Texas Margaritas (or Orange Margaritas) are a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for summer barbecues, brunches, and taco nights. Embrace the simplicity and sunshine of a Texas Margarita.
🤔 What is a Texas Margarita (Orange Margarita)?
Texas Margaritas are classic margaritas with orange juice. The orange juice adds a fresh and sweet twist, while also giving the margaritas a beautiful orange hue. These are perfect for all your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tequila - Use silver tequila (also called blanco tequila) for margaritas. Gold tequila clashes with the drink's citrusy and tart flavors due to its subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, or oak, so avoid using it.
Fresh Orange Juice - Choose ripe oranges for the juiciest and sweetest results. Navel oranges are a good choice as they are typically seedless and juicy. You can also use store-bought orange juice, but freshly squeezed orange juice has a brighter and more intense flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice - Each Lime has about 1 oz of juice so you'll need 6 limes to make 4 margaritas using this recipe. But it wouldn't hurt to have a few more on hand for garnish or if your limes are a little smaller.
Orange Liqueur - I used Paisley & Sage Triple Sec. Triple sec is a style of orange liqueur and is equivalent to orange liqueur.
Agave Nectar - Agave nectar is pretty easy to find in your local grocery store or natural food store. You can swap it out for simple syrup. Since agave is slightly sweeter, you will need about 25% more simple syrup.
Garnishes - For your drink's rim, you can choose between salt or sugar. For a spicy twist, try sprinkling some Tajín chili lime seasoning. Garnish with an orange slice or lime wedge.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
Common Questions
Should I use Cointreau (orange liquor) or triple sec?
Cointreau is the ideal choice for an orange liqueur when trying to make the perfect margarita. However, it can be expensive, especially if your store only sells larger bottles. When I'm trying to save money, I prefer to use Paisley & Sage triple sec in my margaritas because it costs one-fourth of the selling price of Cointreau.
What is the best Tequila for Margaritas?
There is a lot of debate about the best tequilas for margaritas. You don't necessarily need top-shelf tequilas, but the one you choose should be 100% agave. Personally, my go-to is Espolon Tequila Blanco.
How to Make Texas Margaritas
Step 1: (Optional) Rub the rim of your glasses with a lime or orange and dip it in salt or sugar.
Step 2: Add the orange juice, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and agave In a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 3: Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds or until drink is well chilled and frothy.
Step 4: Strain the margarita into the prepared glasses.
Step 5: Garnish with an orange slice or lime wedge.
Texas Margarita (Orange Margarita)
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Fresh orange juice ½ cup or 1 orange
- 3 ounces Fresh lime juice ⅓ cup or 3 limes
- 4 ounces Silver tequila ½ cup
- 2 ounces Orange lacquer/ triple sec (such as Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau) ¼ cup
- 1 tablespoons Light agave nectar optional
- Orange slice or lime wedge optional
- Salt or sugar rim optional
Instructions
- If using, rub the rim 2 glasses with a lime wedge or orange wedge. Dip the rim in salt or sugar.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the orange juice, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and agave (if using).
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds or until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish with an orange slice or lime wedge.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!