Margarita on the Rocks

The margarita that earns its reputation. This version layers two orange liqueurs, Triple Sec and Grand Marnier, over premium gold tequila for a cocktails classic with more depth and citrus complexity than the usual one-note pour.

A few bartender details make it sing. Rub the rim with a lime wedge before pressing it into the salt so the salt actually sticks, and coat only the outer rim so you can control how much hits each sip. Shaking the tequila, liqueurs, and sweet and sour with ice does more than chill it: it dilutes the drink just enough and gives it a lively, slightly frothy texture you don’t get from stirring.

Strain it over fresh ice, since the shaking ice gets discarded so it doesn’t over-water the drink, give it a final squeeze of lime, and garnish. Tart, citrusy, and, as the saying goes, it packs a punch.

Pro Tips

• Rub the rim with lime first so the salt adheres, and salt only the outside so it doesn’t overwhelm the drink.
• Shake hard with ice for a colder, livelier margarita, then strain over fresh ice.
• Use 100% agave tequila for the smoothest, cleanest flavor.

Variations

• Rim with chili-salt or Tajin for a spicy-citrus edge.
• Swap some of the sweet and sour for fresh lime juice and a touch of agave for a fresher take.
• Blend it with ice instead of serving on the rocks for a frozen margarita.