The Surprising Ingredient I Always Add to My Margaritas (It Makes Them So Much Better)

Key Takeaways

• Adding a pinch of salt to the shaker balances the lime and tequila.

• Fine salt dissolves easily, ensuring smooth flavor distribution in every sip.

• This trick works for all margaritas, from classic to flavored or even spicy versions.

I love a wide range of quality cocktails, but when it comes down to it, it's hard to beat a margarita. A good one hits the spot with a balance of lightly smoky tequila, tart lime juice, and just sweet enough orange liqueur or triple sec.

What sets the drink apart for me is the salt rim. The salt so perfectly plays off the lime and tequila that it should really be required.

Not everyone likes salt on their glass rim, making it a popular follow-up question from bartenders—salt or no salt? While I like a salty rim, I can understand not enjoying a big mouthful of salt on the first gulp. For this exact reason, whether I'm mixing up margaritas for friends at home or ordering at a bar, I make one small tweak— I add salt to the cocktail shaker.

Even just a pinch will smooth out the sharp flavors of lime and tequila and marry the whole thing in harmony without making the drink salty. It gives your margarita that extra special something, and it's already sitting in your pantry.

How to Effortlessly Upgrade a Margarita

If you're making a standard margarita on the rocks, you'll want to add all of your ingredients (tequila, orange liqueur or triple sec, and lime juice) to a cocktail shaker with ice. Simply add a pinch of salt while you're at it, then shake well before pouring over rocks and serving.

I recommend using fine salt, like fine sea salt or table salt, for the best flavor distribution. It dissolves much easier than chunky kosher or sea salt, which will resist combining with the cold liquid.

If you're making frozen margaritas , add a pinch per drink to the blender before whirling it up. This trick also works for mezcal margaritas and any flavored margaritas, like mango. It's also tasty in skinny margaritas. If I'm making a spicy margarita, I'll often use Tajín or a similar seasoning blend for the rim. You can toss some in the cockatil shaker instead of plain salt for a more intense flavor infusion.

Read More: Jimmy Buffett's Simple Trick for the Best Margarita

Tip

Don't be afraid to order this at a bar! A good bartender won't mind adding a little salt to their shaker when mixing up a marg.

How To Make the Ultimate Margarita

Here's my easy-peasy recipe for the ultimate margarita. For one serving, you'll need:

• 1 lime wedge

• Kosher salt, for lining the rim (optional)

• 2 ounces 100% blue agave blanco tequila

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice

• 1 ounce orange liqueur

• 1 pinch fine salt
  

If you'd like your margarita with a salt rim, use the lime wedge to wet the lip of the glass. Pour a little kosher salt onto a small shallow plate or bowl and dip the rim into the salt so it adheres. Fill the glass 2/3 full with ice.

Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and a pinch of fine salt in a cocktail shaker or a jar with a lid. Add a couple of handfuls of ice and shake until cold, about five seconds.

Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with the lime wedge.

Read More: My Surprising Upgrade for the Best Margarita

Read the original article on Simply Recipes