The Secret to Great Margaritas

Ranked #11,827 in Food & Cooking, #211,157 overall

Extensively Tested and Brother Approved

When I tell people that I have spent many years perfecting my Christmas cookie recipe, they say, "That's nice," but when I tell them the same thing about margaritas, they laugh. Actually, this margarita recipe has been extensively tested over the past 15 years, and I have even gotten the nod of approval from my toughest critics: my brothers. You'll also find adaptations for strawberry and non-alcoholic margaritas as well as short-cuts and tips. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

Photo: Bill S.on Flickr

Extensive Testing

Here is the Secret

I have tried many versions of margaritas. First, sweet and sour was included in my recipe, but I found that it adds sour without much flavor. If you like sour, just add more lime juice. I have tested bottled lime juice, frozen limeade, and finally settled on fresh-squeezed lime juice. It really is worth the trouble. Then there is the choice of orange liqueurs. While the flavor of the more expensive orange liqueurs is the best, my budget is not. Thus, I have settled on a more affordable liqueur: Gran Gala. And finally, I have tested many, many different types of tequila, and chose Jose Cuervo over more expensive brands. Finally: The secret to Great Margaritas is honey. It adds a little flavor along with the sweet. The amount of honey flavor can be adjusted by reducing the amount of honey and adding a little sugar to substitute.

Honey is the secret to great margaritas. 

Margarita Glasses and Pitchers

Make your margaritas look as good as they taste

Ebay is the place to get great looking and unique glassware, and these margarita glasses and pitchers are no exception.
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Tip: Patron or Jose?

Tequila Brand: In my experience, it is difficult to differentiate between tequilas when they are in mixed drinks. I use Jose Cuervo instead of the more expensive Patron. The orange liqueur, on the other hand, does make a difference, and I use a medium-priced Gran Gala instead of Triple Sec.

Frozen Conction Maker

For your next party

A frozen concoction maker is a must for any serious margarita maker. Treat yourself and cut your prep time with this handy appliance.
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Great Margaritas

The Secret is the Honey

Citrus Squeezer

Squeeze limes easily

Reduce the work of squeezing limes, lemons, and other citrus fruit with a squeezer from a company known for high-quality kitchen accessories.
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Honey Squeeze Bottle

Here is a non-drop squeeze bottle for your honey. With this pack of 6, you can have squeeze bottles for a variety of liquids. Dishwasher safe.
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Tip: Use Enough Tequila

Tequila is a large part of the flavor in margaritas. Thus, don't skimp. If you're worried about alcohol content, drink fewer margaritas!

Shot Glasses and Accessories

You'll find antique and new shot glasses for your favorite tequila on eBay.
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Strawberry Margaritas

Easy Adaptation

Three Piece Strawberry Set

If you use fresh strawberries, this three-piece set is for you. It includes a huller, slicer, and colander
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Tip: Cheater Margaritas

Although you can't beat the flavor of fresh-squeezed lime juice, if you don't have the energy to juice limes yourself, you can "cheat." A 6oz can of limeade can be substituted for the lime juice. Reduce the honey to 1/4 cup. However, don't use bottled lime juice because it will give an "off" flavor.

Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

Citrus Slushies

Ice Shaver

Treat yourself to shaved ice

Use this ice shaver to make frozen treats of all kinds.
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How Do You Like the Margaritas?

Thanks for stopping by to read my recipes. If you try any of these margaritas, please let me know what you think.

  • mariajomith Apr 28, 2012 @ 11:44 am | delete
    you had me at margarita. i always drink these on vacation and have bookmarked you to try at home.
  • DecoratingMom411 Apr 18, 2012 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    Sounds great!
  • rauspitz Apr 15, 2012 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    Sound like fun!
  • KimGiancaterino Apr 14, 2012 @ 3:45 pm | delete
    Nice recipes! We have a lime tree, and I agree about real lime flavor. I'm not crazy about the taste of honey, though. I drink very few margaritas, but am picky and get them on the rocks with tequila on the side. And plenty of salt on the rim!
  • coopaloopred Apr 5, 2012 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    Great yummy sounding recipes! Love your added sense of humor. Would have never thought about adding honey. Since I'm not much of a drinker, if I ever do indulge, it has to be something of the mixed drink variety, preferably frozen, so trying your recipes is a must! Thanks!
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Min Pin Mania

Lenses about my Min Pin, Zeus

My Miniature Pinschers, Zeus and Athena, have been part of my life for many years, and I have written several pages about our experiences. Also check out Zeus's official site, Zeus's Doghouse.
Zeus's Diaries: Life of a Miniature Pinscher
This lens contains information about topics such as the history of Min Pins, origins of dogs, canine emotions, and human-canine interactions wrapped in examples from the lives of my Min Pins, Zeus and Athena. Min Pins are a very entertaining breed, and I hope you find their stories funny as well.
How to teach your Min Pin almost anything
Min Pin obedience in 3 steps
How to Outfit Your Min Pin in Style
Items you need before you bring your Min Pin or small dog home and why you need them.
Zeus's favorite things: Items no min pin owner needs (but they all want)
Did you know that Min Pin underwear is available for sale? Find that and loads of other fun Min Pin stuff.
Zeus's Doghouse
This link will take you away from Squidoo to Zeus's official web site. Once there, find features such as forums, a photo gallery, and the history of Min Pins, just to name a few. Most of all, it is devoted to the camaraderie of Miniature Pinscher owners everywhere.

Out of the Dog House

My lenses on topics other than dogs

Ringing Handbells: One Ring-A-Ling's Journey
Have you ever rung English handbells? Have you ever heard of them? Visit this lens to see how to ring and watch amazing handbell performances.
Best Science Jokes of All Time
Science is a funny profession. Don't believe me? Check it out here.

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AlphaChic

I love dogs and love to write about them, but I also enjoy writing about science and cooking.

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Grand-Daddy of Blenders 

Margarita-Making Made Easy

Vita-Mix 1300 TurboBlend 4500

Amazon Price: $399.00 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Add a turbo-boost to your margaritas. With its 2-horsepower motor, this blender makes crushing ice easy even on the toughest jobs. It is advertised as having "Virtually unbreakable, 64-ounce, polycarbonate container." If you like margaritas or frozen drinks of any kind, this is the blender for you. And, of course, it can also be used to make fruit and vegetable juices.