Best Orange Margarita Recipe
This really is the best orange margarita recipe. It packs a citrus punch with fresh orange juice, lime juice, and Cointreau, while the sweet, smoky, salty, and slightly spicy rim adds depth and flavor balance. If you're looking for a fresh orange margarita that's bright, refreshing, and easy to make at home, this recipe is it.
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Sweet & Smoky Rim
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp chipotle pepper powder
The Drink
- 2 oz fresh orange juice (1/4 cup)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1.5 oz tequila blanco (1 standard shot glass)
- 1.5 oz Cointreau (1 standard shot glass) triple sec would also work
- ½ to 1 oz simple syrup (1 to 2 tbsp) depending on preference
- Ice
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- Combine ½ cup of sugar with ½ cup of water in a pot set over medium high heat. Cook the sugar and water, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 4 to 5 minutes.½ cup sugar, ½ cup water
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool before adding it to the drink.
Sweet & Smoky Rim
- Mix the sweet and smoky rim ingredients in a shallow bowl or plate.3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, ⅛ tsp chipotle pepper powder, ½ tsp chili powder
- Lightly run a used orange wedge around the rim of a glass, careful not to get it too wet. Press the rim of the glass into the sugar mixture until it's coated. Set the glass aside. (Alternatively, you could brush some orange juice onto part of the side of a glass, then roll that part into the rim mixture.)
The Drink
- Add the margarita ingredients and a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Place the lid and cap on the shaker and shake a few times to combine.2 oz fresh orange juice (1/4 cup), 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1.5 oz tequila blanco (1 standard shot glass), 1.5 oz Cointreau (1 standard shot glass), ½ to 1 oz simple syrup (1 to 2 tbsp), Ice
- Add some ice to the rimmed glass. Remove the cap from the shaker and strain out the liquid into the glass. Garnish with an orange and lime wedge, if desired.Ice
Notes
- Start with less simple syrup and add more if needed. The amount will depend on your preference and the sweetness of your oranges.
- Save leftover simple syrup for more drinks later. This recipe makes about ¾ cup of simple syrup. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays.
- Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavor.
- Only add ice to your glass when you’re ready to serve. Adding it too early will cause it to melt and dilute your drink.