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+49 176 329 796 82

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Julia Trotzki

Published on

Jul 15, 2025

Last updated on

Jul 15, 2025, 3:30 PM

Recipes

Margarita Recipe: Classic, Valencia Margarita & Non-Alcoholic

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before:

You’re standing in your kitchen, you have tequila, limes, and even triple sec ready. Maybe you bought yourself some really nice glasses. You’re putting in the effort – shaking, salting the rim, pouring. But then: Your margarita tastes kind of flat. Too sour, too bitter, too weak. And you ask yourself: Why can’t I get it right like in the bar? Or like on vacation in Mallorca?

If you’re nodding slightly annoyed right now – yes, I know that. And that’s exactly why you’re getting here not just a standard recipe, but a really good margarita guide, where you understand what it’s all about: From choosing the right tequila to a rim with an extra kick.

I’ll show you:

How to get the classic margarita just right.
How to mix the Valencia margarita – our signature drink that you can also order at SAPOORI in Cala d’Or in Mallorca.
Plus: Two non-alcoholic variations for those who consciously want to go without alcohol.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly what ingredients you need, how to refine the rim without salt but with chili pepper – and how to easily bring that vacation flair home.

What makes a Margarita?

In short: A Margarita is the epitome of a refreshing, well-balanced cocktail – not too sweet, not too sour, but right in between. The classic basic recipe always consists of three ingredients:

Tequila
Triple Sec (orange liqueur)
Freshly squeezed lime juice

This mixture is usually shaken with ice and served in a glass with a salted rim.

But why does it often taste better at the bar?
Honestly: It's all about the little details. The right type of tequila, fresh rather than bottled lime, the quality of the ice, and whether you use a shaker or not.

And: Not every Margarita has to taste the same. Modern variants like our Valencia Margarita replace or complement classic ingredients – for example, with almond syrup and chili pepper rim instead of salt.

Even non-alcoholic Margaritas follow the same principle: citrus, sweetness, balance – just without alcohol.

Once you understand the basics, you can get creative later. And that's exactly why you now have the classic recipe at hand.

Classic Margarita Recipe: Simple but Right

If you really want to drink a Margarita the way it was originally intended: No ice in the glass, served in a coupe glass (coupette or margarita glass). Everything goes ice cold into the glass, but without ice cubes.

Ingredients (for 1 glass)

5 cl Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
2 cl Triple Sec (e.g., Cointreau)
2 cl freshly squeezed lime juice

Optional: Salt rim – it's classic, but not mandatory.

How to Mix the Perfect Margarita

Add ingredients to the shaker: Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, plus ice cubes just for chilling.
Shake vigorously: About 15 seconds – the colder, the better.
Double strain: Pour through a fine sieve directly into the chilled coupe glass. No ice cubes in the glass!
Garnish: With a lime wedge or simply serve neat.

Pro Tips

Prepare the glass: Place a coupette or margarita glass in the freezer before mixing to keep the drink cold longer.
Type of tequila: Blanco for a classic, clean taste. Reposado for a slightly woody note.
Salt rim? It’s a matter of taste. If you prefer it neat, skip it. If you like it classic, use fine salt and no coarse sea salt crumbs.

Variant 1: Valencian Margarita – Signature Drink by SAPOORI, Mallorca

If you've ever been to SAPOORI in Cala d'Or, you might know it: The Valencian Margarita is not just any ordinary variant, but a cocktail with character. Fruity, spicy, slightly sweet, and with a chili pepper rim that gives the drink a special touch – all without salt.

This version mixes almond syrup with fresh citrus notes to create a flavor profile that is both classic and modern.

Valencian Margarita Recipe

Ingredients (for 1 glass):

5 cl Tequila
2 cl Triple Sec
2 cl Almond syrup
½ lime (freshly squeezed)
2 orange wedges (freshly squeezed, shake with the peels)

For the rim:

Chili flakes
Sweet paprika

Preparation Step by Step

Prepare the chili pepper rim:
Mix chili flakes and sweet paprika in a ratio of about 2:1. Moisten the glass rim slightly with lime, then carefully press into the spice mixture.
Mix:
Combine tequila, triple sec, almond syrup, lime juice, and the squeezed orange wedges (including peels) with ice in the shaker.
Shake:
Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to let the flavors develop.
Double Strain:
Strain through a fine mesh into a coupe glass with the chili pepper rim. No ice in the glass!

What makes the Valencian Margarita special?

Almond syrup: Gives the drink a gentle sweetness and depth without making it heavy.
Chili pepper rim: Slightly spicy, but not too dominant. Perfectly balanced with the fruity citrus notes.
Fresh oranges + peels: Provides more aroma than just juice alone.

Variant 2: Creative Margarita with a Twist – Herbs and Grapefruit

If the classic Margarita is too predictable for you and you already know the Valencia Margarita, try this version: a Margarita with herbal freshness and grapefruit instead of orange. Perfect for those who prefer it a little more bitter and exciting.

Grapefruit-Rosemary Margarita Recipe

Ingredients (for 1 glass):

5 cl Tequila (Blanco recommended)
2 cl Triple Sec
2 cl grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
1.5 cl lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 cl agave syrup (optional)
1 sprig of fresh rosemary

For the rim:

Optional: smoked salt or rosemary-sugar mix

Preparation

Prepare the glass rim:
If you want it to be particularly aromatic, mix fine sugar with finely chopped, dried rosemary. Alternatively, use some smoked salt.
Mix:
Add tequila, triple sec, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and optional agave syrup with ice into the shaker.
Tap the rosemary:
Gently press the rosemary sprig between your hands to release the essential oils. Add to the shaker.
Shake:
Shake vigorously, then strain through a fine sieve into a chilled coupe glass without ice.
Garnish:
Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary.

Why this variant?

Grapefruit instead of orange: Gives the Margarita a more bitter note, ideal for those who prefer it less sweet.
Rosemary: Adds a fresh, herbal depth that works great in summer.
Smoked salt or rosemary-sugar rim: A small change, big impact with the first sip.

Non-Alcoholic Margarita: Two Variants That Really Taste Good

Just because there's no alcohol in it doesn't mean the flavor has to be boring. Even without tequila or triple sec, you can recreate the typical margarita balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice. Here are two tried-and-true variants: a classic non-alcoholic margarita and one inspired by the Valencia margarita.

Variant 1: Classic Margarita Mocktail

Ingredients (for 1 glass):

6 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
4 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
2 cl non-alcoholic orange syrup (e.g. Monin Orange or homemade)
1 cl agave syrup (to taste)

For the Rim:

Salt or lime salt (classic)

Preparation:

Moisten the glass rim with lime and press it into the salt.
Shake lime juice, orange juice, non-alcoholic orange syrup, and agave syrup vigorously with ice.
Double strain into the chilled martini glass without ice.
Garnish with a lime slice.

Note:
Orange liqueur like triple sec always contains alcohol. Non-alcoholic variants use orange syrup instead.

Variant 2: Non-Alcoholic Valencia-Style Margarita

Ingredients (for 1 glass):

6 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cl almond syrup
Optional: A splash of non-alcoholic bitters or tonic water for some complexity

For the Rim:

Chili flakes and sweet paprika

Preparation:

Prepare the chili pepper rim: Moisten the glass rim with lime and press it into the chili flakes + sweet paprika.
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice.
Double strain into the martini glass without ice.

Pro Tips for Making Margarita at Home: Guaranteed Success

You have the recipes. Now just a few details that are often underestimated – but these little things decide whether your Margarita really tastes the way it should in the end.

1. Type of Tequila: Which one is the best?

Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Clear, fresh, direct. Ideal for classic Margaritas and variations with a citrus focus.
Reposado: Lightly aged in oak barrels. Adds a soft, warm note if you prefer a rounder taste.
Añejo: Rather too heavy for Margaritas. Better enjoyed neat.

If you're uncertain: Start with Blanco tequila.

2. Glass Choice: Why the Glass Really Makes a Difference

Coupe or Margarita Glass: Classic, no ice in the glass. This keeps the drink cool without diluting it.
Chill in Advance: Place the glass in the freezer for a short time so that the drink stays icy longer.

3. Shaker: Yes or No?

Use a Shaker:
- Essential for Margarita. Shaking not only cools but also mixes the ingredients evenly.
- Also important for non-alcoholic variations.

4. Ice Quality: Small Difference, Big Impact

Use Large Ice Cubes or Ice Cubes Made from Filtered Water: No watery mini cubes.
Only Use for Shaking: Margarita is served without ice in the glass – ice belongs only in the shaker.

5. Enhance the Glass Rim: Salt or Chili Pepper?

Classic: Fine salt, not too coarse.
Valencia-Style: Chili flakes and sweet paprika for a spicy, slightly hot rim.
Tip: Prepare only half of the rim so that the guest can choose whether to drink with or without it.

6. Avoid Mistakes

Do Not Use Ready-Made Lime Juice: Makes up 80% of the flavor. Always fresh-squeeze.
Don’t Just Stir: Without a shaker, the right texture and chill are missing.
Don’t Use Too Much Syrup: A Margarita thrives on balance – too sweet kills the drink.

Checklist: Your Margarita Toolbox

So you don't have to think every time about what you need for the perfect margarita, here is your compact overview to save or print:

🍸 Basic Ingredients

Tequila Blanco or Reposado
Triple Sec (for classic margarita)
Almond syrup (for Valencia margarita)
Limes (always fresh)
Oranges (fresh, untreated for zest)
Agave syrup (optional)
Non-alcoholic orange syrup (for mocktails)

🧂 For the Glass Rim

Fine salt (classic)
Chili flakes + sweet paprika (Valencia style)

🍹 Accessories

Shaker
Bar strainer (for double straining)
Coupette glass
Ice cubes (large, made from filtered water)
Lemon or lime squeezer

✅ In short:

Without fresh lime juice and a shaker, it won't work. Equally important: the right tequila and your personal glass rim variant.

Conclusion: Mixing Margarita like on vacation – now it's your turn

Whether classic, Valencia-style, or non-alcoholic: If you've read this far, you now have everything you need to mix your Margarita at home so that it really tastes good. Without pre-made juice, without unnecessary frills – and above all, without the feeling: "Too bad, it was better at the bar."

You have learned:

How the classic Margarita is structured.
What makes the Valencia Margarita from SAPOORI in Cala d'Or so special.
How to create non-alcoholic variations that aren't boring.
Which little tricks make a difference, from the right tequila to the glass rim.

👉 Now it's your turn:
Try it out, mix your favorite variation, and bring the vacation vibe into your glass.

And if you happen to be in Mallorca: Stop by SAPOORI in Cala d'Or and order the Valencia Margarita directly from us.

Visit us in Mallorca

Question for you:
Which Margarita variation appeals to you the most – classic, Valencia, or non-alcoholic? Feel free to write it in the comments or let us know how your mixing result turned out!