Among the myriad of cocktails existing globally, one of the most popularly ordered cocktails must have to be the margarita.
Come on, we always see some version of the margarita on restaurant menus, especially in bars and Mexican restaurants!
Yes, we say the version of margaritas because there are so many to choose from, with different flavors based on ingredients and taste preference. That must bring you to the question, “what does a margarita taste like?” (*)
Since so many margaritas are available today, it’s tough to pinpoint the exact flavor. But traditionally, you can expect a powerful lime flavor with lemon notes and that kick of alcohol. It would also taste like agave since bartenders use tequila as the primary alcohol base.
Read on to learn more about this classic cocktail!
What is the Margarita?
Ever wondered why margaritas are notoriously famous in Mexico? That’s because the well-known origin story of this classic cocktail claims to have begun in Mexico!
Fun fact: Many people say that the margarita was invented in Mexico by Carlos Herrera, who concocted a drink for a dancer who was allergic to many alcohols, except for, obviously, tequila. Another origin story claims Don Carlos Orozco, a bartender, was creating a drink for his daughter (named Margarita).
You’ll find many origin stories, and while we’re unsure of what the most accurate one is, we just know we’re thankful for whoever made margaritas!
So, what’s it made out of?
A margarita’s main ingredients consist of tequila, orange liqueur (usually triple sec), and lime juice. Some bartenders may add a bit of sugar to sweeten things up. And, of course, it’s finished with a salted rim to balance out the drink’s sour sweetness.
But as we mentioned, there are so many different versions of margaritas! You can even find pre-made margaritas packaged in bottles for straight-up consumption.
Fun fact: Popular margarita variations include drinks like strawberries, low-sugar versions, blended margaritas, or even spicy variations topped with jalapeno or other herbs and spices! The sky is the limit when it comes to margaritas.
What Does a Margarita Taste Like?
Margaritas aren’t only consumed just to party it up all night. Drinking cocktails is similar to tasting liqueur – we have our favorites because they taste so darn good!
The primary flavor notes from a classic margarita are sour lime, smooth tequila, floral citrus, a hint of sweetness, and some saltiness from that salt rim. It all balances out, and you’ll end up with a bright, fresh flavor that you’ll probably order more of.
Fun fact: Drink margaritas while licking the salt in its rim to balance out the bitter tequila flavor! Before taking a sip, squeeze a lime wedge on the drink for more of a punch.
For us, margaritas kind of taste like adult limeades. That’s probably thanks to the sugar and lime juice used. But there’s a kick we call tequila and triple sec, making our childhood limeades more suitable for adults.
But what about the other margarita variations?
Skinny Margaritas
Skinny margaritas would have a similar flavor profile to traditional margaritas, but there are a few differences in the ingredient list.
Rather than using Triple Sec, Cointreau, or similar orange liqueurs, bartenders use fresh orange juice. They would also add agave syrup, or even none at all, for the calorie-conscious.
Since there aren’t added orange liqueurs, skinny margaritas contain less alcohol without much of the underlying liqueur flavor. These margaritas have a stronger citrus taste from the lime and orange juice, along with the subtle sweetness from agave syrup. If no syrup was added, the drink gets its slight sweetness from the orange juice.
Blended Margaritas
Blended margaritas are a refreshing option for hot days. Think of it as enjoying a spiked slushie!
However, since the ice is already blended into the drink, the flavors are diluted. That said, you’ll still get the fresh citrus notes, booziness, some sweetness, and that salt cutting through those flavors.
Pro-tip: Don’t let the ice dilute your blended margarita’s flavor by adding more lime, tequila, orange liqueur, and simple syrup!
Margaritas on the Rocks
Margaritas on the rocks would highlight the tequila’s quality, so this won’t contain any sweetener, with the sweetness coming from the orange liqueur. Because of that, this drink is less sweet, with more of a sour tang and floral citrus notes. What you’ll enjoy is the tequila, which needs to go down smoothly.
Again, remember that there are other variations out there, so you may get different flavors and intensities of alcohol or sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have other margarita-related questions you need answers to? Look no further!
1. How much alcohol does a margarita contain?
It really depends on the variation you’re having. In general, most margaritas would have two ounces of alcohol, a combination of orange liqueur and tequila. It can get intense, so drink in moderation!
Margaritas are strong and would have half the strength of tequila shots, and if you have enough, you can get drunk.
Pro-tip: When making your own tequila, make sure you use a tequila brand made of 100% agave, which is the purest form of the liqueur.
2. What food goes best with a margarita?
Given the fact that most origin stories of margarita are from Mexico, this drink goes well with Tex Mex dishes. The salt and lime juice opens tastebuds, cutting through the spice and richness in dishes like tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and burritos!
Wrapping It Up
Margaritas are a bright, fresh, and summery drink that can complement the hottest days! They have an outstanding balance of flavors, and you can adjust the ingredient list to your preference as long as you’ve got its major components there. Don’t forget the high-quality tequila because that’s what can make your experience all the more amazing.
We hope we answered your question, “what does a margarita taste like?” Check out what more we have to offer in our blog posts!
