Jimmy Buffett's Official 'Margaritaville' Margarita Is As Chill As the Man Himself

As a kid growing up in Florida, I was well aware of Jimmy Buffett and the impact he had on multiple generations of people. Though at the time I was too young to appreciate his music, it was still very obvious that the man who wrote “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was much more than the margarita-loving Parrothead he appeared to be.

The influential singer-songwriter made his living selling the beauty of a simple life, one that prioritized adventure, leisure, drinking and the occasional run in with the law. He made it his passion to share his adventures with the world, and would eventually go on to open a chain of Margaritaville restaurants, where fans of the Buffet folklore could come eat, drink and party like the legend himself.

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In the wake of Buffet’s passing, I was doing some research to understand more about the life of the 76-year-old man who found countless ways to inspire his fans. I eventually came across an article published by People describing Buffett's changing drinking habits later in life. Included in the piece was the recipe for Margaritaville’s classic margarita, and I instantly had the urge to make one myself.

So, in honor of the late, great legend, I was excited to pour myself a glass of the drink that made him millions and to see how it stacked up to other margaritas. Here's how it went.

Get the recipe: Official Margaritaville Margarita

Ingredients for a Margaritaville Margarita

Like all great things, the ingredients list is fairly short, so it won’t be long until you’re sipping one down and singing “Life is Just a Tire Swing” like you’re on a beach in Key West. For one margarita, you’ll need 1 cup of ice, ¼ cup of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, a few tablespoons of water and some superfine sugar. You will also need a lime wedge and some coarse sea salt for the rim of your glass.

How to Make a Margaritaville Margarita

Start by using a lime wedge to wet the rim of your cocktail glass. Pour some coarse sea salt into a small bowl and press the rim of the glass into the salt until completely covered. Set the glass aside.

Add a cup of ice, tequila, fresh lime juice, superfine sugar, triple sec and the indicated amount of water to a cocktail shaker. Then, pretend you’re Tom Cruise in Cocktail and shake that cocktail shaker like your tips depend on it.

Pour the drink into the salt-rimmed glass, garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Related: Fans Take Shots Out of Margaritaville Crocs to Honor Jimmy Buffett: 'It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere'

What I Thought of the Margaritaville Margarita

I can’t say that I was surprised, but I was sold at the first sip. This no-nonsense, no-mix having margarita is made up of only essential ingredients and takes only a minute or so to make. I loved not using a store-bought mix and thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting the drink together as if I was behind the bar myself. Using mostly ingredients that I had sitting around the kitchen, I can definitely see myself making a single Margaritaville Margarita on a whim just because of how accessible it is. Cheers to you, Jimmy.

Tips For Making a Margaritaville Margarita

1. Any tequila will do. While you can use any tequila that you have handy, to truly live up to the Jimmy Buffett name, using a good, high-quality tequila will take this drink and its flavor to the highest level possible.  
2. Don't be afraid to experiment with your proportions. If this margarita is not hitting the flavor profile you're searching for, try adjusting the portions of ingredients to get the taste you're looking for. The lack of margarita mix involved in this recipe will definitely take away some of the sweet you may be used to tasting.

Get the recipe: Official Margaritaville Margarita

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