16 Ways To Upgrade Your Margarita

If you're reading this, we probably don't need to tell you that margaritas are one of life's true joys. Whether you're lounging beachside, enjoying a chips and salsa-fueled happy hour, or having a wild night out on the town, there's a margarita for almost every occasion. That versatility extends to the cocktail itself. Frozen, up, or on the rocks, there are endless ways to prepare this tart and punchy classic. 

As much as we love singing the praises of these delicious libations, we will admit that some margaritas are better than others. There's a huge difference between a fresh, homemade version and a pre-made drink that comes straight from a plastic bottle. We're not ones to judge, but we are here to help nudge you towards opting for a thoughtfully crafted margarita.

Thankfully, it doesn't take much to upgrade a run-of-the-mill marg into something truly memorable. From exploring different variations to switching up your glassware, and even using some chemistry-inspired hacks, there are plenty of ways to take your margarita to the next level.

We aren't immune to the allure of using a convenient margarita mix. We're also the first to admit that the market has expanded to include some relatively tasty options in recent years. However, the bottom line is that a (well-made) homemade margarita is always going to taste better.

Thankfully, margaritas aren't difficult to make. A perfectly balanced margarita recipe only features a few ingredients. You won't have to track down any type of hard-to-find components, and if you tend to keep basic cocktail essentials on hand, you probably won't have to make a trip to the store at all.

If you are going to use a mix, just be sure to read the label carefully. Look for brands that only contain a few ingredients, and avoid ones that contain artificial flavors. Keep in mind that some mixes contain tequila, which is an important distinction to keep in mind.

Measuring your ingredients means your margaritas will come out correctly every single time. You've probably seen professional bartenders free-pouring drinks, but they are in fact, professionals. They also use devices called speed pourers, which regulate how much liquid comes out of the bottle at a time. Unless you've been trained on how to accurately mix a drink without tools, you're probably better off measuring your ingredients.

While it is possible to eyeball a margarita, using accurate amounts of each ingredient will result in a better drink. Even adding a quarter ounce too much of triple sec or a quarter ounce too little of lime juice can make your drink taste unbalanced.

Using a jigger will make you look and feel like a margarita-making pro, but a liquid measuring cup will also work just fine. Using a shot glass is better than not measuring at all, but just be aware that the volume they hold can range pretty significantly.

Even though margaritas are widely known and loved, there are scores of margarita recipes out there — and some are better than others. If you asked the bartenders at five different bars how they make their margaritas, you'd probably get five slightly different answers. While the basic template for the drink is pretty standard, most enthusiasts add their own subtle touches.

Generally speaking, recipes that call for fresh ingredients and focus on balance and precision are the way to go. If you think a recipe looks good, the only way to find out if yields the margarita of your dreams is to make a round. It can be hard to decide which recipe you prefer if you don't try a few options on for size, so we recommend experimenting until you find your favorite. After all, acting as the judge for various margarita recipes is a pretty good gig if you're asking us.

If you're into margaritas, you probably already know that there are two types of margarita drinkers in the world: people who like their margs with a salted rim and people who don't. While we're of the opinion that a salted rim is one of the best parts of a margarita, we're also here to tell you that salt isn't your only option. In fact, there are a number of unique ingredients for flavorful cocktail rims at your disposal. 

The purpose of rimming a glass is to add an additional layer of flavor that works to balance out the sweet and tart components in the cocktail — and salt isn't the only ingredient with which you can achieve this goal. For example, a chili-lime seasoning (like Tajin) is perfect for adding a hint of spice. You can even use sugar if you want to tame the bracing acidity of a marg. Toasted coconut flakes are a good option if you like tropical notes, or if you just want to keep your rim mostly traditional, consider purchasing specialty salts that are infused with various flavors.

You've probably seen bottles of flavored tequila at the liquor store. If you're like us, you've probably also been intrigued by the idea of buying a tequila that tastes like cucumber, pineapple, coconut, etc. While we totally understand the allure of these unique bottles, we highly recommended skipping the store-bought stuff in favor of infusing your own tequila. Doing so is a lot easier than you might think, and you can ensure your spirit is free of added artificial flavors, preservatives, and chemicals. Not to mention, you can really get creative in terms of concocting one-of-a-kind infused bottles.

To infuse your own tequila, all you need to do is pick a few ingredients like fruits, peppers, or herbs, and put them in a mason jar with your tequila. Seal the jar and let it sit for a few days. Once you've imparted enough flavor, simply strain it and store it in an airtight container. If you need some inspiration, you can start with this easy blueberry-infused tequila recipe.

Another useful strategy for making your margarita more interesting is to break out your muddler. There's no need for fancy syrups, unique liqueurs, or flavored ingredients if you have a muddler and some fresh produce. The sky is the limit when it comes to your muddling possibilities. Some of our favorite add-ins include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cucumber, cilantro, and mango.

This technique is also incredibly easy to master. Simply add your ingredients to the bottom of your shaker along with a splash of one of your liquid ingredients (we like to use simple syrup) and then muddle away. The only thing you need to be aware of is that you don't want to over-muddle if you're using herbs, which can become bitter if they're too pulverized. Herbs just need a few quick presses to release their fragrant and flavorful oils. If you're using fruit on the other hand, then feel free to smash away.

If we're being honest, we think margaritas taste great out of just about anything. However, if you're looking for an upgraded experience, breaking out the quality glassware really can make a difference. There's something about treating yourself to the luxury of a well-made cocktail served in a fancy glass that feels wonderfully indulgent.

You don't need to drink out of expensive crystal for your drinking vesicle to make a positive difference, either. The main thing you need to consider when choosing glassware is whether you enjoy your margaritas up or on the rocks. If you're a fan of the former, you should reach for something with a stem, such as a martini glass or a coupe. This is because being able to hold the glass by the stem protects the drink from the heat of your hand. Since there's no ice to keep things frosty, finding ways to keep your drink cold is essential. We also don't think there's anything wrong with a fun, jumbo-sized margarita glass when you want something a little more festive! 

There are plenty of cases in which upgrading your margarita can look like using better ingredients, more advanced techniques, or more intricate recipes. However, sometimes the best way to make your margarita better is to just have fun with it!

You can interpret this tip however you please. You can add a dose of visual interest by adding bright pink edible glitter (yes, it's a thing, and yes, it's a lot of fun) or by using blue curacao instead of triple sec, which will result in a bright blue beverage. Better yet, combine these two ideas for something truly memorable. We promise it's almost impossible to feel anything other than joy when you're slurping down a boozy, sparkly, purple margarita.

Making your margarita more fun can also look like enjoying it with people you love, in a beautiful location, or alongside your favorite chips and guac. No matter what you do, the best margaritas are always the ones you drink with a smile.