President Margarita

Tequila: A good-quality 100% agave tequila gives the margarita the cleanest and smoothest flavor.
Sweet-and-Sour Mix: Prepared sweet-and-sour mixes vary in sweetness and acidity. Use one you enjoy, then squeeze in a little additional fresh lime if the finished drink tastes too sweet.
Brandy: Use plain, unflavored brandy. The brandy softens the tequila and adds a warmer, richer finish.
Serving and Make Ahead: A light or partial salt rim works best without overpowering the citrus. The tequila, brandy, orange liqueur, and sweet-and-sour mix may be combined and refrigerated for several hours, but shake the cocktail with ice only immediately before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with Guacamole, Tex-Mex Dip, or Turkey Enchiladas .

Name: President Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 ¼ oz 100% agave tequila; ½ oz plain brandy; ½ oz orange liqueur; 3 oz prepared sweet-and-sour mix; 2 wedges lime wedges, divided; as needed ice, as needed, divided; coarse salt; additional lime; orange; cocktail cherry

A measure of brandy lends extra depth to this cold, lime-bright margarita. Keep the salt rim light so the citrus and tequila stay in balance.

By Betty Lou Gardner5 minUpdated 2026-10-09

This President Margarita is smooth, citrusy, and slightly richer than a classic margarita thanks to the addition of brandy alongside tequila and orange liqueur! Served ice cold with fresh lime, it’s a balanced cocktail that pairs especially well with hot days and Mexican food.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I usually keep the salt light around the rim because too much makes the drink taste harsh. Sometimes I squeeze in a little extra lime when the sweet-and-sour mix is too sweet.