Skip to main content
Epicurious

Margarita Without Triple Sec

Three Margaritas with salted rims and lime garnishes
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Judy Mancini

You'll notice that this particular margarita recipe is missing one ingredient that's crucial to a classic margarita. Orange liqueur (often Cointreau or another triple sec) typically brings sweetness to this drink, balancing the tart lime and tequila. The trouble is, that liqueur can mask the flavor of great tequila—and sometimes we really want to taste the tequila. To compensate, this version incorporates simple syrup, which smooths things out but lets the spirit and the lime juice shine. The resulting margarita is fresher tasting, with a brightness that sings of summer. Drink up.

All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

Kosher salt (for serving)
½ thick lime wheel (for serving)
2 oz. tequila blanco
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place some salt on a small plate. Rub rim of an old-fashioned or rocks glass with lime (reserve for serving); dip in salt. Fill with ice and set aside.

    Step 2

    Combine tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.

    Step 3

    Strain cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into reserved glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesMargaritaTequilaLimeCitrusFruitEasyQuickBon Appétit
Read More
Paloma Slushy
Frozen into a slushy, the classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail becomes even more refreshing.
Bicycle Bandit
A riff on the Bicycle Thief cocktail, a citrusy, low ABV riff on a Negroni, this three-ingredient, party-ready twist features grapefruit soda.
Sake-Grapefruit Fizz
This light and drinkable cocktail pairs the bittersweet flavor of grapefruit with botanical gin and sparkling sake for a bubbly finish.
Hugo Spritz
With elderflower liqueur, mint, and prosecco, the effervescent Hugo spritz cocktail is a hit year round, but particularly on warm nights.
Sea Breeze
Gourmet’s version of this perfect summer drink mixes the ideal ratio of vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, right in the glass.
Spicy Mango Margarita
Blend frozen mango, blanco tequila, and lime juice into these cooling margaritas. A Tajín rim adds a spicy-salty kick.
Saketini
A short list of ingredients comes together in this elegant sake martini.
Dirty Spritz
In this nonalcoholic take on a spritz, which typically features a bitter liqueur with sparkling wine or fizzy water, the olive brine brings flavor and depth.