A Classic Margarita on the Rocks is a premium version that’s a balance of tart, sweet, and smooth, making it one of the most beloved cocktails of all time. Our premium version keeps things refreshingly simple, using craft cocktail mixer Fresh Victor Mexican Lime & Agave to deliver a bright, citrus-forward flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

Paired with quality tequila and a splash of orange liqueur, this margarita is bold, crisp, and endlessly sippable. Whether you prefer a salted rim or not (or just a little salt, like I do), this easy, shaken cocktail is perfect for any occasion—no blender required, just pure, classic margarita perfection.

A perfectly mixed classic margarita on the rocks with a salted rim and fresh lime garnish.

Table of Contents

Tips for making this Classic Margarita On The Rocks

I prefer orange liqueur over a cheap (high sugar content) triple sec. The bright, bitter orange adds the third important layer to this drink, and I find that a better orange flavor makes a higher quality cocktail. Cointreau, Grand Marnier or what I use here is Royale Orange.
Lime juice or simple syrup allows the salt to cling to the glass rim better than just water.
This recipe yields one cocktail, but you can double or triple the ingredients for a group.
My fresh ice combines crushed and cubes because crushed ice chills the drink quickly but melts fast. The combination allows you to experience both a fast chill but slow dilution.

A close-up of a margarita glass filled with a golden-hued drink, rimmed with salt.

Shopping List

Mixology Bartender Kit – We keep this out year-round because it’s pretty and useful, under $45-ish.
Standard Cocktail Shaker from OXO (a brand we usually trust) – Non-slip grip, doesn’t get cold to the touch, includes jigger in the cap
Fresh Victor premium cocktail mixers – We were gifted a variety of premium flavor combinations and we are hooked. Delicious in mocktails or alone.
Fresh lime for slice or wedge.
Crushed sea salt, table salt, or flake salt (if using for the rims)

A refreshing lime margarita on the rocks with ice cubes and a salted rim, surrounded by lime slices.

The bottom line

A Classic Margarita on the Rocks is proof that simple ingredients make the best cocktails. With the right balance of sweet pucker plus tequila, this margarita is crisp, bold, and refreshing every time. Whether you prefer a salted rim or not, this drink is easy to shake up and drink up! 🍹✨

A freshly poured margarita cocktail in a glass, served with lime and a salted rim.

More About Cocktails

Classic Margarita (On The Rocks)

Yield: One cocktail

Bright, zesty, and incredibly smooth, this Classic Margarita on the Rocks is all about fresh lime flavor and effortless drinkability. The bold citrus notes from Fresh Victor Mexican Lime & Agave pair with tequila and orange liqueur, creating a crisp, refreshing cocktail that’s balanced and easy to sip. 21+ only.

Ingredients

2 oz tequila
1 oz Fresh Victor Mexican Lime & Agave premium cocktail mixer
½ oz orange liqueur (or triple sec)
Optional: Salt for rimming the glass
Ice: For shaker and fresh ice for glass
Garnish: Lime slices or wedges

Instructions

Rim a glass with salt (if desired) by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in a dish of salt, or for less salt, dab the lime-wet edges onto the sides.
In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake tequila, Fresh Victor, and orange liqueur for about 25 seconds.
Strain into the rimmed glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime slice.

Notes

Here’s a substitute for Fresh Victor Mexican Lime & Agave mixer:

Start with a simple syrup. (Here’s our recipe.)
To ½ oz of simple syrup, add 1 part fresh lime juice to 2 parts cold water to the syrup (e.g., 1 oz lime juice + 2 oz water + 1 oz simple syrup).
Stir well to combine and adjust to taste.