Category: margarita

Cocktail Bar Must-Haves

collage of cocktail bar toolsIt’s time to discover the essential must-have tools for your at-home cocktail bar! From shakers to glasses to cocktail picks, it’s time to elevate your cocktail game and impress family and friends with signature drinks and concoctions! Cocktail Bar Tools More Drinks to Make at Home Lavender Haze Cocktail Strawberry Daiquiri Salted Caramel Mocha Martini…

collage of cocktail bar tools

It’s time to discover the essential must-have tools for your at-home cocktail bar! From shakers to glasses to cocktail picks, it’s time to elevate your cocktail game and impress family and friends with signature drinks and concoctions!

Cocktail Bar Tools

yellow cocktail in a clear glass with a cherry, lime and pineapple slice in the drink.
  • MIXING SPOON – Mixing your drink with a long-handled mixing spoon allows the flavors of your drink to mixed gently. They can also be helpful in layering ingredients in drinks or the end can be used as a muddler in case you don’t have one.
  • JIGGER – No cocktail bar is complete without a jigger! It helps to measure liquid ingredients!
  • MUDDLER – You’ll want to have a muddler for drinks like a Mango Mojito. You’ll need to gently bruise your ingredients like mint, fruit, or a peel, with a muddler to release their flavor. It’s done in the glass itself and then joined by whatever liquids the recipe calls for.
  • MESH STRAINER – The cone shape is essential when straining unwanted extras for from your cocktail!
  • JUICER – Because fresh is best when making a cocktail! I’ve used this juicer for years and love it.
Kir royale champagne with a lemon peel on the rim

More Drinks to Make at Home

Lavender Haze Cocktail

Strawberry Daiquiri

Salted Caramel Mocha Martini

French 75 Cocktail

Classic Mai Thai

Avocado Margarita

This Avocado Margarita has the crispness of a classic margarita with the subtle creaminess of avocado. It’s well-balanced, flavorful and oh-so drinkable! Perfectly Easy Avocado Margarita Your favorite 5 o’clock beverage gets a flavorful update with this Avocado Margarita. This balanced and refreshing cocktail combines the crispness of a classic margarita with the subtle creaminess…

The post Avocado Margarita appeared first on The BakerMama.

This Avocado Margarita has the crispness of a classic margarita with the subtle creaminess of avocado. It’s well-balanced, flavorful and oh-so drinkable!

A short glass filled with margarita and tajin on the rim.

Perfectly Easy Avocado Margarita

Your favorite 5 o’clock beverage gets a flavorful update with this Avocado Margarita. This balanced and refreshing cocktail combines the crispness of a classic margarita with the subtle creaminess of avocado. A hint of cilantro provides a bit of bite while agave and a splash of pineapple juice makes it sweet and so, so drinkable.

Two avocado margaritas in short glasses rimmed with Chile lime seasoning and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge. In the upper left corner of the image is a halved avocado. Below are a whole and half lime.

A Taste of Vacation

The first time I ever had an avocado margarita was on vacation. So that’s what this cocktail will always taste like to me. Relaxation! I love the hint of cilantro because it balances out the sweetness of the agave and the tartness of pineapple. So refreshing!

Three avocado margaritas in short glasses rimmed with Chile lime seasoning and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge.

No Blender Needed

You won’t need a blender to make this avocado margarita. Just muddle, shake and serve. I love to serve margaritas over crushed ice. We have a nugget ice maker that makes the perfect ice to use in drinks you want to keep extremely cold. But regular cubed ice will work just fine, too!

Tools of the Trade

Learn all about our favorite tools for making fabulous cocktails in my Cocktail Crafting 101. To make this avocado margarita recipe, you’ll need a shaker and a muddler.

  • Boston Cocktail Shaker – This is a classic two-piece shaker where you have a larger metal shaker (usually 28oz) and a smaller shaking tin or glass (usually 16oz). You need to use a hawthorne strainer (usually comes with most Boston Shaker sets) to pour the drink which is easy to use once you get the hang of it. I like a Boston Shaker because you can either use it as a shaker or just use the larger glass to stir drinks. It is also very easy to separate the two pieces after shaking, making clean up a snap.
  • Cobbler Cocktail Shaker –  This other major type of shaker has a removable top with a built-in strainer. This makes it easier to pour since the strainer is built in, but clean up is trickier. Removing the lid of a Cobbler Shaker can be challenging as the metal expands when it’s cold and you have three pieces to clean in between drinks. However, it’s still a great shaker and I use ours frequently. 
  • Muddler – A muddler allows you to smash and blend various fruits, herbs, or vegetables before adding the liquid ingredients. This process helps release the flavors of these ingredients much more than shaking (grab a leaf of mint and rub between your fingers for a few seconds and you’ll get the idea). For the longest time, I used the handle of an ice cream scoop to muddle. Boy, was I missing out! A good muddler makes it so much more effective.

What Do I Need to Make an Avocado Margarita?

(see recipe card for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

  • Large avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Agave
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Pineapple juice
  • Orange liqueur
  • Tequila (we prefer reposado tequila)
  • Crushed or cubed ice
  • Tajín (lime and chili pepper seasoning), optional for garnishing

Supplies:

Ingredients to make an avocado margarita on a white marble counter.

Make it a Mexican Fiesta

Celebrate with festive flair with these great recipes for a Mexican Fiesta. From dips to home-baked tortilla chips to nachos and even dessert tacos, I’m here to help you plan the perfect menu for your fiesta! 

Baked tacos, sheet pan nachos, roasted corn salsa, and dulce de leche brownies.

What Does it Mean to ‘Double Strain’?

To double strain means to pour the cocktail through your shaker’s strainer and through a smaller strainer to eliminate any small particles of ingredients or ice in the final drink.

How to Make an Avocado Margarita

  • Mash and muddle the avocado and cilantro leaves in a cocktail shaker until the avocado is smooth.
  • Add the agave, lime juice and pineapple juice.
Steps to make an avocado margarita.
  • Add orange liqueur and the tequila.
  • Add ice to the shaker and shake well.
  • To rim the glass, if desired: Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Then roll in a shallow dish of Tajín (or coarse salt, if desired).
Steps to make an avocado margarita.
  • Double strain the margarita into a glass with ice.
An avocado margarita in a glass rimmed with Tajin.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
A short glass filled with margarita and tajin on the rim.

My Favorite Cocktail Recipes

My Favorite Cocktail Recipes put the happy in happy hour! From a classic house margarita to inventive takes on old favorites, you’re sure to find something to toast to!

Brandon's Best Margarita, Apple cider sangria, Blue smoke, Kicking Mezcal Mule.

If you make this Avocado Margarita, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. ???? I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Maegan's signature
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A short glass filled with margarita and tajin on the rim.

Avocado Margarita

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: The BakerMama
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 margarita
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Description

This Avocado Margarita has the crispness of a classic margarita with the subtle creaminess of avocado. It’s well-balanced, flavorful and oh-so drinkable!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 of a large avocado
  • Leaves from 1 sprig of fresh cilantro, plus more leaves for garnishing
  • 1/4 ounce agave
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
  • 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
  • 2 and 1/2 ounces tequila
  • Ice
  • Tajín (chili lime seasoning), for garnishing the glass
  • lime wedges, for the rim of the glass and for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Mash and muddle the avocado and cilantro leaves in a cocktail shaker until the avocado is smooth.
  2. Add the agave, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange liqueur, and tequila.
  3. Add ice and shake well.
  4. To rim the glass, if desired: Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Then roll in a shallow dish of Tajín (or coarse salt, if desired). Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Double strain the margarita into the rimmed glass of ice.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge and cilantro leaves, if desired.

The post Avocado Margarita appeared first on The BakerMama.

Blueberry Margarita

Calling all berry lovers! This blueberry margarita recipe combines fresh berries with classic margarita ingredients for a refreshingly sweet and…

Calling all berry lovers! This blueberry margarita recipe combines fresh berries with classic margarita ingredients for a refreshingly sweet and tart cocktail bursting with flavor. Impress your guests with this unique twist!

Blueberry margarita in rocks glass with blueberries and lime wedge.

Want a berry-based spin on your favorite drink? Try the blueberry margarita! As two cocktail experts we’ve made margarita recipes of every color of the rainbow, and one is solidly a favorite.

What we love about this recipe: This blueberry margarita has a beautifully sweet tart flavor and a fluorescent pink-purple hue. It’s great for impressing friends for a summer party or barbecue, or for mixing up a single drink to sip on the patio. Alex and I make a lot of margaritas, and outside of the classic margarita recipe this is one of our favorite fruity spins!

Ingredients in a blueberry margarita

The margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktails of all time, invented in Mexico in the 1930’s. The standard recipe is just 3 ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau), and lime juice. For a blueberry margarita, all you need to do is muddle some fresh blueberries before shaking up the drink! To offset the tartness of the berries, you’ll need a hint of simple syrup. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Can you use frozen blueberries?

This blueberry margarita works with either fresh or frozen blueberries. But we recommend thawing the berries first! This isn’t a frozen margarita, so it’s not blended in a blender. Instead, it’s shaken in a cocktail shaker with ice. The flavor is slightly fresher with fresh berries, but the difference is slight.

Blueberries

For the orange liqueur: Cointreau vs Triple Sec

What’s the best orange liqueur for a blueberry margarita: Cointreau or Triple Sec? You can use either, but we’ve got a favorite. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Top choice: Cointreau. Cointreau is a premium orange liqueur with a developed-orange perfume flavor. It has notes of oak and vanilla, which make it taste more sophisticated than Triple Sec.
  • Next choice: Triple Sec. Triple Sec is slightly less refined in flavor than Cointreau: it has a very straightforward orange essence (almost like orange vodka). But either work in a blueberry margarita.

How to make a blueberry margarita: step by step

Here are the basic steps for how to make a blueberry margarita! This margarita is muddled in a cocktail shaker: it’s not made in a blender like our strawberry margarita or raspberry margarita. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the full recipe):

  • Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
  • Step 2: Place ¼ cup blueberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, and muddle them until fully mashed. Add the 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz Cointreau, ½ oz lime juice, and ½ oz simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold.
  • Step 3: Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a lime wedge and extra blueberries.
Blueberry Margarita in rocks class with clear ice.

Make a blueberry margarita pitcher (8 servings)

Mixing up drinks for a crowd? You can easily make a blueberry margarita pitcher: just multiply this recipe times 4! You can make the recipe right in the pitcher; there’s no need to shake and strain. Here’s what to do:

  • Mash 2 cups blueberries and strain them into a pitcher.
  • Add 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Triple Sec, ½ cup lime juice. and ½ ounce simple syrup.
  • Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve!

More margarita recipes

There are so many fruity ways to make a margarita! Here are some of our top margarita recipes:

Margarita recipeClassic MargaritaFrozen margaritaFrozen MargaritaCadillac MargaritaCadillac MargaritaPineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.Pineapple Margaritavirgin margarita with lime garnishes and salt rim.Virgin MargaritaItalian Margarita in glass with salt rim and Amaretto.Italian MargaritaJalapeno margaritaJalapeno MargaritaBeer MargaritaBeer MargaritaPatron margaritaPatron MargaritaBlue margaritaBlue Margarita

Frequently asked questions

Fresh or frozen blueberries?

Fresh blueberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture. However, frozen blueberries can work in a pinch, but they will need to be thawed and may dilute the drink slightly.

Do I need to muddle the blueberries?

Yes, muddling the blueberries releases their juices and intensifies the flavor.

What type of tequila should I use?

A silver or blanco tequila is the most common choice for margaritas, including the blueberry version. It offers a clean and crisp base that allows the blueberry flavor to shine.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes! Simple syrup, agave nectar, or even honey can be used to sweeten your margarita to taste.

What can I add for a citrusy kick?

A splash of fresh lime juice will add a classic margarita element alongside the blueberry sweetness. You can also use a lime wedge for rimming the glass.

What’s the best way to rim the glass for a blueberry margarita?

For a unique touch, rim the glass with a sugar rim. For a festive twist, use a Tajin rim (chili-lime powder blend) for a sweet and spicy contrast.

What’s a fun way to garnish a blueberry margarita?

Fresh blueberries make a perfect and thematic garnish! A sprig of mint or a lime wedge also add a refreshing touch.

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Blueberry margarita

Fresh Blueberry Margarita

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
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Description

Calling all berry lovers! This blueberry margarita recipe combines fresh berries with classic margarita ingredients for a refreshingly sweet and tart cocktail bursting with flavor. Impress your guests with this unique twist!

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries, plus more for the garnish
  • 1 ½ ounces* tequila blanco or reposado
  • 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup or agave syrup**
  • Kosher salt, for the rim (optional)
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
  2. Place the blueberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, and muddle them until fully mashed. Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold.
  3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a lime wedge and extra blueberries.
  4. Margarita pitcher variation: Mash 2 cups blueberries, then strain the juice into a pitcher. Add 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Triple Sec, ½ cup lime juice. and ½ ounce simple syrup. Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

**Maple syrup also works as a natural sweetener for margaritas; it adds a nuanced sweetness without tasting like maple. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Blueberry margarita, Blueberry margarita recipe

Beer Margarita

Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! This beer margarita recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, blending tangy…

Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! This beer margarita recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, blending tangy lime and tequila with the crispness of your favorite beer. It’s easy to make, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Beer Margarita in glass mug with lime.

Why not add a little lager to your margarita? Yes, a beer margarita is a fun spin on the classic margarita, also known as a beergarita or a beerita. Turns out, hops pair perfectly with the tart lime and orange perfume of a margarita.

Why we love this recipe: Many beer margarita recipes call for frozen limeade concentrate. But that’s not what a great cocktail is made of, is it? This beer margarita recipe has no limeade: just pure lime juice against the citrus and bitter notes of a beer. It became an instant favorite around here!

🍺 Want more beer cocktails? Try the Michelada or Chelada!

What’s in a beer margarita?

As the name suggests, a beer margarita is simply a margarita served with beer. The margarita itself is a classic alcoholic drink on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. The beerita adds beer to the mix, along with a little simple syrup:

  • Tequila
  • Cointreau (orange liqueur)
  • Lime juice
  • Beer
  • Simple syrup

As mentioned above: most beer margarita recipes call for frozen limeade concentrate. For our take, we wanted to stick with the classic margarita: so we simply used our margarita recipe, plus beer and a hint of simple syrup. The flavor is so pure, tangy, and nuanced from the beer: it was an instant hit at our house!

Beer margarita recipe.

The type of beer for a beergarita

To make a great beer margarita, you can’t use just any old beer! There are a few options we recommend:

  • Use a lager for a classic flavor, like Corona since it’s a Mexican beer. Or,
  • Step it up Craft IPA! This is what we did for ours, and it really took it over the top. Choose a hoppy IPA with citrus notes.
  • Avoid strong or hoppy beers that might overpower the margarita flavors.

How to make a beer margarita

To mix up your own beer margarita, there’s not much to it! You don’t even need to use a cocktail shaker with this one, which makes it even easier. Here’s what to do:

  1. Rim the glass with salt. Salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink, and gives you that classic margarita flavor.
  2. Stir together in the serving glass. Take the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and Cointreau, and stir it together in a glass.
  3. Add ice and pour in the chilled beer. The beer adds just the right bubbly carbonation to this classic drink.
Beergarita in glass mug with lime and clear ice.

Ideas for the salt rim

For this beer margarita, we skipped the salt rim for a little variation. (Hey, we have 25 other margarita recipes and they all have a salt rim!) It’s not needed for the flavor. But if you love that classic margarita salty zing, feel free to add it prior to mixing up your beergarita.

The best salt for a salt rim? Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt, since they have the best coarse texture. If you want to make it look even more festive, try a batch of our margarita salt. The green and orange colors of lime and orange zest look beautiful against the glass.

Beerita in mug.
This beer margarita uses clear ice for a stunning look

How to serve a beer margarita

The beergarita is really perfect for anytime you’d serve a regular margarita! It’s great with Mexican-style food of all kinds: serve with shrimp tacos, guacamole, salsa, and grilled corn for a stellar meal.

More margarita recipes

We’ve got all sorts of variations on the margarita outside of this beerita! Pick from one of these fun and fruity margarita recipes.

Margarita recipeClassic MargaritaFrozen margaritaFrozen MargaritaCadillac MargaritaCadillac MargaritaPineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.Pineapple Margaritavirgin margarita with lime garnishes and salt rim.Virgin MargaritaItalian Margarita in glass with salt rim and Amaretto.Italian MargaritaStrawberry MargaritaStrawberry MargaritaBlueberry margaritaBlueberry MargaritaJalapeno margaritaJalapeno MargaritaPatron margaritaPatron MargaritaBlue margaritaBlue Margarita

Frequently asked questions

What is a beer margarita?

This unique cocktail combines the classic margarita flavors of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur with the crispness and fizz of your favorite beer.

Won’t it taste weird?

Surprisingly, no! The tartness of the margarita complements the bitterness of the beer, creating a refreshingly balanced drink.

What kind of beer is best for a beer margarita?

Light beers like lagers, pilsners, or wheat beers work best. Avoid strong or hoppy beers that might overpower the margarita flavors.

Should I build the drink or shake it?

Building the drink (layering ingredients) is the preferred method. Shaking it can create too much foam.

Do I need a special glass for a beer margarita?

Not at all! We suggest using a glass mug, pint glass, or mason jar for a more casual feel.

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Beer cocktails

Beer Margarita

★★★★★

5 from 1 review
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! Here’s the best beer margarita recipe: fresh and all natural with real lime and tequila.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces* tequila blanco or reposado*
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 4 ounces chilled beer (lager for classic taste, hoppy IPA with citrus notes for something more interesting)
  • Ice, to serve
  • Garnish: lime wheel
  • Optional: kosher salt for salt rim

Instructions

  1. Optional: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, use our Margarita Salt).
  2. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup to the serving glass and stir to combine.
  3. Add ice and pour beer over top. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons. 

  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Beer margarita, Beer margarita recipe, Beergarita, Beerita

Strawberry Margarita

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a…

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a delightful balance of sweet and tart that’s perfect for parties.

Strawberry Margarita in rocks glass with salt rim and strawberry garnish

Love margaritas but want a fruity spin? Try this tasty and refreshing Strawberry Margarita recipe! This one is frosty and fruity, full of sweet berry flavor and perfectly complimented with the zing of lime and tequila.

Why we love this recipe: The margarita pairs perfectly with fruit, and we’ve already got several fruity margarita recipes under our belt, like watermelon, mango and peach. But the strawberry margarita is our favorite! We’re 100% in love with its vibrant red color and sweet tart flavor.

Ingredients in a strawberry margarita

The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time, and the classic definition has just three ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. That’s what’s in our classic margarita recipe, our very favorite of them all. This strawberry margarita is like a combination between the classic and a frozen margarita! It’s made in a blender, and comes out with a frosty texture. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Frozen strawberries

How to make a strawberry margarita

The strawberry margarita is made in a blender, so it’s not the standard way to make a classic margarita. It’s actually even easier, since you don’t need a cocktail shaker! This strawberry margarita recipe makes two drinks, so you can drink with a friend or partner, or increase the amounts of a larger size. Here’s what to do (or go to the full recipe below):

  1. Step 1: A salted rim is a must: the salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink.
  2. Blend! Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until it’s full combined and creamy.

For a more liquid texture, keep on blending

The texture of this strawberry margarita is icy, but you can also make it more of a room temperature fruity margarita. Just keep blending it! If you blend for a few minutes, it will become less icy and have more of a blended, juice like texture.

  • Icy texture: Keep it frozen for a smoothie-like texture by blending just until it’s fully integrated and icy.
  • Juicy texture: If you keep blending for a few minutes, you can get to a texture that’s more like juice. It’s still cold, but you can taste the flavors even more when it’s not as icy.

Which texture do we prefer? Well, we like it both ways! Personally I like it a little warmer so I can taste the sweet berries and edge of the tequila. But keep it icy and it’s a perfect summer cocktail for a hot afternoon on the patio.

How to make a strawberry margarita: margarita glass with strawberry garnish

What tequila for strawberry margaritas?

You can use any type of tequila for this strawberry margarita, but keep the following in mind:

  • Buy at least mid-range tequila. This cocktail tastes only as good as the quality of alcohol. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
  • Tequila blanco or reposado works, but fruity margaritas are best with tequila blanco. We love the nuance that comes with using tequila reposado (aged) in margaritas. But for this fruity margarita with an icy texture, you can use tequila blanco! Some brands we recommend are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

You can use either ripe fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries in this strawberry margarita recipe! Using fresh berries, the texture will come out with the juicy texture mentioned above.

The advantage of using frozen berries is the icy texture, kind of like a strawberry daiquiri but not as thick. Frozen berries are also very easy to store, making it simple to whip up strawberry margaritas on demand!

🍓 Want more with strawberries? Try our Best Strawberry Cocktails.

Ideas for the salt rim

To take the drink presentation over the top, try our homemade margarita salt for the salt rim! You can even skip the orange zest and simply use lime (as shown). Tajín is another great option for the rim, a Mexican seasoning blend that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

Strawberry margarita recipe

More margarita recipes

We have lots of margarita recipes! We’ve got one for just about any occasion! Let us know if you find a favorite:

Margarita recipeClassic MargaritaFrozen margaritaFrozen MargaritaCadillac MargaritaCadillac MargaritaPineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.Pineapple Margaritavirgin margarita with lime garnishes and salt rim.Virgin MargaritaItalian Margarita in glass with salt rim and Amaretto.Italian MargaritaJalapeno margaritaJalapeno MargaritaBeer MargaritaBeer MargaritaPatron margaritaPatron MargaritaBlue margaritaBlue Margarita

Frequently asked questions

What kind of strawberries are best for a margarita?

Frozen strawberries are ideal for this strawberry margarita recipe. Fresh strawberries can be used too, and they make for more of a juicy texture.

Do I need to muddle the strawberries?

This is a blender margarita recipe, so muddling is not needed!

What type of tequila should I use?

A silver or blanco tequila is the most common choice for margaritas, including the strawberry version. It offers a clean and crisp base that allows the strawberry flavor to shine.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes! Simple syrup, agave nectar, or even honey can be used to sweeten your margarita to taste.

What can I add for a spicy kick?

Add the slices of ¼ jalapeno pepper, deseeded, and blend to combine.

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Strawberry Margarita

Perfect Strawberry Margarita

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks
Print Recipe

Description

This strawberry margarita recipe is frosty, fruity and refreshing! It’s easy to make with frozen berries and a blender, a delightful balance of sweet and tart that’s perfect for parties.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) tequila*
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Cointreau
  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
  • 10 ounces (1 ½ cups) frozen whole strawberries (fresh work too!)
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup, agave syrup, or maple syrup
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of two glasses. Dip the edge of each rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use margarita salt).
  2. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until fully combined: you can blend until it’s an icy texture, or keep blending for a minute or so until it’s more liquid. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired. Pour into the glasses and serve.

Notes

*Easily doubles for 4 drinks or triples for 6 drinks, based on the size of your blender (use the 2x and 3x button). 

For a sweet margarita: Add make it with double the simple syrup or maple syrup, and add more to taste if desired.

For other fruit variations: Replace half of the frozen strawberries with frozen mangoes, peaches, or pineapple for different flavor combinations. Adjust the sweetener to taste.

For a spicy margarita: Remove the seeds from ¼ jalapeño pepper and roughly chop it. Add it to the blender and blend.

Rim variations: Try margarita salt or a Tajín rim, a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Strawberry margarita recipe, strawberry margarita

Italian Margarita

This Italian margarita recipe uses amaretto to give this classic cocktail a makeover! Fresh orange juice and almond liqueur bring…

This Italian margarita recipe uses amaretto to give this classic cocktail a makeover! Fresh orange juice and almond liqueur bring unique twist to the flavors that’s irresistible.

Italian Margarita in glass with salt rim and Amaretto.

Want a simple makeover for your margarita? Try this Italian margarita recipe! Just like Mexican Pizza, this drink is a fusion of the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines: this time in cocktail form!

Why we love this recipe: This Mediterranean version of the classic cocktail swaps out orange liqueur for amaretto, and the almond essence adds a distinctly Italian vibe. Alex and I are big fans of traveling in Italy (Rome, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast are faves): so of course we had to try the Italian margarita!

Ingredients in an Italian margarita

An Italian margarita is a variation on a classic margarita that uses amaretto in place of the orange liqueur (Cointreau), in combination with orange juice, lime juice, and tequila. The flavor has notes of almond and citrus on the finish, but the beginning of the sip tastes like your favorite margarita. Think of it as a sophisticated version of a margarita, kind of like the Cadillac Margarita. Here’s what’s in an Italian margarita:

  • Tequila
  • Orange or blood orange juice
  • Amaretto
  • Lime juice
Amaretto with Italian margarita.

Use blood orange juice for the brilliant color

You can use orange juice from a standard navel orange and this Italian margarita turns out with a warm orange color. But for a brilliantly colored cocktail, use blood orange juice!

Blood oranges have sweet juice and a bright pink color. We love this spin on it because it’s so eye-catching, just like our blood orange margarita. If you can find blood oranges, they’re absolutely worth buying. You can also find bottled blood orange juice at many grocery stores.

Cheater tip: If you like the look but can’t find blood oranges, a drizzle of pomegranate juice or cranberry juice would work too!

What’s the best tequila to use?

Many people suggest using tequila blanco for margaritas, but generally we prefer the robust flavor of tequila reposado. Here’s what to know about the best tequila for margaritas

  • Tequila blanco (silver or white tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor.
  • Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.

Either way, try to find a mid-price range tequila when you make an Italian margarita. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.

Amaretto bottle with Italian margarita.

What is amaretto?

Amaretto is an almond liqueur that originates from Italy. Today it’s made around the world and is stocked in bars worldwide. It has a distinctive flavor that’s both sweet and bitter (amaretto means in Italian “little bitter”). You may know the flavor from the popular amaretto cookies, a popular Italian sweet.

It’s worth getting a bottle for your shelf: you can use it in cocktails and in desserts! More drinks that feature amaretto are an Amaretto Sour, Amaretto Coffee, or a French Connection.

How to make an Italian margarita: step by step

The Italian margarita follows the typical margarita pattern: salt the rim, shake in a cocktail shaker, strain, garnish, serve. Shaking the drink allows it to get thoroughly chilled while slightly diluting the alcohol. Here’s an overview of how to make an Italian margarita (or jump to the recipe below):

  1. Step 1: Rim the glass with salt. Our favorite way is to cut a notch in a lime wedge and run it around the glass. Then dip the glass into a plate of kosher salt or flaky sea salt and rotate until the rim is covered.
  2. Step 2: Shake the tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and amaretto in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes until cold.
  3. Step 3: Strain into the glass and serve. Garnish with an orange and lime wedge. You’ve made your Italian margarita!

Food to serve with Italian margaritas

Quick note: what type of food would you serve with Italian margaritas? You can go either way: Mexican or Italian style!

Two ways to step it up

Last note: here are a few ways to take this Italian margarita over the top! Alex and I love to make these when we have time:

  • Clear ice is artisanal ice that is perfectly clear (not cloudy), and looks like fancy ice you’d get in a bar. It’s absolutely game changing for your homemade cocktails!
  • This margarita salt with colorful orange and green of citrus zest is eye-catching and perfect for entertaining.
Italian margarita

More margarita recipes

Alex and I are big margarita fans over here, so we’ve got lots of spins on this classic drink. Here are some of our favorite margarita recipes:

Margarita recipeClassic MargaritaFrozen margaritaFrozen MargaritaCadillac MargaritaCadillac MargaritaPineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.Pineapple Margaritavirgin margarita with lime garnishes and salt rim.Virgin MargaritaStrawberry MargaritaStrawberry MargaritaJalapeno margaritaJalapeno MargaritaBeer MargaritaBeer MargaritaPatron margaritaPatron MargaritaBlue margaritaBlue Margarita

Frequently asked questions

Is it just a margarita with amaretto?

While amaretto is a key ingredient, an Italian Margarita offers a more complex flavor profile compared to a classic margarita. The amaretto adds a touch of almond sweetness that complements the tequila and lime.

What makes it “Italian”?

Amaretto, a sweet almond liqueur, is originally from Italy. This liqueur adds a distinctive Italian touch to the margarita.

Is it shaken or stirred?

An Italian Margarita is typically shaken with ice to create a frothy texture, similar to a classic margarita.

What’s the best way to rim the glass?

For an Italian touch, dip the rim of the glass in amaretto before coating it with sugar or a coarse salt like sea salt.

Do I have to use blood orange juice?

Not at all! You can use standard orange juice and the drink will be orange in color.

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Italian margarita

Italian Margarita

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

This Italian margarita recipe uses amaretto to give this classic cocktail a makeover! Fresh orange juice and almond liqueur bring unique twist to the flavors that’s irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado*
  • 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) fresh squeezed orange juice or blood orange juice
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) amaretto
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) lime juice
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt (or margarita salt), for the rim
  • For the garnish: Lime wedge, orange slice
  • Clear ice, if serving on the rocks

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of kosher or flaky sea salt.
  2. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
  3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve garnished with a lime wedge and orange slice. (Consider using our clear ice for an artisan touch.)

Notes

Using blood orange juice gives the drink a bright red color; you can also use fresh squeezed orange juice for an orange color. Both drinks taste similarly citrusy. 

For fun rim ideas, try margarita salt (with orange and lime zest), or a spicy Tajin rim. You could also use superfine sugar for rimming to bring out the sweet notes in the amaretto.

  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Italian Margarita

Pineapple Margarita

This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila, and lime makes a…

This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila, and lime makes a refreshing cocktail bursting with flavor.

Pineapple Margarita in rocks glass with pineapple garnish.

Here’s a tropical drink that marries the perfect combination of pineapple, tequila and lime: the pineapple margarita! Over the years, Alex and I have become experts in all the margarita recipes, from the classic to the more funky and off-the-wall. This juicy, fruity summer cocktail has become a favorite that works in any season.

What we love about this recipe: The sweet pineapple goes hand in hand with the sharp bite of the tequila and zingy lime. Add Cointreau orange liqueur to the mix, and it’s bursting with tropical flavor. It’s just as easy as the classic, but makes an even bigger statement (we think). It’s perfect for parties, and we love serving up the spicy variation, too!

What’s in a pineapple margarita?

The classic margarita recipe is one of the most famous cocktails of all time, invented back in the 1930’s. In fact, it’s on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means that there’s an “official” definition of the ingredients in a margarita: lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila. We’re margarita purists and we love the simplicity of this drink made the right way.

This pineapple margarita is spin on the classic that’s in the same vein. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the hint of sugar in the Cointreau make it the perfect sweet tart flavor. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, you can always add simple syrup or agave syrup. Here’s what you’ll need for a pineapple margarita:

  • Pineapple juice
  • Tequila (use blanco or reposado)
  • Cointreau
  • Fresh lime juice
Pineapple margarita

How to make a pineapple margarita

This pineapple margarita is “on the rocks,” meaning it’s served over ice. It’s a classic “shaken” cocktail you can mix up in a cocktail shaker. The salt rim is optional, but it adds just the right searing saltiness to each sip. Here’s what to do:

  1. Step 1: Rim the glass with salt. Cut a notch in a lime and use it to wet the rim. Place salt on a plate, then place the glass into the salt and rotate so just the outside of the rim is covered.
  2. Step 2: Shake in a cocktail shaker. Place the pineapple juice, tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with 1 handful of ice and shake until cold.
  3. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain it into a glass and serve with clear ice if serving on the rocks. We like to garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, but that’s just for looks!

The best tequila for margaritas

You can use any type of tequila in this pineapple margaritas recipe. Our rule of thumb is to buy a mid-price range bottle: the price usually corresponds to the quality of liquor! Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35. You can use either blanco or reposado tequila here.

  • Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor.
  • Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.

Ideas for the salt rim

To take the drink presentation over the top, try our homemade margarita salt for the salt rim! The festive green and orange from the citrus peel look beautiful against the yellow of the pineapple margarita! Tajín is another great option for the rim, a Mexican seasoning blend that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

Spicy variation: add jalapeño pepper!

🌶 Want to mix up this pineapple margarita? Make it spicy! Add 3 to 4 jalapeño pepper slices when making the cocktail, or go this Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita and Spicy Pineapple Margarita. The heat and tangy brightness of the pepper pairs perfectly with the tropical pineapple.

Make a pineapple margarita pitcher for a crowd

Want to mix up a batch for a crowd? Instead of making single drinks, mix up a big pitcher. Here’s what to do: we did the math so you don’t have to! To make a pitcher that serves 8 drinks, mix together in a pitcher:

  • 1 ½ cups tequila
  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • ¾ cup Cointreau
  • ¾ cup lime juice

Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve!

A few more margarita recipes

Want more margarita ideas? We have lots more where this comes from. Here are some margarita recipes to try:

🍍Love pineapple? Try all our pineapple juice cocktails, like the tropical Pineapple Rum Cocktail or Pineapple Vodka Cocktail.

Frequently asked questions

My pineapple margarita is too sweet or tart! How can I adjust it?

Taste your margarita as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lime juice for tartness. You can also add a bit of simple syrup or agave nectar in the recipe.

What’s the best way to rim a glass for a pineapple margarita?

For a classic touch, rim your glass with coarse kosher salt. You can also get creative with a superfine sugar rim or a chili lime salt or Tajin rim for a spicy kick.

Can I make a frozen pineapple margarita?

Yes, go to our Frozen Margarita recipe and substitute 4 cups frozen pineapple for the ice.

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Pineapple margarita

Pineapple Margarita Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 review
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

This pineapple margarita is a tropical spin on the classic! The winning combination of pineapple, tequila and lime makes a killer cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila blanco or reposado*
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) pineapple juice
  • ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) Cointreau
  • ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt for the rim (optional)
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
  • For the garnish: pineapple wedge

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use Margarita Salt).
  2. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. (For a sweeter margarita, taste and add a hint of simple syrup or agave syrup, to taste.) Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.

Notes

Pitcher variation: To make a pineapple margarita pitcher that serves 8, mix together in a pitcher: 1 ½ cups tequila, 2 cups pineapple juice, ¾ cup Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice. Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cold. Pour into glasses and serve!

For a sweet margarita: Add simple syrup or agave syrup, to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon and gradually increasing. 

For a spicy margarita: Add 3 to 4 slices jalapeño pepper to the cocktail shaker, or go to Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita or Spicy Pineapple Margarita.

Rim variations: Try margarita salt or a Tajín rim, a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Pineapple margarita, pineapple tequila cocktail

Ultimate Frozen Margarita

Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.…

Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.

Frozen margarita in glass with salt rim and lime wheel.

The classic margarita is one the greatest cocktails of all time. The best way to dress it up for summer? Try this Frozen Margarita recipe!

Why we love this recipe: The frozen margarita is our favorite summer entertaining trick: it’s so simple to blend up 4 servings in minutes! Who can turn down the sweet tart goodness of a frosty margarita? It’s a great frosty, citrusy drink for the season, to serve as a summer cocktail, poolside beach drink, barbecue or cookout, and more.

Ingredients in this frozen margarita recipe

The margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktails of all time: it was invented in Mexico in the 1930’s and is just as popular today. The standard recipe is just three ingredients: tequila, Triple Sec or Cointreau, and lime juice. To make the frozen version of it, you’ll just add ice!

A hint of simple syrup balances out the tartness of the icy mixture. That’s right: there’s no need for a store-bought mix! Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:

Best tequila for a frozen margarita

One tip: buy a quality tequila for this recipe! Since tequila is the main flavor in this frozen margarita, spending a few extra dollars is worth it for the flavor. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.

  • We like using tequila reposado for this recipe. This type of tequila is aged and has a nuanced flavor with vanilla and oak notes. Some brands we like are Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
  • Tequila blanco is not aged and has a straightforward flavor. You can use either, but reposado adds the most flavor. Some tequila blanco brands we like are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

How to make frozen margaritas

A good frozen margarita recipe is all about getting that perfect pureed frozen texture without sacrificing flavor. Will it stay frozen or melt within 2 seconds of pouring it into the glass? We tested a variety of methods and came up with the frozen margarita recipe here (go to the full recipe below for quantities):

  1. Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run it around the edge of a margarita glass. Dip the glass rim into kosher salt or sea salt.
  2. Step 2: Add tequila, Cointreau or Triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup to a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth.
Frozen margarita with limes and blender

Fun ideas for the salt rim

🍹 You can use kosher salt or chunky sea salt for the rim, like Himalayan pink sea salt. To make it look even more festive, use colorful margarita salt with orange and lime zest. You’ll already have the limes for when making this frozen margarita (just make sure to zest them first!).

Or, try a Tajín rim: it’s a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

Margarita Salt

Make ahead tip

To prep this frozen margarita in advance, we recommend mixing up the liquids prior to serving and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Blend up the drink right immediately serving. You can also freeze your glasses prior to serving to slow the drink from melting (freeze them 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance).

Margarita recipe variations

If you love this frozen margarita recipe, you’ll love our collection of margarita recipes, from Cadillac to virgin to pitcher margaritas. Here are a few favorites:

A few more frozen cocktails

Outside of this frozen margarita recipe, here are a few of our favorite frozen alcoholic drinks:

Strawberry daiquiriStrawberry DaiquiriFrozen MojitoFrozen MojitoFroseFrozen RoséFrozen sangriaFrozen SangriaFrozen DaiquiriFrozen Daiquiri

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special machine to make a frozen margarita?

No! While margarita machines are convenient, you can easily make delicious frozen margaritas at home with a regular blender.

My frozen margarita is too icy! How can I fix it?

If your frozen margarita is too icy, add a little bit more water or lime juice (a teaspoon or so), and blend again.

Can I make a frozen margarita ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Blend all the ingredients except the ice and store the mixture in the freezer for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, blend the mixture with ice until frozen.

What are some fun variations for frozen margaritas?

Replace the ice in the recipe below with 4 cups frozen strawberries or diced frozen mango cubes.

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Frozen margarita

Ultimate Frozen Margarita Recipe

★★★★

4 from 1 review
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (¾ cup) tequila blanco or reposado
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) simple syrup
  • 4 ½ cups ice
  • For the rim: kosher salt or pink sea salt

Instructions

  1. Place the salt on a plate and wet the rim of the glasses (it’s easiest to cut a notch into a lime and run it around the glass). Dip the outside edge of the rims into the margarita salt. 
  2. Place the frozen ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and fluffy. Pour into the prepared glasses and serve*. If desired, garnish with lime wedges. 

Notes

*Make ahead tip: To make this drink in advance, mix up the liquids prior to serving and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Blend up the drink right immediately serving. You can also freeze your glasses prior to serving to slow the drink from melting (freeze them 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance).

Fruity variations: Replace the ice in the recipe above with 4 cups frozen strawberries or diced frozen mango cubes.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Frozen margarita recipe, Frozen margarita, How to make frozen margaritas, Best frozen margarita recipe

Cadillac Margarita

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth,…

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth, sophisticated twist.

Cadillac margarita in margarita glass with salt rim.

Want a sophisticated spin on the margarita? When we have friends over and want to step it up a notch, we pull out the Cadillac! It’s of our favorite spins on this classic tequila cocktail using top quality tequila and Grand Marnier. It has a smooth, nuanced flavor that makes everyone say, “Wow! What’s in this?”

Why we love a Cadillac margarita: As two cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes in our library and 25+ margarita recipes under our belt, the Cadillac is a tried and true favorite! The pop of citrus against the bitter orange, vanilla and oak notes in the Grand Marnier gets us every time. It’s a great way to step up your cocktail game with very little effort.

Ingredients in a Cadillac margarita

A Cadillac margarita is a version of the classic margarita using premium ingredients: best quality tequila and orange liqueur, with Grand Marnier floated onto the top of the drink. This luxurious spin on the classic is believed to have gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s in Southern California restaurant chains. Adding the nuanced, sophisticated Grand Marnier flavor takes this drink over the top. Here are the ingredients you’ll use:

  • Grand Marnier
  • Best quality tequila, reposado if possible
  • Cointreau
  • Lime juice

You’ll pour the Grand Marnier right onto the other ingredients so that it floats on top (though it gradually sinks to the bottom over time). If you prefer a margarita on the sweeter side, you can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar. But we like it without added sweetener: the drink comes out perfectly balanced and the smooth, citrusy flavor makes it irresistible.

What’s Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is a French brandy liqueur made with Cognac, bitter orange, and sugar. The bottle you’ll most often see is called Cordon Rouge, the Grand Marnier brand’s most popular product. What does Grand Marnier taste like? You’ll taste bitter orange and brandy first, then the sip finishes with notes of vanilla and oak.

Grand Marnier bottle with Cadillac margarita.

Best tequila for a Cadillac margarita

Many margarita recipes use tequila blanco (unaged or “new” tequila). For the Cadillac margarita, we like it best with a tequila reposado (aged). We like how it gives the drink even more layers of flavor with notes of caramel, honey and vanilla.

  • Look for a mid-priced tequila. Try 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
  • Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. It’s aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels and has notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like are Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
  • Tequila blanco also works. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we like are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

How to make a Cadillac margarita: step by step

The Cadillac Margarita is comes together simply by shaking up a few ingredients, then floating the Grand Marnier over the top.

  • Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or margarita salt).
  • Step 2: Place 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz Cointreau and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker, add 4 ice cubes, and shake until cold.
  • Step: Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Then carefully pour 1 oz Grand Marnier onto the top of the drink over an inverted spoon. Serve immediately, straight up in a margarita glass or on the rocks in a lowball glass with clear ice.
Cadillac Margarita with Grand Marnier bottle.

Rim variations: salt, Tajín, and more!

🌶 You can use simple kosher salt for the rim or step it up with colorful margarita salt with lime and orange zest. Or, try a Tajín rim: it’s a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.

A few more great cocktails

This Cadillac Margarita is a hands-down classic! Here are a few more of our refreshing cocktail recipes you might also enjoy:

  • A Classic Mojito is perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
  • The Paloma is relative of the classic margarita, this easy Mexican cocktail starring grapefruit instead of lime.
  • Here are the keys to the very best Gin and Tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail!

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a regular margarita and a Cadillac margarita?

A classic margarita uses tequila, lime juice, and sweetener, while a Cadillac margarita adds a splash of luxury with Grand Marnier, a French orange liqueur. This gives the Cadillac margarita a smoother, more complex flavor profile. Some Cadillac margaritas also use a premium tequila or a tequila reposado.

What type of tequila should I use for a Cadillac margarita?

For the best results, use a premium reposado tequila. This aged tequila has a smoother flavor that complements the Grand Marnier without overpowering it.

My Cadillac margarita is not sweet enough! How can I adjust it?

You can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste.

What’s the best way to rim a glass for a Cadillac margarita?

Simple kosher salt works well, or try mixing it up with margarita salt, a chili lime salt rim for a spicy kick, or a Tajín rim.

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Cadillac margarita

Cadillac Margarita

★★★★

3.4 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1
Print Recipe

Description

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita: it uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur to add sophistication and style!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces best quality tequila reposado
  • 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim
  • For the garnish: lime wedge

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, use our Margarita Salt).
  2. Place tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir until cold.
  3. Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Then carefully pour the Grand Marnier onto the top of the drink over an inverted spoon (it will float on top, then gradually sinks to the bottom over time). Serve straight up in a margarita glass or on the rocks in a lowball glass with clear ice, garnished with a lime wedge.

Notes

To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

Sweet variation: If you prefer a margarita on the sweeter side, add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon).

Rim variations: Try margarita salt, a chili lime salt rim for a spicy kick, or a Tajín rim.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktail

Keywords: Cadillac Margarita, Cadillac margarita recipe

Best Margarita Salt Recipe

This margarita salt recipe makes the best margarita salt rim! This zesty garnish makes any cocktail to a masterpiece. Here’s…

This margarita salt recipe makes the best margarita salt rim! This zesty garnish makes any cocktail to a masterpiece. Here’s how to make it!

Margarita Salt

Looking to amp up your margaritas? This margarita salt is the best way to transform your glass from meh to marvelous. It’s seriously simple too! Alex and I made this margarita salt as part of our frozen margarita recipe, but we realized that it would be just about perfect for really any cocktail that works with a salt rim.

From now on, we’ll be adding it to our classic margarita recipe, all our top flavored margarita recipes—and maybe even our Paloma, too. Here’s what you need to know about margarita salt!

What is margarita salt?

Margarita salt is the salt added to the rim of a margarita glass. Why is a margarita served with salt? Well, salt intensifies the sweet and sour flavors in the drink. It makes the sour flavor seem brighter, making the overall drink experience that much more pleasurable.

There are lots of store-bought brands of margarita salt out there, but why buy your own when you can make it at home? It’s seriously easy to make, and you don’t end up with half-used containers lying around.

Margarita salt on rim of margarita glass.

How to make margarita salt

This recipe could not be simpler (literally). Some recipes will call for drying out the citrus zest in the oven or doing other fancy things. In our testing, we found it’s not necessary: it really is this simple. Here’s how to make margarita salt:

How to zest a lime

Step 1: Zest your lime and orange using a microplane grater or box grater.

Margarita Salt

Step 2: Place 2 tablespoons kosher salt, the zest of 1 lime, and zest of ½ orange on a cutting board.Crush them together using a rolling pin.

Storage tip

Store your margarita salt in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

How to make the perfect margarita salt rim

What’s the best way to make a salt rim for a margarita? We’ve got a few tips and tricks to simplify the process! Here are our tips to making the perfect rim:

  1. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer.
  2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle, then slide it around the rim of the glass. This moistens the glass rim without having to use your fingers!
  3. Tilt the glass so that only the outside edge goes into the salt, then rotate it so that it coats the edge. You’ll want the salt on the outside of the glass only, not the inside where it can fall into the drink. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.

What kind of salt for a margarita is best?

The best type of salt to use for a margarita is kosher salt, which has coarse grains and a nuanced flavor. Sea salt also works! Avoid using iodized table salt, since the flavor and texture is much too intense for rimming drinks.

Margarita salt

A few of our favorite margarita recipes

This margarita salt is great with all types of margarita recipes, from a classic margarita to a Cadillac margarita, frozen margarita, jalapeno margarita, and even a virgin margarita! It also works with fruity variations like a strawberry margarita, mango margarita, and more.

Dietary notes

This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Frequently asked questions

How do I rim a margarita glass with salt?

Run a lime wedge around the rim of your margarita glass to moisten it.
Dip the rim of the glass upside down into a shallow plate filled with your chosen margarita salt.
Gently press the rim onto the salt to ensure it adheres evenly.

Why do we use salt on margarita glasses?

The salt adds a salty counterpoint to the sweet and sour flavors of the margarita, enhancing the overall taste experience. It also adds a festive touch to the drink.

How can I store leftover margarita salt?

Store your margarita salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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Margarita salt

Best Margarita Salt Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: ¼ cup
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Description

This margarita salt recipe makes the best margarita salt rim! This zesty garnish takes any cocktail from meh to a masterpiece. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Zest of 1/2 orange

Instructions

  1. Zest the lime. Zest the orange.
  2. Place all ingredients on a cutting board and crush them together using a rolling pin. Break any large pieces of zest with your fingers.
  3. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Margarita Salt, Margarita salt rim, What is margarita salt, What kind of salt for margarita