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Select Language

English

info@sapoori.com

+49 176 329 796 82

Select Language

English

Autor

Julia Trotzki

Veröffentlicht am

Jul 15, 2025

Zuletzt aktualisiert am

Jul 15, 2025, 3:30 PM

Recipes

Margarita Recipe: Classic, Valencia Margarita & Non-Alcoholic

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before:

You are in your kitchen, have tequila, limes, and even triple sec ready. Maybe you bought some extra nice glasses. You put in the effort – shaking, salting the glass rim, pouring. But then: Your margarita tastes somehow flat. Too sour, too bitter, too bland. And you ask yourself: Why can't I get it right like in the bar? Or like on vacation in Mallorca?

If you are nodding slightly annoyed now – yes, I know that feeling. And that’s exactly why you won’t just get a standard recipe here, but a really good margarita guide where you understand what matters: From choosing the right tequila to a glass rim with extra flair.

I’ll show you:

How to make the classic margarita perfectly.
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 want to enjoy it consciously without alcohol.

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

What makes a Margarita?

In short: A Margarita is the epitome of a refreshing, balanced cocktail – not too sweet, not too sour, but right in between. The classic 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 salt rim.

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

And: Not every Margarita has to taste the same. Modern variations like our Valencia Margarita replace or add to 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 for that, you now have the classic recipe at your fingertips.

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 traditionally belongs there, but it’s not mandatory.

How to Mix the Perfect Margarita

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

Pro Tips

Prepare the glass: Place the coupe or margarita glass in the freezer before mixing, so the drink stays cold longer.
Type of tequila: Blanco for classic, clear taste. Reposado for a slightly woody note.
Salt rim? A matter of taste. If you prefer it pure, 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 have ever been to SAPOORI in Cala d'Or, you might know it: The Valencian Margarita is not your average cocktail, but a drink with character. Fruity, spicy, slightly sweet, and with a chili pepper rim that gives the drink that special something – completely without salt.

This version mixes almond syrup with fresh citrus notes, creating 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 quarters (freshly squeezed, include the peel while shaking)

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 rim of the glass lightly with lime, then carefully press it into the spice mix.
Mixing:
Add tequila, triple sec, almond syrup, lime juice, and the squeezed orange quarters (including the peel) along with ice into the shaker.
Shaking:
Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to allow the flavors to develop.
Double Strain:
Strain through a fine sieve into a martini glass with a 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 + peel: Provides more aroma than just juice alone.

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

If the classic Margarita feels too predictable and you're already familiar with the Valencia Margarita, try this version: a Margarita with herbal freshness and grapefruit instead of orange. Perfect for those who prefer a slightly bitter and more exciting flavor.

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 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 it to the shaker.
Shake:
Shake vigorously, then strain through a fine mesh into a chilled martini 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 less sweetness.
Rosemary: Adds a fresh, herbal depth that works wonderfully in summer.
Smoked salt or rosemary sugar rim: A small change, a big impact on the first sip.

Non-Alcoholic Margarita: Two Variants That Really Taste Good

Just because there is no alcohol in it doesn’t mean the taste 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 tested 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:

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

Note:
Orange liqueur such as triple sec always contains alcohol. For non-alcoholic variants, orange syrup is used 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: Wet the glass rim with lime and press into chili flakes + sweet paprika.
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice.
Double strain into the coupe glass without ice.

Professional Tips for Making a Margarita at Home: Guaranteed Success

You have the recipes. Now, just a few details that are often underestimated – but it’s exactly these little things that determine whether your Margarita ends up tasting just as it should.

1. Type of Tequila: Which One is Best?

Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Clear, fresh, direct. Ideal for classic Margaritas and variations with a citrus focus.
Reposado: Lightly aged in wood. Brings a soft, warm note if you prefer it a bit rounder.
Añejo: Rather too heavy for Margaritas. Better enjoyed straight.

If you’re uncertain: Start with Blanco tequila.

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

Coupe Glass (Coupette or Margarita Glass): Classic, no ice in the glass. This keeps the drink cool without diluting it.
Chill in Advance: Place the glass briefly in the freezer to keep the drink cold longer.

3. Shaker: Yes or No?

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

4. Ice Quality: Small Difference, Big Impact

Use Large Ice Cubes or Ice Cubes from Filtered Water: No watery mini-cubes.
Use Only for Shaking: Margarita is served without ice in the glass – ice only belongs 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 Bottled Lime Juice: It makes up 80% of the flavor. Always press fresh.
Do Not Just Stir: Without a shaker, the right texture and chill are missing.
Do Not Use Too Much Syrup: A Margarita lives from balance – too sweet ruins 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 peel)
Agave syrup (optional)
Non-alcoholic orange syrup (for mocktails)

🧂 For the Rim

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

🍹 Accessories

Shaker
Bar strainer (for double strain)
Coupe glass
Ice cubes (large, from filtered water)
Juicer for lemons or limes

✅ In short:

Without fresh lime juice and a shaker, it won't work. Just as important: the right tequila and your personal rim variation.

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 especially 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 variants that are not boring.
Which little tricks make a difference, from the right tequila to the glass rim.

👉 Now it's your turn:
Give it a try, mix your favorite variant and bring vacation vibes into your glass.

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

Visit us in Mallorca

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