Discover the Signature Bartaco Margarita Recipe

Bartaco restaurants are loved for their lively atmosphere, tacos, and most of all - the margaritas! Bartaco has perfected the classic margarita recipe, creating a refreshing blend of tart lime, quality tequila, and natural orange liqueur. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate these fantastic margaritas at home.

Origin of the Bartaco Margarita

Bartaco is a popular New England-based taco restaurant chain founded in 2009. They quickly gained fame for their delicious tacos paired with hand-shaken signature margaritas full of fresh citrus flavor.

Southern California Inspiration

Bartaco drew inspiration from Southern California beach culture and Mexican street food when creating their menu and cocktails. The margarita recipe reflects west coast casual living with its simplicity and bright flavors.

House Margarita

The original Bartaco margarita has become their house drink, served at every location in a signature glass with lime wedge garnish.

Bartaco's Secret Margarita Recipe

Recreating Bartaco's famous margaritas is easy with just a few high quality ingredients and simple preparation.

Fresh Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the tart citrus backbone. Bottled juice won't compare.

100% Agave Tequila

Quality extra añejo tequila brings smooth flavor. Skip the mixtos.

Orange Liqueur

Bartaco uses natural Cointreau for balanced sweetness, not super-sweet triple sec.

Kosher Salt

A salt rim contrasts with the sour citrus for a perfect balance.

Shaken and Strained

Shaking with ice dilutes to the ideal strength. Double straining ensures texture.

How to Make the Perfect Bartaco Margarita

Follow these simple steps for incredible margaritas:

Juice the Limes

Roll limes firmly before cutting in half and juicing. Strain to remove pulp.

Rim the Glasses

Run a lime wedge around the edge of chilled glasses. Dip rims in a saucer of kosher salt.

Add Ingredients to Shaker

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur as called for in the recipe.

Shake Vigorously

Shake the shaker vigorously for 15-20 seconds for proper dilution and chill.

Double Strain

Double strain margarita into salt-rimmed glass using a Hawthorn strainer and fine mesh strainer.

Garnish

Add a lime wedge or wheel on the glass rim to finish.

Bartaco Margarita Recipe Ratios

Use these ratios to make the perfect batch of margaritas:

• 2 parts fresh lime juice
• 1 part Cointreau
• 1 part 100% agave tequila (añejo preferred)

For single margaritas, the standard recipe is:

• 2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz añejo tequila

Margarita Serving Tips

Here are some serving suggestions for your house-made margaritas:

Signature Bartaco Glassware

Serve in classic margarita glasses for the true Bartaco experience. Choose a 12-16 oz footed glass.

Lime Wedge Garnish

Always garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass.

On the Rocks

Pour over fresh ice cubes in the glass, instead of blended.

Mexican Dinner Pairing

Bartaco margaritas pair perfectly with Mexican food like tacos, quesadillas, or fajitas.

Pitcher for Parties

Batch in a pitcher and allow guests to serve themselves.

Conclusion

With just a few simple techniques and quality ingredients, you can recreate the signature Bartaco margarita at home. Fresh lime juice, smooth tequila, and Cointreau orange liqueur shaken and strained make a balanced, refreshing drink. Rim the glasses with salt and garnish with lime to complete the beloved Bartaco version. Enjoy this classic cocktail with Mexican food or anytime you want an easy yet flavorful margarita.

FAQs About Bartaco Margaritas

What tequila works best?

100% agave añejo or reposado tequila gives the smoothest flavor. Avoid cheap mixto tequilas.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Freshly squeezed lime juice is far superior for flavor. Bottled juice adds artificial taste.

How long do the margaritas keep?

Margaritas are best served freshly made. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.

Can I make a pitcher of margaritas?

Yes, batch the margaritas in a pitcher by multiplying the single serving ratios. Shake without ice first.

What's the difference between Cointreau and triple sec?

Cointreau is a high-quality liqueur made from bitter and sweet orange peels. Triple sec is a lower quality, artificial tasting liqueur.