For the past decade, I’ve worked in digital marketing for the hospitality industry.
My primary focus is social media marketing, and with that comes a lot of photography and videography.
In much simpler terms, I take a lot of photos and videos of food and drinks.
After all these photoshoots, there’s a lot of sampling. Having worked with many restaurants in the New England area, I’ve tried my fair share of cocktails.
A margarita is one cocktail I’m always excited to shoot (and drink!). It’s such a fun, refreshing cocktail that always puts me in a good mood.
The Margarita
The margarita is a classic, timeless tequila cocktail. Its core lies in three ingredients: tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sweetness—traditionally agave syrup. It is typically served in a salt-rimmed glass and can be shaken with fresh ice or blended for a frozen treat.
About Casamigos Tequila
Casamigos Tequila has a fascinating history. I’m sure you know of A-list celebrity George Clooney, right? Clooney and his buddy Rande Gerber were hunting for the smoothest tequila for their parties. They got tired of searching for the perfect one and decided to make their own.
Casamigos Tequila is distilled in small batches from 100% Blue Weber agave. Casamigos prioritizes quality over quantity, resulting in a seriously smooth and clean tequila.
They offer Casamigos Blanco Tequila (unaged), Casamigos Reposado Tequila (rested a bit in oak barrels), and Casamigos Añejo Tequila (aged even longer). Blanco keeps things classic, Reposado throws in some vanilla and caramel notes, and Añejo brings on the fancy with oak and spice. Basically, there’s a type of tequila for every margarita mood.
Essential Margarita Ingredients
The three essential ingredients for any margarita are tequila, lime juice, and sweetener. These three ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy elements that define this iconic cocktail.
Tequila: This is the base spirit of the margarita, providing the alcoholic kick and the characteristic agave flavor. For the best results, skip the well brands and choose a mid-range or premium tequila. In my home, I always have a bottle of Casamigos tequila on hand for when I’m in the mood for a margarita.
Fresh Lime Juice: This citrusy ingredient adds a vibrant acidity that cuts through the sweetness and balances the tequila’s heat. Fresh limes are key! Bottled lime juice lacks the bright, zesty character of a great margarita.
Sweetener: Sweetener balances the tartness of the lime juice and complements the tequila’s agave notes. Here are some popular options:
- Agave Syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant, it offers a subtle agave flavor that compliments the tequila.
- Simple Syrup: A neutral sugar syrup made from equal parts water and sugar provides a clean sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
- Orange Liqueur: A splash of Cointreau, Triple Sec, or another orange liqueur adds complexity and depth, creating a more sophisticated margarita.
Other Ingredients: A classic margarita recipe calls for fresh ice, a salt mixture for your rim of rocks, and a lime wheel or lime wedge.
Essential Barware
To make this delicious tequila drink, you’ll need a tin shaker or cocktail shaker and a small rocks glass. While not necessary, a bar spoon accurately measures ingredients, especially smaller amounts like lime juice and agave nectar.
The Best Casamigos Margarita Recipe Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make one margarita: 2 oz of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz agave nectar, a lime wedge for garnish, and (optional), salt for the rim of the glass.
Steps to Make it:
- Prep the Glass: A salt rim is a must for me. I always run the lime wedge around the rim of a chilled rocks glass and then dip it in a plate of coarse salt.
- Combine and Shake: I fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice and add the Casamigos Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Next, I shake vigorously for at least 6-8 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- Strain and Garnish: Finally, I strain the margarita into the rocks glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Margarita Variations
There are so many ways to step up your margarita game.
- Give it a Fruity Twist: Muddle fruit like strawberries, mangoes, peaches, or even watermelon into your margarita before shaking. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- Add Some Herbs: Muddle fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary into the mix. These can add a refreshing complexity to your margarita.
- Give it a Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, muddle serrano or jalapeno slices into your shaker. Start with a small amount and taste as you go – you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
- Lower the Calories: The easiest way to turn a regular margarita into a skinny margarita is to reduce the amount of sweetener you use. You can either cut it in half or skip the sweetener altogether. If you skip the sweetener, add a splash of fresh orange juice to balance the tartness.
Fun Facts about the Margarita:
- National Margarita Day is celebrated annually on February 22nd. So, while you can enjoy this delicious drink any time of year, this specific date is a dedicated celebration of this iconic cocktail.
- “Margarita” translates to “daisy” in Spanish. Some believe the margarita is a spin on the “Tequila Daisy,” a pre-prohibition cocktail.
- The salt rim on a margarita glass isn’t just for decoration. It enhances the flavors by creating a sweet, salty, and sour contrast with each sip!
- Believe it or not, the margarita is the most popular cocktail in the United States! Americans reportedly down a whopping 185,000 margaritas every hour.
The next time you find yourself with a house of friends who are begging you to make your favorite margarita, I insist you make this simple cocktail. Check out the rest of our blog for even more cocktail recipes. Cheers!
How to Make the Best Margarita with Casamigos Tequila
Ingredients
- 2 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Agave Nectar
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Optional: Salt for the rim of the glass
Instructions
- If using a salt rim, run the lime wedge around the rim of a chilled rocks glass and dip it in a plate of coarse salt.
- Combine Casamigos Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker filled with fresh ice. Shake vigorously for 6-8 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glass (with or without a salt rim, depending on your preference). Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!