Texas Margarita

The Texas Margarita (also called a Chispa margarita) is a fun twist on a classic margarita recipe. It uses simple ingredients, including a little orange juice, to make a smooth and strong drink with just a touch of citrusy orange flavor.

Here in Texas, we love our smooth, strong, and perfectly sweetened margaritas, which can be ordered at practically every restaurant in the state. We prioritize fresh, quality ingredients over sweet and sour mix.

Also known as a Chispa Margarita, this cocktail was invented in San Antonio with a base similar to a traditional lime margarita. The difference is that a Texas margarita adds fresh orange juice for an added layer of flavor and sweetness, making it the perfect refreshing drink for hot summer nights!

If you are looking for something that brings the heat, try this Hot Honey Margarita! Another famous Texas cocktail is Ranch Water, an easy 3 ingredient cocktail that is refreshing on a hot day!

Ingredient Information

Silver Tequila: For a smooth-flavored margarita, use 2 ounces of top-shelf blanco tequila (silver). Casamigos Blanco, Patron Silver, or Don Julio Blanco are my favorite tequila options for this recipe, but you can use your favorite brand.

Triple Sec: Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur made from orange rinds. Cointreau is a popular type that works well in this margarita. You can also use cognac or brandy-based orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Gran Gala. 

Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for making a tasty margarita! It has more flavor and less bitterness than bottled lime juice.

Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice has the best flavor, too! But if you don't have an orange, you can use bottled juice if it is 100% juice without any added sweetener.

Agave Nectar: Agave is an excellent sweetener for margaritas because it is made from the same plant used to make tequila. Simple syrup can also be used. I don't like my margaritas very sweet so this recipe uses just a small amount of agave nectar, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.

How to Make a Texas Margarita

1. Use a citrus press or juicer to squeeze the lime and orange juices.
2. Add the ice to a cocktail shaker, then pour the orange juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and agave nectar on top.
3. Secure the lid tightly onto your shaker and shake vigorously at least ten times.
4. Strain the margarita into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wheel or orange slice.

Can I make a frozen Texas margarita?

Sure! Simply add the margarita ingredients into a blender pitcher with 1 cup of ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a cocktail glass with a salted rim and serve.

Can I make a large batch?

Texas Margaritas makes a great party cocktail that you can prepare 24 hours before serving.

For 8 servings, mix 2 cups of tequila,  ½ cup of Triple Sec, 1 cup of lime juice, ½ cup of orange juice, and ¼ cup of agave nectar in a large pitcher. Or multiply the ingredients in a large pitcher based on how many servings you want.

Store it in the refrigerator without ice. Stir the mixture before serving, and pour into ice-filled glasses.

How do I rim the glass?

I like to mix equal parts coarse salt and turbinado sugar for the rim of a margarita glass. It's just so pretty and tasty!

Pour salt and sugar on a shallow plate and mix well. Rub a lime wedge around the top of the glass. Turn the glass upside-down and roll the edge of the glass in the salt mixture, pressing the mixture firmly onto the glass.

More Texas Recipes 

This classic cocktail is an excellent accompaniment to practically any Tex-Mex recipe, from a simple cocktail night with chips and guacamole to a full Mexican dinner. Here are some of my favorites!

Recipe