Chipotle Mexican Grill Original Margarita Recipe

Few drinks capture the essence of summer quite like a Margarita. This citrus-forward cocktail is bright like I first tasted Chipotle Mexican Grill’s signature margarita after a particularly long workday. I’d always been a fan of their burritos, but that day, I decided to elevate my usual Chipotle experience with one of their handcrafted cocktails. What arrived was nothing like the overly sweet, artificially flavored margaritas I’d encountered elsewhere.

I was determined to recreate that perfect margarita at home. After some experimentation with ratios and ingredients, I finally nailed the recipe. Now, whenever friends come over for taco night, they specifically request “those Chipotle margaritas” that have become my signature cocktail.

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What makes Chipotle’s Margarita so good? 

I’m sorry, but you are never going to make a good Margarita using a mix. But that doesn’t mean you can’t easily make a tasty one at home without the hassle. The straightforward recipe below uses a blend of fresh citrus juices and real agave nectar to ensure the authentic sweet and sour flavor you love. 

Why you are going to love this simple margarita recipe 

A good cocktail is all about ratios. This margarita recipe respects the Golden Ratio with two parts spirits, one part sour and one part sweet. That means you end up with a well-balanced drink.

Other recipes bump the alcohol content, use simple syrup instead of agave nectar, or opt for cheap brands. Yuck! When you make your cocktails at home, you are in complete control and get the best results. 

It’s a classic margarita that’s great for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, and whenever you’re craving the cocktail.

Chipotle’s Margarita ingredients 

• Fresh lime juice – Provides the signature tangy citrus base essential to any margarita
• Fresh lemon juice – Adds complexity and brightness that Chipotle incorporates in their recipe
• Silver tequila – Creates the authentic foundation of the cocktail
• Triple sec – Contributes orange notes and additional complexity
• Agave nectar – Delivers natural sweetness that’s signature to Chipotle’s version
• Lime wedges – Essential for garnish and optional salted rim
• Kosher salt – Optional for rimming glasses as served at Chipotle’s bar

Tequila options

You have many options for tequila, but you should steer toward a silver version for the best visuals. Stay away from super cheap tequilas, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to mix up a good time:

• Sauza Hacienda Silver Tequila. It is a very affordable choice at less than 20 dollars a bottle. Hacienda Silver has a notable blue agave flavor and notes of green apple, which combine well with the Triple Sec and citrus juices in this Chipotle Margarita recipe.
• Patron Silver. However, double the price of Sauza Hacienda, Patron Silver is the default for restaurant-level Margaritas. It drinks smooth and sweet with a peppery finish highlighting the citrus in the cocktail. 

Triple Sec options

This French orange liqueur is perfect for adding citrus notes while upping the overall alcohol content of a drink. You buy bargain brands, but spending a few dollars more will really improve the quality of your drinks:

• DeKuyper Triple Sec. Not overly sweet, this value brand may not have the best reputation, but it is perfect for mixed drinks on a budget. 
• Cointreau. Many people think of this more premium option as the quintessential Triple Sec. It has a slight bitterness and a more nuisance flavor profile than other triple secs, and it adds a lot of interest to Margaritas. 

How to make it 

To craft unforgettable Chipotle Margaritas:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill. 
2. While the shaker is chilling, squeeze the lemons and limes into a measuring container with a spout. 
3. When the cocktail shaker is cold, throw away the ice. 
4. Fill four rocks glasses with ice and set aside.  
5. Pour the tequila, triple sec, and agave nectar into the shaker. Cover and shake until the outside is icy cold. 

6. Pour the cocktail into the four glasses. 
7. Garnish with lime and serve. 

What to serve with this margarita

Mexican and beach food pairs well with margaritas. Try making these nibbles:

• Coconut Shrimp. Slightly sweet and crispy, Red Lobster Coconut shrimp are great for sharing. Serve with a traditional cocktail sauce or tasty Pina Colada Sauce.
• Fish tacos. Choose the battered and deep-fried Baja Fish Tacos with shredded cabbage and crema or a lighter grilled version topped with avocado slices and pico de gallo; both go well with this drink. 
• Ceviche. Easy to make from a variety of seafood, this dish has a slightly briny, light citrus taste and compliments the flavors of the cocktail. 

How do we make these ahead of time? 

Premixing a batch of this Chipotle Margarita recipe is a real timesaver—and it is so simple since the amounts are already measured for four drinks. Of course, you can double or triple the quantities depending on the size of your pitcher and how many guests you are serving. Go with a pitcher that has a no-spill lid that will allow you to shake well before pouring.

Even though you are prebatching the cocktail, you will want to shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker with ice before serving. Serving directly from the pitcher won’t give you the same taste. 

More copycat Chipotle recipes

• Chipotle Barbacoa
• Chipotle Smoked Brisket
• Chipotle Carnitas
• Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
• Chipotle Corn Salsa
• Chipotle Guacamole
• Chipotle Queso Blanco
• Chipotle Steak Bowl

Love margaritas? Try these recipes!

• Applebee’s Perfect Margarita
• Beer Margarita
• Chili’s Presidente Margarita
• Olive Garden Italian Margarita
• Olive Garden Watermelon Margarita
• Red Lobster Mountain Dew Margarita
• Rio Bravo Margarita

Check out my easy cocktail recipes and the best copycat fast food recipes on CopyKat!