Casamigos Margarita

A classic margarita is hard to beat. There is just something about that fresh squeezed lime juice and tequila, that is equal parts refreshing and warming. Because of a margarita's simplicity, the tequila you use is important. That's why I always use casamigos, they have the best blanco tequila for margaritas. This Casamigos Margarita recipe is as classic as they come, poured over ice, not blended. Get ready for summer with a glass or a pitcher to share!

Ingredients

I can’t take credit for this recipe-- it’s all my husband’s doing. He is a master bartender. You will need:

• Casamigos tequila. I love their casamigos blanco tequila best, but you can also use mezcal for a different flavor profile.
• Orange liqueur. Use your favorite, generally triple sec or cointreau are the most popular.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice. Freshly squeezed is important. Again ,there are so few ingredients, that quality matters. It takes less than a minute and has a big pay off. Plus, you can always cut up a lime wedge for garnish.
• Simple syrup or agave nectar. This is technically optional, but I do like a little sweetness to my margaritas. Check out my recipe for a super quick demerara simple syrup.

Instructions

A shaken margarita is simple to create, simply:

• Measure out ingredients and add to a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice.
• Shake vigorously, and pour into a salt-rimmed glass. Serve with a lime wedge.

Variations

Make it a skinny margarita. To do this, all you have to do is forgo the simple syrup. It will obviously not be as sweet, but with a quality tequila like casamigos, and fresh lime juice, you will still have yourself a delicious cocktail.

Make it an orange margarita. You can either choose to completely substitute the fresh lime juice for fresh orange juice, or you can do half and half. This will make for a sweeter cocktail and would be a great brunch option!

Make it a tamarind margarita. Try this tamarind margarita recipe for a fun twist.

Make it spicy. Add a little jalapeno pepper or serrano pepper to your margarita for a bit of a kick! Muddle the peppers in your cocktail glass (just a little bit-- too spicy will overpower the drink). For an even more subtle flavor, simply add a pepper slice or two to the shaker, shake cocktail, and remove before serving.

What to serve with this margarita recipe

Anything! Mexican is classic to pair with a good margarita cocktail, try one of these recipes.

• Tacos. These Spicy Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce are fresh with a lot of crunch!
• Elotes. A popular Mexican dish, try this elote bowl salad version.
• Rice. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect complement to grilled meats or to use as a base for burritos or burrito bowls.
• Salad. This Ensenada Chicken Platter is a reader favorite and I know why! It's flavorful and easy to prepare, and the perfect complement to a margarita.

Looking for a non-alcoholic drink? Try this Lemon Blueberry Mocktail.