At MIHO, we have had the pleasure of crafting and perfecting some of the most iconic cocktails, as well as our own creations. One cocktail that I go back to time and time again is a classic margarita. It’s sweet, salty, tangy and has depth and character. It’s simple. And just so good. I’ll be sharing a simple recipe that is easy to make at home, but also stands up against a marg you’ll find at a place like Cantina Mayahuel.

But what makes the perfect margarita? There are many variations out there, but at MIHO, we believe that the perfect Margarita should be simple, balanced, and made with high-quality ingredients. Here are our tips for making the perfect margarita and a couple recipes to try a riff at home.

Choose the best tequila: At MIHO, we use 100% blue agave tequila, which is the most authentic and traditional option. We prefer blanco tequila for margaritas, which is unaged and has a crisp, clean flavor. Our favorite brands are Mijenta, Tequila Herradura & Don Ocho.

Juice your limes! Use fresh limes and squeeze them yourself. Bottled lime juice can have a slightly artificial taste.

Use agave or make your simple syrup. Boil 1 cup of water with 1 cup of organic natural cane sugar to make a simple syrup. Let it cool.

Salt your glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into a shallow dish of salt or tajin.

RECIPE

In a shaker, add:

2oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
.75 oz agave or simple syrup
2 dashes of orange bitters

Add ice. Shake and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with lime.

plus a few riffs on the classic…

And if you’re looking for a little variety in your margarita, try some of my favorites:

Mezcal Margarita

For a smoky twist on the classic margarita, try using mezcal instead of tequila. Mezcal is a Mexican spirit that is similar to tequila but has a smoky flavor that comes from the way it is distilled. To make a mezcal margarita, simply use mezcal instead of tequila in the classic margarita recipe. The result is a complex and flavorful drink with a smoky finish that is sure to please any mezcal enthusiast. To make a simple mezcal margarita, add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz lime juice, .75 oz simple syrup and two dashes of orange bitters into a shaker. Add ice. Shake and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange. I love adding a sprinkle of tajin to my orange slice.

Frozen Watermelon Slushee

Perfect for those warm summer evenings, the frozen Watermelon Slushee is my favorite, especially with mezcal instead of tequila. Start by freezing juicy, cut up watermelon in a ziplock bag. This can be done up to two weeks prior to making the margaritas. To make this drink, add 3/4 cup chunks of frozen watermelon to the blender or Vitamix along with 2 oz of tequila and 1 oz of lime juice per serving. Blend up and serve into a glass. The sweetness of the watermelon complements the tartness of the lime juice and the tequila, creating a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any time of the year.

Spicy Margarita

For those who like a little heat in their drinks, the Spicy Margarita is the perfect choice. To make this drink, add a few slices of jalapeno pepper to the shaker along with the 2 oz tequila, 1oz lime juice, and .75 oz simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. The result is a refreshing drink with a subtle kick that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Pineapple Margarita

If you're in the mood for something fruity, try the Pineapple Margarita. To make a pineapple margarita, add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz lime juice, .75 oz simple, and .5 oz of pineapple juice to a shaking tin. Fill shaker with ice. Shake and strain on to fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with pineapple leaf. The sweetness of the pineapple juice complements the tartness of the lime juice and the tequila perfectly, creating a tropical and refreshing drink that is sure to transport you to a sunny beach. Swap your tequila for mezcal or do an ounce of each for a nice blend.

Cucumber Margarita

This twist on a margarita is quite refreshing with the cucumber, but can easily be adapted and swapped for any fruit. To make a cucumber margarita, add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz lime juice, .75 oz simple, and 2 cucumber slices to a shaking tin. Muddle ingredients. Fill shaker with ice. Shake and strain on to fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with cucumber slice and cracked sea salt.

There are many ways to riff on the classic Margarita recipe, and these five variations are just the beginning. Whether you prefer your drinks spicy, fruity, refreshing, smoky, bitter, or sweet, there is a margarita variation out there that is sure to please your palate. Happy drinking!

MIHO specializes in event beverage catering and creating refreshing and delicious drinks for all kinds of events. Our bars are stocked with only the highest quality spirits that embody craftsmanship and taste. And our expert bartenders craft both delightful cocktails and conversation that wins over every crowd. Reach out to learn more about having MIHO at your next event: contact@amihoexperience.com