Tommy's Margarita

The Tommy's Margarita is a simple yet elegant cocktail that enhances the natural flavors of high-quality tequila. By replacing the traditional orange liqueur with agave nectar, which comes from the same plant as tequila, it creates a smoother, more integrated taste profile. This three-ingredient drink is perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and the earthy notes of the agave spirit. It is widely considered a modern classic and a must-try for any tequila enthusiast.
Tommy's Margarita

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Tommy's Margarita is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It is a direct variation of the classic Margarita, but its widespread popularity and unique profile have established it as a distinct and important drink in its own right. It belongs to the "sours" family of cocktails, defined by a base spirit, citrus, and a sweetener.

Serving

Served cold over fresh ice in a rocks glass, this is a spirit-forward yet highly refreshing drink. Its alcohol content is moderately high, and a half-rim of salt is a popular optional enhancement.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks glass
Glass treatment
Optional half salt rim

Backstory

This cocktail was created in the early 1990s by Julio Bermejo at his family's restaurant, Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, in San Francisco. Bermejo wanted to create a Margarita that better showcased the complex flavors of the 100% agave tequilas he was importing. The substitution of agave nectar for orange liqueur was a simple but revolutionary change that has since been adopted by bars all over the world.
Origin
San Francisco, USA, circa 1990.

Tommy's Margarita

The name "Tommy's Margarita" is the standard and most recognized name for this cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as an "Agave Margarita" because its defining feature is the use of agave nectar instead of a traditional orange liqueur. This alternative name highlights the key ingredient that distinguishes it from a classic Margarita.
Original name
Tommy's Margarita
Alternative name
Agave Margarita

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a bright, citrus-forward flavor dominated by fresh lime and the earthy sweetness of agave nectar. Its aroma is equally fresh and inviting, with a smooth texture and a clean, crisp aftertaste.
Flavor
Agave, lime, citrusy, bright, tequila-forward
Aroma
Fresh lime, earthy agave, tequila
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering agave
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow-green, slightly cloudy
Texture
Smooth, liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is characterized by a high sourness level balanced by a light sweetness and the distinct flavor of agave. It is a still, moderately strong alcoholic beverage with a prominent fruity lime character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients for a Tommy's Margarita: high-quality 100% agave tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The quality of these components is key to the drink's exceptional taste.
  • Tequila Blanco (100% Agave)60 ml / 2 oz
    Use a high-quality 100% agave tequila for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the bright flavor of this drink.
  • Agave Nectar15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste; some prefer less sweetness. It can be diluted with a little water to make it easier to pour and mix.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail set including a shaker, jigger, and strainer to prepare this drink. A citrus juicer is also highly recommended to ensure the use of fresh lime juice.
  • Cocktail shaker: For chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool: For accurate measurements.
  • Citrus juicer: To get fresh lime juice.
  • Strainer: To strain the drink from the shaker ice.

Instructions

To make this cocktail, simply shake all ingredients—tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar—with plenty of ice until thoroughly chilled. Then, strain the mixture into an ice-filled rocks glass, which can be optionally rimmed with salt.
1. If using, prepare the glass by running a lime wedge around half the rim and dipping it in coarse salt.
2. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
3. Add tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice.
5. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.
6. Strain the mixture into the prepared ice-filled rocks glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish simply with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass. A half-rim of coarse salt is a classic and optional addition that provides a pleasant saline contrast to the drink's sweet and sour notes.
  • Lime wedge or wheel: Placed on the rim or in the glass.
  • Coarse salt: For the rim of the glass (optional).

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten, provided a 100% agave tequila is used. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and agave nectar. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to Margaritas made with orange liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 160-200 kcal / 670-840 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-12 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for warm weather, making it ideal for summer parties, barbecues, and casual get-togethers. Its Mexican heritage makes it a classic choice for "Taco Tuesday" or any festive occasion featuring Mexican cuisine. It's also a staple for happy hour menus worldwide.
  • Summer Party
  • Taco Tuesday
  • Happy Hour
  • Casual Get-together

Pairing suggestions

The bright, citrusy profile of a Tommy's Margarita pairs exceptionally well with Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It's a perfect match for tacos, fresh guacamole with tortilla chips, and light seafood dishes like ceviche. The acidity cuts beautifully through rich and spicy foods.
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
  • Shrimp or fish ceviche
  • Grilled chicken or seafood

Tommy's Margarita: A Modern Classic Perfected

The Tommy's Margarita is a modern masterpiece that refines the classic Margarita into a purer expression of tequila. Created by Julio Bermejo in San Francisco, it cleverly substitutes agave nectar for orange liqueur, creating a smoother, more cohesive flavor profile that highlights the spirit. This simple, three-ingredient cocktail is a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more. Its refreshing and balanced taste has made it a favorite in top bars around the world.

Similar cocktails

Picante de la Casa

A vibrant and fiery tequila cocktail that perfectly balances spicy chili, fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and sweet agave.

Tequila Old Fashioned

A simple yet elegant twist on the classic Old Fashioned, replacing whiskey with the complex, earthy notes of aged tequila.

Siesta

A vibrant and refreshing modern classic cocktail that balances tequila with the bittersweet notes of Campari and fresh citrus.