Cointreau Margarita

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The sophisticated orange liqueur adds a citrusy punch to the popular cocktail.

We all love Margaritas. Perfect in the summer, and just as good the rest of the year. With a drink as popular as this one, it’s no surprise that many mixologists, drinkers, and bartenders throughout the years have laid claim to its creation… and created some new and interesting offshoots, too.

Legend has it that the creation of the Cointreau Margarita is owed to wealthy Dallas socialite Margaret “Margarita” Sames. In 1948, while at her vacation home in Acapulco, Dame Sames was craving a perfect poolside cocktail to share with her influential friends. Combining her two favorite spirits, Cointreau and tequila, with lime juice and a dash of salt on the rim, Sames stumbled upon the perfect party mixture. And with famous pals like actor John Wayne, word of mouth quickly spread about the delicious cocktail.

For years, it was known amongst her friends simply as “The Drink”. When her husband Bill gifted her a set of champagne goblets etched with her nickname, Margarita, the moniker stuck with the popular cocktail for more than 70 years. Or so the story goes.

With so many versions of the Margarita to choose from, this is a stronger recipe, as the Cointreau is a little higher in its ABV% than the more traditional triple sec that is often used.

Cointreau or Triple Sec?

Cointreau is a more expensive, complex, and smoother orange-flavored liqueur when compared to triple sec. Technically, Cointreau is a triple sec, but over the years moved away from that description, as it became associated with being a lesser-quality spirit. Many Margarita variations are made with triple sec, and you can use any brand you like, but as Margarita Sames once famously said, “a Margarita without Cointreau is not worth its salt.”

What is the best tequila to use to make a Cointreau Margarita?

There are a few types of tequila you can go for when mixing up a Cointreau Margarita. The more traditional route to take is using a reposado, which is slightly aged and often has more flavors infused into it. A blanco is not aged and has a brighter, clearer taste and requires no extra ingredients. Using a blanco tequila in your Margarita will give it a lighter balance.

What glassware and garnish are used?

This cocktail is a more refined take on other versions, mostly because of its origins, so serving it in a double rocks glass with a salted rim will both look and feel more sophisticated. Top it off with a wedge or wheel of lime and you’re ready for the party.

Is the Cointreau Margarita healthy?

The ingredients used in this cocktail are much fresher than if you were to use a store-bought Margarita mix. That being said, most doctors don’t prescribe Cointreau Margaritas to their patients, so it would be better to say this drink is healthier than other versions, but definitely not healthy in the classic sense.

Cointreau Margarita variations

Have you fallen in love with the Cointreau Margarita? Are you craving more, but also something a little different? Twist and Toast has a number of Margarita recipes that you’ll want to try:

• Blood Orange Margarita – A bright red and delicious version, which you’ll want more than one of.
• Blue Margarita – What makes this cocktail different? The clue’s in the name.
• Watermelon Margarita – It’s never too early to plan for summer, and this refreshing drink will help.
• Frozen Margarita – Do you like your Margaritas on the chilly side? Try the ice-cold variation here.