25 Best Margarita Recipes to Make at Home

Dive into our collection of the best margarita recipes to make at home, featuring classic, frozen, and fruity variations—all deliciously…

Dive into our collection of the best margarita recipes to make at home, featuring classic, frozen, and fruity variations—all deliciously easy! Learn the ingredients and ratio to make the classic recipe, plus popular riffs on this drink.

Margarita recipes: margarita in glass with pink sea salt.

Crisp, zingy, and salty, the margarita is one of the most popular cocktails of all time. As two cocktail experts, Alex and I have made the classic margarita recipe more times than we can count—and just about every variation!

Types of margaritas

Here we’ve reviewed our library of cocktail recipes to find our top margarita recipes you can make at home! Because we’re purists, we recommend starting with the classic simple margarita.

Then try all the different types: frozen, spicy with jalapeño, smoky with mezcal, Italian with amaretto, and fruity with strawberry, mango, pineapple, and more. There are so many ways to change up this popular tequila cocktail, and we’re here for them all!

25 best margarita recipes to make at home

🍹Want a recipe for a party? Try a margarita pitcher!

A few more fun margarita recipes

We couldn’t narrow it down! Try these deliciously fun margarita recipes and flavors:

Want to mix up margaritas based on alcohol? Here are a few margarita recipes with a twist:

Best tequila for a margarita

What’s the best tequila for margaritas? A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Here are a few pointers:

  • Any mid-priced tequila tastes great in a margarita. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
  • Tequila blanco is ideal for margaritas. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we recommend are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.
  • Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. Tequila reposado is aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (reposado means “rested” in Spanish). It has a smooth flavor and notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like include Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
Tequila

Margarita ingredients & ratio

When it comes to margarita recipes, there’s nothing better than a classic margarita! It’s tart, with just the right bite from the tequila and scent of orange from the Cointreau. Many bars and mixes load it down with sugar, but that strays far from the classic cocktail recipe. The margarita recipe for the classic margarita is:

  • 1 ½ ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • ¾ ounce lime juice

Tip: Some people like a margarita ratio that is 3, 2, 1: 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur and 1 part lime. Alex and I like our margaritas on the tart side, so we use the ratio above. Feel free to experiment and find the ratio that’s right for you!

How to make margaritas at home: step by step

Once you’ve got the ingredients, it’s time to mix up your drink! Here’s how to make margaritas at home:

  1. Step 1: Rim the glass with salt. The salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink!
  2. Step 2: Place the tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes, and shake until cold.
  3. Step 3: Strain the margarita into a glass, and add ice if serving on the rocks. The margarita is often served in a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, though of course you can use the classic margarita glass too.
Margarita salt

How to make a salt rim

The salt rim is essential to these margarita recipes. The salt enhances the flavors in the drink, and gives it that classic look. Try our margarita salt for a colorful flair with lime zest and orange zest! Here’s how to make a salt rim:

  • Spread on a plate: Spread the kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or margarita salt on a plate in an even layer.
  • Wet the glass with a lime: Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass.
  • Rim the outside edge only: Tilt the glass so that only the outside edge goes into the salt. Then shake off any loose salt into the sink.

Try clear ice to look like a pro!

❄ Want a professional look to your margarita recipes? Add clear ice! It will make your drink look like it came from a trendy bar, but you can easily make it in your own home. All you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.

Frequently asked questions

What are the classic types of margaritas?

Original Margarita: The foundation – tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec), and a salt rim.

Frozen Margarita: A delicious icy version of the classic, perfect for hot days.

Tommy’s Margarita: A purist’s choice, made with just tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar (no orange liqueur).

What are some popular fruity margarita variations?

Strawberry Margarita: Blend frozen strawberries for a burst of sweet and tart flavor.

Mango Margarita: Tropical twist with fresh or frozen mango chunks.

Peach Margarita: A delightful summer option with fresh or frozen peaches.

Watermelon Margarita: Refreshing and perfect for poolside, uses blended watermelon or watermelon juice.

What’s the best tequila for margaritas?

A 100% agave blanco tequila is ideal for many, but tequila reposado also adds interesting flavor notes. Look for a mid-range priced tequila – you don’t need the top shelf for mixed drinks, but avoid the very bottom shelf options.

Salt or no salt?

It’s a personal preference! The salt rim adds a nice contrast to the sweet and tart flavors. (We like it best with salt.)

Frozen or on the rocks?

Frozen margaritas are great for hot weather, while on-the-rocks offers a more sophisticated, classic presentation.

What’s the best way to serve a margarita?

Margarita glasses with a salted rim are classic, but we generally prefer rocks or lowball glasses.

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Margarita recipe

Best Margarita Recipe


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Dive into our collection of homemade margarita recipes, featuring classic, frozen, and fruity variations—all easy to make at home! Learn the ingredients and ratio to make the classic recipe, plus popular riffs on this drink.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces* tequila blanco or reposado
  • 1 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 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 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.

Notes

To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons. 

For a margarita pitcher (8 servings): Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec, and ¾ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Pour into the prepared glasses. 

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

Keywords: Margarita recipes, margarita recipe, How to make margaritas at home

40 Best Summer Cocktails

Beat the heat with these summer cocktails! Try frozen drinks, spritzes, and fruity pitchers perfect for backyard barbecues and patio…

Summer cocktails: strawberry mojito in glass

Beat the heat with these summer cocktails! Try frozen drinks, spritzes, and fruity pitchers perfect for backyard barbecues and patio sipping. Let summer drink season begin!

When it’s summer, there’s nothing better than a fruity, herby or frozen drink in hand! There are so many ways to drink the flavors of the season: sweet watermelon and juicy peaches, herbaceous mint and basil, and bright strawberries and blueberries.

As two cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes in our library, we’ve reviewed all our drink recipes and found all the best summer cocktails to try!

Types of summer cocktails and drinks

There are classics like the minty mojito and the tangy margarita, frozen drinks like the daiquiri and piña colada, punches like sangria and fruity lemonade recipes, and bubbly drinks like the highball and the spritz.

Really—we want to drink them all! See below to search by category or scroll down to get started on the recipe!

And now…the best summer cocktails!

More summer drinks

Want summer drinks by alcohol type? Here are a few more collections of summer cocktails grouped by spirit:

Frequently asked questions

What are some refreshing summer cocktail staples?

Fresh fruits like citrus, berries, and melons add vibrant flavor and a touch of sweetness. Herbs like mint and basil provide a lovely aromatic touch. Sparkling water, iced tea, and coconut water offer light and bubbly bases.

I’m hosting a party, what are some crowd-pleasing summer cocktails?

Sangria, punch, and large-batch cocktails are perfect for groups. Try a margarita pitcher or mojito pitcher! Look for recipes that can be prepped in advance and served over ice throughout the party.

Are there any non-alcoholic summer drinks I can make?

Absolutely! Mocktails mirror the flavors of summer cocktails but without the alcohol. Experiment with sparkling water, fresh juices, fruit purees, and herbs to create refreshing and delicious alcohol-free options. Or try a Virgin Margarita, Virgin Pina Colada, Virgin Mojito, or Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri.

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40 Best Summer Cocktails


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Here’s a classic mojito recipe, perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.


Ingredients

  • 6 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 3 ripe strawberries, plus more for garnish
  • 2 ounces* white rum
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup or maple syrup
  • 4 ounces soda water

Instructions

  1. Slice the 3 strawberries in half. In a cocktail shakermuddle the mint leaves. Add the strawberries and muddle again. Add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
  2. Place ice into a glass, and strain in the liquid. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves and sliced strawberries.

Notes

Pitcher variation: Muddle 1 pint strawberries (24 berries). Then add to this Mojito Pitcher recipe, and garnish with additional sliced strawberries.

To convert to ounces, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

 

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

Keywords: Summer Cocktails, Summer Drinks

More types of cocktails

There are lots more great cocktail recipes to try outside of these summer cocktails! Here are some of our best summer drink collections:

20 Easy Healthy Appetizers

Impress everyone with these easy healthy appetizers! These recipes are packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, perfect for parties, gatherings,…

Impress everyone with these easy healthy appetizers! These recipes are packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, perfect for parties, gatherings, or snacking.

Healthy appetizers

It’s hard to find great appetizer recipes: ones that have flavors guests will love and are easy to make while juggling cooking the main meal. So if you’re also looking for healthy appetizer recipes, and it’s triply difficult!

What does healthy mean when it comes to appetizers? We’re married cookbook authors and experts in the Mediterranean diet style of eating and living, a diet that’s been called one of the healthiest in the world. To us, healthy appetizers fit into this way of eating! Here, we’ve put together the best healthy appetizer recipes that get the most rave reviews when they make them for parties.

What does healthy mean?

The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the best diets in the world according to US News and World Report. This way of eating and living derives from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines.

We’ve been eating this way for over a decade and can confirm: we’ve never felt better! Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:

  • Whole grains like oats, quinoa, barley, and so forth. Prioritize whole wheat or whole grain bread.
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Yogurt in moderation
  • Milk and natural or light cheeses in moderation, like cottage cheese, ricotta and goat cheese (per the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic)
  • Eggs in moderation (1 egg per day)
  • Olive oil (instead of butter)
  • Fish and some poultry
  • Limited red meat and added sugars

And now, our top healthy appetizer recipes!

To us, healthy is not so much about calorie-counting. It’s eating whole foods with lots of nutrients, heavy on the vegetables. Many of the recipes below are made with nutrient-rich ingredients and are gluten-free appetizers, vegan appetizers, or vegetarian appetizers. All of them are delicious and total crowd pleasers!

Want our top favorites? Try the Loaded Hummus Dip and Apple Nachos.

Are there healthy appetizer recipes for different dietary restrictions?

Yes! This post includes recipes that are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Be sure to check the recipe notes for ingredient substitutions to cater to specific dietary needs.

Can I make healthy appetizers ahead of time?

Yes! Many healthy appetizers are perfect for prepping in advance. Try making loaded hummus dip, avocado dip, corn salsa, fruit dip, or marinated olives the day before your gathering.

Can I still have some protein in my appetizers?

Grilled shrimp skewers with a zesty marinade are light and flavorful. Edamame pods are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Or, try this cucumber and smoked salmon appetizer!

More appetizer recipes

Love party appetizers? Here are a few more fun collections of party hits:

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Healthy appetizers

Healthy Loaded Hummus Appetizer


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6

Description

Here are the best easy healthy appetizer recipes for parties! They’re delicious crowd pleasers full of fresh ingredients.


Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups hummus (10 to 15 ounces)
  • ½ cup chopped English cucumber
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (omit or substitute vegan cheese for dairy-free)
  • 1 handful fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Pita chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables as noted above.
  2. Spread the hummus on a large plate, bowl or platter. Top with the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, feta cheese, and chopped herbs. Drizzle with olive oil, if desired. Serve with pita chips. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Healthy Appetizers, Healthy Appetizer Recipes

50 Smoothie Recipes

Pick from the best healthy and easy smoothie recipes! Each one blends into a flavorful homemade breakfast or snack. Looking…

Pick from the best healthy and easy smoothie recipes! Each one blends into a flavorful homemade breakfast or snack.

Easy smoothie recipes

Looking for smoothie recipes? You’ve come to the right place. As cookbook authors and recipe experts, we’ve mastered the art of the healthy smoothie so you don’t have to. No more throw-together smoothies that are too thick or too bitter: these recipes work every time!

Here’s a rainbow of our very best smoothie recipes of every fruit and vegetable flavor. Each one features easy and healthy ingredients with the option to make it vegan, too.

🔎 Want to pick by type? Try these Green Smoothies, Fruit Smoothies, Yogurt Smoothies, and Vegetable Smoothies. Or go for Vegan Smoothies, Dairy Free Smoothies, or Energy Smoothies.

And now, our top smoothie recipes!

First, want our personal favorites? The strawberry smoothie: it really is perfect! A few more we love: peanut butter banana smoothie, coffee smoothie, grape smoothie, raspberry smoothie, celery smoothie, and mango smoothie.

How to add protein

Want to add more protein into your homemade smoothies? Here are the best ways to do it without the protein powder:

  • Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt packs a huge punch of protein: it also has live probiotics for a healthy guy.
  • Nut butter: Try peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter to add plant-based protein.
  • Chia seeds. You can add plant-based protein and fiber with chia seeds: 2 tablespoons chia seeds adds 4 grams protein and 11 grams fiber.

Smoothie recipe storage

Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But these smoothie recipes actually last 1 to 2 days refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. It may separate, which is perfectly natural. Just shake it up and you’re good to go!

Plant based milk for homemade smoothies

Some of the homemade smoothie recipes above use milk as a liquid for blending. Make them vegan smoothies by using your favorite non-dairy milk instead of dairy milk. Here’s a run-down on the options:

  • Oat milk: With its sweet flavor and lightly creamy texture, it’s ideal for smoothie recipes.
  • Almond milk: It’s a little closer to water in its texture, but it’s popular and easy to find.
  • Coconut milk: Coconut milk is very thick and adds a strong coconut flavor.
  • Soy milk: Soy milk has a nice sweet flavor and thick texture.

More smoothie recipes

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Strawberry smoothie

Strawberry Smoothie Recipe


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small smoothies

Description

Here’s the most perfect strawberry smoothie you’ll find! It’s easy to blend up and has the best creamy texture and fruity flavor.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 banana (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt*
  • 1 cup milk (or almond milk or oat milk)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup
  • ½ cup ice

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until creamy and frothy, stopping and scraping down the sides as necessary. If desired, garnish with a frozen strawberry and mint sprig. Serve immediately or store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Notes

*For a vegan smoothie recipe, go to Strawberry Banana Smoothie.

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

Keywords: Smoothie Recipes, Healthy Smoothies, Easy Smoothie Recipes

25 Top Tequila Cocktails

Here are the top tequila cocktails! These drinks have something for everyone, from the classic margarita to the Mexican mule,…

Here are the top tequila cocktails! These drinks have something for everyone, from the classic margarita to the Mexican mule, tequila sunrise, and more.

Tequila cocktail in glass with lime wedge and salt rim.

Got a bottle of tequila to use up? Tequila is quickly becoming one of the best selling liquors in America. It’s best known for the margarita, but tequila is extremely versatile and stars in many classic cocktails.

This Mexican liquor made from the agave plant is at home in classic drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and Mexican mule. But it’s equally as tasty in a 1920’s style sour cocktail like the Tequila Sour, or a Bloody Maria, a spin on the Bloody Mary. With so many tasty mixed drinks to try—let’s start mixing!

Our top tequila cocktails

Want simple tequila cocktails? Try these 2 Ingredient Tequila Drinks!

Types of tequila

The secret to the best tequila cocktails? Buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Look for a mid-price range tequila (or a high end one, if your budget allows). You can buy either blanco or reposado, depending on the drink. Here’s the difference between these types of tequila and when to use them:

  • Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor. Use in easy drinks like the Tequila Sunrise or Frozen Margarita.
  • 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. Use in classy drinks like the Classic Margarita or Cadillac Margarita.
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25 Top Tequila Cocktails

tequila cocktails
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5 from 1 review

Combine tequila and grapefruit and you’ve got the classic Mexican paloma cocktail! Here’s how to make this tangy and refreshing drink.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 2 ounces grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ounce soda water
  • Flaky sea salt and grapefruit wedge, for the garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in the grapefruit wedge, then run the grapefruit around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.
  2. To the glass, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup and stir until combined.
  3. Fill the glass with ice (clear ice if you want to get fancy!). Top with soda water and serve!

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More types of cocktails

There are so many more great cocktail recipes to try! Here are some of our best drink collections:

50 Healthy Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Here’s a list of easy healthy recipes for any meal of the day: breakfast, lunch or dinner! Whatever the meal,…

Here’s a list of easy healthy recipes for any meal of the day: breakfast, lunch or dinner! Whatever the meal, we’ve got you covered.

Healthy recipes

For over a decade, Alex and I have been creating healthy recipes that are both delicious and simple, here on A Couple Cooks and in our cookbooks. So if you need inspiration for healthy meals, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a list of our most popular nourishing recipes for any mealtime.

Whether you’re looking for quick dinners, plant-based recipes loaded with veggies, lunch ideas or breakfast recipes, we have options for every type of eater. Our recipes, from easy baked salmon to eggplant pizzas, have been consistently popular at our dinner table and readers around the globe!

What do we mean by “healthy”? This term can be controversial, but here’s our approach: Our recipes mainly follow the Mediterranean diet, focusing on seafood, colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and cooking fats like olive oil. Each recipe is chosen for its high nutrient, protein, and fiber content. Enjoy these tried-and-true healthy recipes, perfected over a decade, for a balanced and tasty diet!

And now, our top healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch & dinner!

Got specific dietary needs? Head over to our Plant Based Recipes, Vegan Recipes, or Gluten Free Recipes.

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50 Healthy Recipes for Every Meal

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

This easy cauliflower stir fry is an ideal healthy and easy dinner idea! It’s full of nutrients and covered in a punchy sauce. 

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Healthy
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower (2 pounds)
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 orange bell pepper
  • 1 medium white onion
  • 3 green onions
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar*
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon light miso
  • ½ tablespoon gochujang (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (regular, not toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil for stir frying, divided
  • To serve as a main dish: Add ¾ cup cashews with cauliflower**, add 1 cup shelled frozen edamame in the last 2 to 3 minutes, or add Marinated Tofu, Pan Fried Tofu, or Sauteed Shrimp and serve with rice

Instructions

  1. Chop the cauliflower into small florets. Thinly slice the bell peppers. Thinly slice the white onion. Thinly slice the green onion.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, miso, gochujang, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (or make the Go To Stir Fry Sauce). 
  3. In large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil over medium high heat. Add the cauliflower and a pinch of salt and cook unstirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until charred. Flip the florets and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the bell peppers, white onion, a pinch of salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook 4 to 6 minutes until tender.
  5. Turn off the heat. Pour in the sauce and add the green onions. Stir until the sauce coats everything and thickens. Serve immediately. 

Notes

*Or substitute the Go To Stir Fry Sauce for the sauce ingredients (oil free).

**Adding cashews would serve about 2 to 3 as a vegetarian main; adding tofu can stretch it to 4.

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Thanksgiving Cocktails To Try This Year

These Thanksgiving cocktails and drinks celebrate the flavors of the season! These are our most popular drinks starring apple cider,…

These Thanksgiving cocktails and drinks celebrate the flavors of the season! These are our most popular drinks starring apple cider, pomegranate, and cranberry and more.

Thanksgiving cocktails, Thanksgiving drinks

Thanksgiving is full of traditions, and we’re all about the signature drink being one of them. As two cocktail experts, Alex and I love to create a fun drink each year to add a sparkle to the meal. Here’s a list we created of our top Thanksgiving cocktails for celebrating the holiday in style!

These Thanksgiving drinks feature the flavors of fall, starring apple cider, pomegranate, cranberry, bourbon, and infusing cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Our signature drink for Thanksgiving 2024 is the Apple Cider Spritz—find the recipe and more ideas below!

Want to search by liquor? Try our Fall Bourbon Cocktails or Fall Vodka Cocktails.

Thanksgiving cocktails and drinks

A few nonalcoholic Thanksgiving drinks

Don’t drink alcohol, or want something for the kids? There are lots of great options for Thanksgiving drinks that aren’t cocktails! Here are some of our top fall drinks that work when entertaining:

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40 Great Thanksgiving Cocktails

Thanksgiving cocktails
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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

Thanksgiving cocktails celebrate the flavors of the season! Try drinks starring apple, pomegranate, and cranberry and more.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces* tequila reposado or blanco
  • 2 ounces apple cider
  • ¾ ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
  • Cinnamon and sugar, for the rim
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
  • Star anise and cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

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 cinnamon and sugar.
  2. Single drink: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the sugar rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
  3. Pitcher (8 servings): Place 1 ½ cups tequila, 2 cups apple cider, ¾ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice in a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir until cold. Prepare the glasses separately, then add 2/3 cup to each glass and garnish with ice.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

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More Thanksgiving recipes

We’ve got a full suite of Thanksgiving resources to help you plan for this holiday! Whether it’s mains, sides, appetizers, or desserts: we’ve got you covered! Here are a few lists of recipes:

45 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These delicious Thanksgiving side dishes will win over everyone at the table! They’re vibrant, colorful and classic. Here’s a classic…

These delicious Thanksgiving side dishes will win over everyone at the table! They’re vibrant, colorful and classic.

Thanksgiving side dishes

Here’s a classic Thanksgiving conundrum: a table of beige-on-beige mashed potatoes, brown mushy stuffing, and soggy green bean casserole. But here’s the thing—Thanksgiving side dishes can absolutely sing with bright colors and fresh flavors if you find the right recipes.

Alex and I are married cookbook authors who’ve spent years perfecting our Thanksgiving recipe game. When we’re hosting, we go into full chef mode, sketching out elaborate menu plans into spreadsheets weeks in advance (no kidding!). On years when we’re guests, we pour all that energy into a Thanksgiving side dish that makes people forget about the mushy stuffing. Here’s our complete playbook of Thanksgiving side dishes that will make everyone at the table ask for the recipe—spreadsheets not required!

Our top Thanksgiving side dishes

More Thanksgiving recipes

We’ve got you! Here are more collections of Thanksgiving recipes to browse:

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45 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Brussels Sprouts Casserole
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5 from 1 review

This Brussels sprout casserole is pure bliss! Bake tender sprouts with a white cheddar cheese sauce and top with crunchy breadcrumbs.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, off the stem
  • 2 large shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 ⅛ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups whole or 2% milk
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup (about 4 ounces) grated sharp white cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese, with an extra pinch salt)
  • ½ cup plain panko (or breadcrumbs)
  • Paprika, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Chop: Slice off the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them into quarters, discarding any discolored outer leaves (cut any very large sprouts into sixths). Thinly slice the shallot. Mince the garlic.
  3. Sauté: Heat the olive oil in oven-proof skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant. Add the Brussels sprouts, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper and sauté on medium high heat for 3 minutes. Add ¼ cup water and continue cooking until tender and starting to brown, another 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  4. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce: Grate the white cheddar cheese (if necessary). Measure out the butter, flour, milk, ⅛ teaspoon salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat; when it melts, stir in the flour. Heat the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. When the color starts to turn light brown, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the milk very slowly: whisking constantly until the mixture is completely smooth before adding more. Then add the salt, onion powder, and garlic powder and continue cooking on low heat for about 2 minutes, whisking frequently. Gradually add the sharp cheddar cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese, and keep stirring until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Bake: Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with panko and bake 20 minutes until golden brown. If desired, dust with a pinch of paprika. Serve warm.

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