When you gotta have the real thing.
It will take you away to Bahia Banderas.
 
Tequila  (good tequila is worth it the day after)
Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Gran Marnier
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (with just a splash of water and sugar)
Ice
Forget the salt on the rim, forget the blender.
A real margarita is shaken, and the ice strained away before serving. 
 
I like to use:
two parts Tequila
one part Triple Sec, Cointreau or Gran Marnier
one part sweetened pure lime juice (not too sweet, should still be tart)
The lime juice is the key. 
 
Forget margarita mixes. 
Anything less than fresh lime juice is not on.
 
Preferably served in a stemmed glass, but this part is the least important. 

 

p.s.   after consuming large quantities of these, it is best to resist the impulse to operate machinery or swim long distances