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Easy Limeade Margarita (Just 3 Ingredients)

The easiest Margarita is just 3 ingredients away from being in your hand! Start happy hour with minimal effort and maximum refreshment. Just in time for the weekend!

close up of cocktail with lime garnish on wood tray

Easy 3 Ingredient Margarita Recipe

Margaritas are one of those classic cocktails that I order when I go out and one that I love to make at home when it’s happy hour, which is pretty much all day long.

But when times are stressful and I am just ready to prop my feet up I don’t want to pull out 17 ingredients to make a cocktail. I want a drink in my hand PRONTO!

So how do you make a margarita that is easy and tasty?

Simple and pure. With high quality ingredients, you don’t need much fluff.

With so many variations out there let’s start with the basics.

3 glasses of margaritas

What ingredients are in a classic margarita?

  • Tequila
  • Lime juice
  • Orange Liqueur or Triple Sec
  • Agave for sweetness if you need it
  • and some margarita salt for the rim of the glass.

With regards to the ingredients of a margarita, the biggest debate is whether or not to add sugar or use a mix.

This recipe is easy because it uses a limeade that is already sweetened just the right amount. The simple addition of tequila and the classic orange liqueur make it just like the classic cocktail.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

Margarita with 3 ingredients on wood tray

How to make a limeade margarita

First: In a cocktail shaker, combine the limeade, tequila, and triple sec.

Second: Add ice and shake to mix and chill.

Third: Rim a glass with salt and fill with ice.

Fourth: Strain the margarita over the ice and garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy Responsibly.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

overhead picture of 3 cocktails on a wood platter

How do you serve it?

The only thing that I get fancy on is the garnish! And by fancy, I mean cutting my lime garnish three different ways.  Keeping with the theme of three here!

The traditional lime wedge is great, but I love the look of a lime wheel or slice. It just gives off a presence on the rim of the glass that you can’t help but smile at. My third one is a lime curl or twist.

This easy margarita is meant to be easy so if you don’t want to work for a garnish, screw it and just toss in a lime wedge and drink on.

3 ingredients margarita in a glass with lime curls

Is Triple Sec or Grand Marnier necessary for 3 ingredient margaritas?

I don’t think so but most do so I include it here. If you really need the orange flavor to balance out this margarita, try fresh squeezing an orange and garnish with an orange wedge. Or add in a splash of orange juice.

How do you make limeade from scratch?

The purpose of this recipe is to make things as easy as possible but if you want to make limeade from scratch, I have a recipe in for you that uses honey instead of refined sugar.

Want to make a large batch?

For a large batch of margaritas, combine 1 jug of simply limeade, 2 cups orange liqueur, and 3 cups of tequila.

If this seems like a lot, then start with the jug of limeade, 1 cup orange liqueur and 2 cups of tequila. Taste and then decide if you want them stronger.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Use high quality blanco tequila!
  • Shake the ingredients, don’t stir together to really incorporate the flavors.
  • Make a batch of them in a large pitcher!
  • Feel free to use frozen limeade or a limeade concentrate if necessary.
  • Make sure the salt for the rim is a course salt for texture.
  • Spice it up with some fresh jalapeño slices muddled in the glass.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

limeade margarita with lime garnish with text "the easiest margarita"

This limeade margarita recipe is great for a large crowd too! Make a big batch by scaling up the recipe.

More Easy Party Foods

3-ingredient limeade margarita in a salt rimmed glass

3 Ingredient Limeade Margarita

The easiest margarita is just 3 ingredients away with minimal effort and maximum refreshment! Just in time for the weekend!
4.61 from 46 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks and Cocktails
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 1g
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces tequila I prefer Blanco
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur
  • 3 ounces limeade I prefer the Simply Brand
  • limes for garnish
  • kosher salt for garnish

Instructions

  • Mix your tequila, orange liqueur, and limeade in a cocktail shaker.
  • Add ice and shake to chill.
  • Rub a cut lime or dip the rim of your glass in lime juice to wet it.
  • Dip in salt.
  • Add ice to the glass.
  • Strain your 3 Ingredient Margarita into the ice and rimmed glass.
  • Garnish with lime and serve!

Video

Notes

  • Use high quality blanco tequila!
  • Shake the ingredients, don't stir together to really incorporate the flavors.
  • Make a batch of them in a large pitcher!
  • Feel free to use frozen limeade or a limeade concentrate if necessary.
  • Make sure the salt for the rim is a course salt for texture.
  • Spice it up with some fresh jalapeño slices muddled in the glass.
  • For a large batch of margaritas, combine 1 jug of simply limeade, 2 cups orange liqueur, and 3 cups of tequila.
  • If this seems like a lot, then start with the jug of limeade, 1 cup orange liqueur and 2 cups of tequila. Taste and then decide if you want them stronger.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Sodium: 586mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g

    {originally posted 06/13/17 – photos and recipe notes updated 4/8/20}

    ©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

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    14 Comments

    1. No need for orange liquor or syrup or agave. Use a good quality tequila. Perfect with frozen lime juice (made with 1/2 the water) and quarter lime and its juice. Refreshing

    2. 5 stars
      I own a restaurant that serves over 100,000 margaritas a year. When we opened, we did a large blind tasting. The winner was the original formula. Try it and you will never make it another way. 3,2,1. Three parts Tequila (you decide, type, style, etc.) Two parts fresh (only fresh) Lime Juice and One part Agave nectar. The restaurant is in Lake Tahoe.

    4.61 from 46 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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