices. Don’t miss the list below for some ideas!

Sweetener: I like to use agave nectar * — tequila also comes from the agave plant, so it’s a natural match-up. But a plain or flavored simple syrup also works well in a margarita.

Garnish: A lime wedge is classic, but feel free to mix it up. Use a strawberry on a strawberry marg or a slice of pineapple on a pineapple margarita. A sprig of herbs works too!

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

decorative icon of a beer stein.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Top Cocktails

As Seen On

Brit+Co
BuzzFeed
CountryLiving
delish
Good Housekeeping
Huffington Post
Food & Wine
Oprah Daily
Pioneer Woman
Saveur
Southern Living
A solid dark teal rectangle with no discernible features or details.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!