The Margarita is a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often served with a salted rim.
Its exact origin remains disputed, with several competing stories placing its creation in Mexico or among American bartenders working near the Mexican border. The name is also the Spanish form of Margaret, which appears in some origin legends. No single creation story has been conclusively established.
A classic Margarita generally uses blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec or another orange liqueur. It may be shaken with ice and served straight up, on the rocks, or blended. The salted rim is traditional but optional rather than a required part of the liquid recipe.
The Margarita is sometimes confused with the Paloma, which typically combines tequila with grapefruit soda, or the Daiquiri, which uses rum instead of tequila and orange liqueur. Variations may add fruit purées, chili, or other flavorings.