These classic margaritas give you that perfect mix of sweet and sour without the margarita mix!

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As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time for porch-sitting and cocktail sipping!

While wine tends to be my go-to, there is something just so perfect about sipping a margarita on the back porch while you’re grilling up dinner.

The first thing worth noting here is these babies are strong. Trust me when I tell you, you’re going to want to pace yourself here. Cutting out all the junk that store-bought mixers are full of means that these are just the simplest ingredients: tequila, triple sec, and lime. They’re strong enough that I once made these at a going away party for some friends moving, and let’s just say I got more than one “what did you do to me?!?” text the next day.

I tend to skip margarita glasses – they’re cute, but they’re just asking me to spill them. Especially when I try to be fancy and fill them up to the brim. So a lowball glass or even stemless wine glass is perfect, especially if you’re outside with dogs or kids running around! Plus, see the previous point about them being strong. Better to serve multiple small ones than one massive glass.

I usually don’t use simple syrup, but I always have it on hand (for iced coffee if nothing else) and offer it if I’m making them for friends. Unless your limes are super sour, the balance doesn’t need too much extra sweetness.

What it does need: salt. It’s such a potent mix of flavors that the salt brings balance to the sweet and sour punch. So don’t skip salting that rim.

It’s 100% worth squeezing your own limes. Lime juice from the bottle has a lot of the same chemicals as that mixer you just skipped and doesn’t taste as good anyway. A citrus squeezer will make this as easy as cutting them in half and one good squeeze to get every drop of juice.

You don’t have to have a cocktail shaker, although they’re definitely worth owning! You can use any container with an airtight lid as a substitute in a pinch.

Tools you’ll need: citrus squeezer, shallow bowl, measuring beaker and cocktail shaker.

You’re five minutes away from delicious homemade classic margaritas! What’s stopping you??

For more cocktail recipes, from the classic to the creative, check out our drinks page!