Light and Refreshing Classic Margarita with Optional Salted Rim
A light and refreshing margarita made with just three simple ingredients: tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur, with the option to add a salted rim for extra zest. This Mexican-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together white tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz white tequila
- 1.5 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- for rim (optional) coarse salt
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 (for garnish) lime wheel
Bar tools worth buying for drinks like this → Best Bar Tools for 2026: Shakers, Jiggers & Strainers Worth Buying
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: If desired, rub the rim of a 6 oz glass with lime juice and dip it into coarse salt to create a salted rim; set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2.5 oz white tequila, 1.5 oz orange liqueur, and 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with 1 cup ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Step 4: Strain into the prepared glass with or without ice as preferred.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 lime wheel on the rim for a bright, fresh finish.






