The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and is believed to have begun as a variation of another prohibition beverage called the ‘Daisy.’ The margarita traded in tequila for the previously-used brandy along with lime for lemon–and the rest is history.

Years have gone by and hundreds of versions of the margarita have been created, but there are still those who cherish the original version–just like those who prefer coffee on keto!

Margarita Ingredients

When talking about margaritas, it is easy to get lost in all the stories around who invented the drink or become immersed in debates over issues like which is the best margarita mixer–or even if you should opt to make margaritas with mix, salt or no-salt, frozen or blended, Grand Marnier or Cointreau. However, if you are a margarita enthusiast or would like to become one, all you need to know is what ingredients are required to make the perfect blend. They include the following;

Tequila

Being the main ingredient of a margarita mix, the kind of tequila you use to make your margarita is crucial. Tequila is a spirit made using blue agave grown in Mexico, in a region known as Jalisco. Agave heart is picked, baked, allowed to ferment, distilled, and then bottled or aged, then shipped to various regions around the world.

You will typically want to go with something like Blanco tequila for your margarita. Because it is not aged, it will give you a clear-looking final product that is bold, sweet, and peppery at the same time. Its bright, spirit-forward taste also pairs well with lime juice and the citrus found in orange liqueur. 

Orange Liqueur

Tasty, zesty, and bright, orange liqueur is a typical ingredient in most home bars. It is a must-have ingredient for anyone who likes to make margaritas. The liqueur contains various alcohol bases, different sweetness levels, and zesty orange flavors, making each brand of orange liqueur taste unique.

Lime Juice

If you want to enjoy your margarita fully, fresh lime is the only way to go. However, the bottled ones can, at times, give your margarita an artificial, sour taste that may not be very appealing. To get the most out of fresh limes, you should roll the fruit against your counter or chopping board to loosen the juices. Once you’re done, cut the limes in half and juice them with a citrus juicer. If you don’t have one, you can use your hands.

Even though lime juice is considered the common citrus ingredient for a margarita, you can still try other fruits like orange, grapefruit, key lime, pineapple, or tangerine. Because citrus fruits vary in their acidity levels, you may need to add a touch of agave nectar or simple syrup to balance the flavors out. You can also reduce the amount of orange liqueur if you feel your cocktail is too acidic.

While tequila, lime, and orange liqueur make up the traditional margarita ingredients, you can add other components to switch up the flavor of your drink. The following are the most common additions:

Fruit

While you can use fresh or frozen pieces in your margarita, fruit purees are considered the better choice by most, particularly when it comes to margaritas on the rocks. Some of the fruits you can add include strawberries, raspberries, mangos, and prickly pears.

Ice

Some people don’t consider ice as a margarita ingredient; however, you will be hard-pressed to find a margarita that doesn’t require ice. The drink is usually served on the rocks, but in some instances, you can also blend it with ice cubes to create a slushy, frozen treat.

Salt

Typically, salt is only added to the rim, but is in no way an ingredient to forget. It helps to intensify the flavors of your orange liqueur and lime juice, and will mellow any bitterness in your drink.

Conclusion

When it comes to margaritas, there are common ingredients that one must use, like tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. However, you can add almost anything to make your margarita unique by adding your personal flavor preferences!