The margarita is a classic drink that every of-age person should know how to make. Generally consisting of a mixture of tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice, the margarita is a refreshing concoction that provides that perfect balance of sweet, bitter, sour, and delicious. And as with most famous cocktails (and other inventions), there’s been a bit of controversy over time regarding how the margarita actually came to be.

The most widely believed tale of the margarita’s invention, however, dates back to 1948, when a Dallas-native named Margaret Sames claims to have invented the margarita during one of her many house parties as a socialite. The surprising thing about this, if true, is that this would be the margarita wasn’t actually invented in Mexico!

Others yet believe that the margarita was first invented during or just after the end of Prohibition in the United States. We’ll never really know for sure. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the margarita has become a staple beverage in both American and Mexican culture – and today, you can find all sorts of variations on the classic margarita, including frozen margaritas, fruit margaritas, and everything in between.

What Makes for a Great Margarita?

People tend to have varying opinions when it comes to what makes for a great margarita. For example, some claim that you have to use 100% blue agave tequila in order to make a “true” classic margarita, whereas others claim it’s all about using fresh-squeezed lime juice–none of that stuff you find in the plastic lime bottles at your grocery store. Others still maintain that it’s the large chunks of salt around the rim of the glass that give a margarita that perfect taste. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

Classic Margarita Recipe

Does reading about margaritas have you craving one? Not to worry; we’ve got the perfect classic margarita recipe that you can make at home tonight with just a few simple ingredients.

Start with:

• 2 oz of 100% blue agave tequila
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice
• salt for the rim

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice, then shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Before straining out into a margarita glass, lightly wet the rim of the glass before dipping it into a shallow plate of salt. Then, strain the liquid from the cocktail shaker into the glass.

If you want to get a little fancier, consider adding a freshly cut lime wedge to the edge of the glass as a garnish – or a string of lime zest. It won’t affect the taste, but it sure does look pretty.

Now that you understand the controversial history of the margarita and know how to make one for yourself, what are you waiting for? If you’ve got the ingredients on-hand, consider enjoying a classic margarita for yourself tonight, or share them with friends at your next home cocktail party. Visit our recipes page for more fun things to try!