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Copycat Applebee's Perfect Margarita
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- #9953
This isn't just the restaurant's popular drink, it's also a "perfect" margarita recipe. It has just the right proportions of tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, sour mix and lime juice. Hint: use a homemade sour mix instead of the bottled kind.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
24 reviews
4 comments
ingredients
1 1/4 ounce Cuervo 1800 silver tequila
3/4 ounce cointreau
3/4 ounce grand marnier
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces sweet and sour mix
1/2 ounce simple syrup
ice
Garnish
lime wedge
olive
directions
Chill a margarita glass. Salt the rim if desired by rubbing the rim with a wedge of lime, then inverting the glass onto a plate of coarse salt.
Combine the tequila, cointreau, grand marnier, lime juice, sour mix, and simple syrup in a shaker with some ice. Shake well to combine. Strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish the margarita with a wedge of lime and an olive.
recipe tips
Infuse your simple syrup with herbs or spices like rosemary or jalapeno for a different flavor.
When salting the rim, use coarse sea salt or flavored salts like margarita salt.
For a fun presentation, freeze some lime slices or ice cubes with herbs to use in the drink.
Garnish with colorful options to make the drink visually appealing, such as edible flowers or bright fruits.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste.
For a fun variation, try rimming the glass with colored sugar or chili salt instead of plain salt.
Try using flavored liqueurs to create different variations on the classic version.
Store any leftover margarita mix in the refrigerator for up to a week.
common recipe questions
What makes a margarita "perfect"?
A "perfect" margarita is often defined by a balance of flavors, using high-quality ingredients, and careful measurements to achieve the ideal level of sweetness and tartness.
Can I substitute the tequila?
You can substitute tequila with mezcal for a smoky flavor; however, it will alter the taste.
What if I don't have Cointreau or Grand Marnier?
You can substitute Cointreau with another orange liqueur like Triple Sec, but note that the flavor may differ slightly. Grand Marnier can be replaced with another brandy-based orange liqueur if unavailable.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this margarita?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, replace the tequila and liqueurs with a mix of lime juice, orange juice, and a splash of soda water or a non-alcoholic mixer for a similar taste.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the margarita?
The sweetness can be adjusted by either changing the amount of simple syrup or sweet and sour mix used. Taste the mixture before serving and adjust as needed.
What type of tequila is best for margaritas?
A high-quality blanco or silver tequila, like Cuervo 1800, is often recommended for margaritas as it has a smooth flavor that complements the other ingredients.
How do I make my own sour mix?
To make your own sour mix, combine equal parts fresh lemon juice and lime juice with a simple syrup made from sugar and water. A common ratio is 1 cup of each juice to 1 cup of simple syrup.
Why should I use freshly squeezed lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lime juice, which can be overly sweet or have preservatives that alter the taste.
Can I prepare the margarita in advance?
While you can prepare the mix ahead of time, it's best to add ice just before serving to avoid dilution. Store the mix in the refrigerator without ice.
What other garnishes can I use besides lime and olive?
You can also use a slice of orange, a sprig of mint, or even a chili pepper for a twist. Rimming with flavored salt can also add a nice touch.
Is the simple syrup necessary?
Simple syrup adds sweetness and balances the lime juice. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce or omit it.
What is the best way to chill a margarita glass?
You can chill the glass by filling it with ice water for a few minutes or placing it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How can I store leftover margarita mix?
Leftover margarita mix can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake it well before serving again.
tools needed
Shaker: For combining the tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, lime juice, sweet and sour mix, and simple syrup with ice.
Measuring Cups or Jiggers: For measuring the ingredients.
Margarita Glass: For serving the margarita. If you don't have a classic margarita glass you can use another stemmed glass such as a martini glass or a standard highball.
Plate (optional): For holding the coarse salt when salting the rim of the margarita glass.
Cutting Board and Knife: For cutting the lime wedge for garnish.
what goes with it?
Chorizo and Shrimp Tacos: With the combination of zesty shrimp, seasoned chorizo, and a hint of creaminess from sour cream, these chorizo and shrimp tacos complement the tequila blend in the margarita, making each element in the meal stand out.
Guacamole: A classic pairing. Bonus points for serving the zesty guacamole with freshly made tortilla chips.
Chicken Fajitas: The sizzling, savory chicken fajitas from Applebee's go perfectly with the vibrant citrus flavors of the margarita.
Spicy Salsa: Whether it's a fresh pico de gallo or a roasted tomato salsa, the heat and acidity in the salsa will be balanced by the cool and tangy margarita.
Chips and Queso: Creamy, cheesy queso with crunchy chips is another classic pairing.
Jalapeno Poppers: Not necessarily a traditional pairing but the sweetness of the margarita can help balance the spiciness of the poppers.
nutrition data
294 calories, 0 grams fat, 27 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in fat.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
February 16, 2020
My husband and I made it last night and it tasted just like the one we get at Applebeeâs. We followed the recipe exactly and didnât change anything.
June 10, 2018
What was left out of the recipe is Olive Juice. Once I put 1/2 oz. of that in it was very close to Applebeeâs. But yes....the type of sweet and sour mix does make a difference. An option is to buy limeaide frozen can, let it thaw and use a 1 to 1 ratio of tequila and limeaide and then olive juice to taste.....that is what smothes it out.
April 2, 2017
Yumo, its my birthday, just made it. FYI, Make your own sweet and sour mix and simple sysup. It makes all the difference. Its perfect!!! I have saved this to my favs:-0)
July 8, 2016
Watch out, this is SO good you'll want to drink more than you should!
March 22, 2016
This tastes exactly like it (when they make it right.) I made my own simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) and my own sweet and sour mix (3 parts simple syrup 1 part lemon 1 part lime) and mixed it all together. At first it tasted kinda thick and a little different but then I noticed that as some of the ice melted and mixed in with the drink, the better it got. this is for sure the recipe.
January 26, 2015
Cant seem to get it to taste like applebee's. Did anyone figure it out yet?
December 15, 2014
Actually, for those if you posting that this recipe is incorrect, our incomplete, you are mistaken. I am currently an Applebee's bartender, and this is our EXACT recipe.
April 12, 2014
I think it's very close, but I made my own sweet and sour mix from scratch and it's a little too sweet, my fault! Added a little more regular lime juice (I did use Rose's in the drink but didn't want to sweeten it more) and a splash of olive juice to tone down the sweet. I think next time I'll check my sweet and sour mix and it will be perfect!
December 23, 2013
Yep! This is the one from Applebee's. It really is the perfect margarita! Thanks, I've been trying different concoctions for some time now, and couldn't quite get it. (Had fun trying though)
I was a bartender at Applebee's and I agree that it's the sour mix that will throw this off. Make your own and you'll do better as the bottled stuff just doesn't cut it. Otherwise this recipe is quite close.
October 18, 2013
Been rainy and cold here this week so we had a little "tropical" party one night and made margaritas with this recipe.
July 15, 2013
My favorite margarita - both at Applebee's and now at home! I buy the bottle of simple syrup at the grocery store so I don't have to make it myself each time but if you can't buy it it's super simple to make just mix equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan and let simmer until it gets a little syrupy. Don't let it crystalize.
July 3, 2013
I've made this several times but will be making it in a big batch for the 4th of july fireworks tomorrow. It's perfect and everyone thinks I make the best margaritas!
May 5, 2013
This is the PERFECT copy of the Perfect Margarita! I have a new favorite go to drink!
May 3, 2013
This margarita has a really good balance of flavors. Definitely use a good brand of tequila, that makes all the difference!
Can anybody tell me how to make sweet & sour mix from scratch?
January 6, 2012
Make sure you use fresh squeezed lime juice. The stuff you buy is NOT the same. Was a bartender at applebee's in college...
July 18, 2011
I just made this and am drinking it now. It is so good and I think it tastes just like the one from Applebee's. I made sweet and sour mix and simple syrup from scratch, mixed it with Cointreau, Grand Marnier and 1800 Resposido Agave Tequila. I didn't have any extra limes from the sweet and sour mix so I used Rose's brand sweetened lime juice. I measured the amounts perfectly, added 3 olives and a tsp of olive juice. PERFECT!
how do you make it a strawberry margarita?
Can anyone tell me what "Simple Syrup" is?
Simple Syrup is one part sugar and one part water, boiled until "syrupy". I believe you can also buy pre-made simple syrup (some grocery stores and/or liquor stores may carry it)
October 14, 2009
only thing missing is .5 oz simple syrup
June 28, 2008
This was absolutely PERFECT!!!!! Tastes just like Apple Bee's!
October 30, 2007
The liquor in this recipe is right, but the reason it doesn't taste the same as when made at the store is because Applebee's uses a signature sweet 'n sour mix that you can't get anywhere else. Unless you work at an Applebee's and your management allows you to buy a case of it. Really nothing compares to their sweet n sour, so no matter how hard you try with this maragarita it without it, it will never taste as good!
October 13, 2007
I worked at Applebee's for 5 years as a bartender. This recipe is close. To the reviewers that did not like this recipe I suspect you are using a bottled sweet and sour mix. Bottled sweet and sour is very strong and otherwise not good. Try making your own.
July 19, 2007
This recipe is nowhere near Applebee's Perfect Margarita. Not sweet, like Applebee's, and the alcohol:mixer ratio is ridiculous.
July 1, 2006
this recipe works best frozen..... delicious!
February 4, 2006
I have tried Prefect Margaritas at every place in town and none can touch Applebee's. They sre absolutely delish!!!!
October 30, 2005
This may tast close but I make them at home EXACTLY the way applebees makes them.there is a lot of things missing from this. I may add my recipe soon.