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Mint Margarita

This mint margarita delivers the perfect balance of fresh mint, tequila, lime, and a touch of sweetness in a drink that tastes like you spent serious time behind the bar. The magic here is simplicity: quality tequila, real lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and proper technique make all the difference.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces tequila silver or blanco
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice about 2 limes
  • 0.5 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
  • 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
  • 0.5 ounce simple syrup
  • 1 cup ice
  • Lime wheel or mint sprig for garnish
  • Sea salt for rim optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring shot glass
  • Bar spoon or long spoon
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail glass or rocks glass
  • Muddler or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Juicer or citrus reamer
  • Small plate for salt rim

Method
 

  1. Chill a rocks glass or margarita glass in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes while you build the drink.
  2. Pick 8 to 10 mint leaves and gently rinse them under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Place the mint leaves in your cocktail shaker and gently press them with a muddler or wooden spoon, using about 5 to 6 light taps to release the oils without pulverizing the leaves.
  4. Pour 2 ounces of silver tequila, 0.5 ounce of triple sec, and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice directly into the shaker with the mint.
  5. Add 0.5 ounce of simple syrup to the shaker and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  6. Fill your shaker with about 1 cup of ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds until condensation forms on the outside.
  7. Place your strainer over the shaker and pour the cocktail into your chilled glass, leaving most of the ice behind in the shaker.
  8. Top with fresh ice if desired, then perch a lime wheel on the rim or place a fresh mint sprig in the glass for color and aroma.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice and fresh mint leaves for best results. Don't over-muddle the mint as it will release bitter compounds. Shake vigorously to properly chill and dilute the drink. This recipe can be scaled to make multiple servings or a pitcher for a crowd.