Ever since its evolution from a cocktail called the "daisy" in the 1930s, the margarita has steadily risen in the ranks supreme as one of the most popular cocktails around. It's so popular, in fact, that 56 percent of women and 44 percent of men rated it number one on their list of favorite drinks.
And it's easy to see why. It's fresh and simple ingredients make for an easy drink that one can sip slowly on a porch during a summer day or indulge in at a holiday get together with friends.
No matter what your reason is for enjoying margaritas, it's always fun to try out new margarita recipes. Take a look at the list below of 15 fun options to spice up, sweeten, or give your favorite classic cocktail an upgrade!
Tools You'll Need to Make a Margarita
The great thing about making margaritas is that you don't need a ton of fancy equipment. Just a handful of basics like the ones below will help get you started.
Pitcher
Blender
Lime juicer
Cocktail shaker
Citrus zester
Sugar
Coarse Salt
Glasses
Glass strainer
There are also plenty of great looking margarita glass and pitcher sets to choose from as well. Choose something fun that expresses your personal style!
Basic Margarita Ingredients
There are three main ingredients needed to make your cocktail a margarita and it all starts with tequila. First, understanding how to choose the right type of tequila can mean the difference between a ho-hum margarita and a mind-blowing one.
The second ingredient you need is industry standard triple sec. Triple sec is sometimes confused with other orange liqueurs Cointreau or Cura?ao. Although each orange-flavored liqueur can be used interchangeably, the distillation process and type of alcohol used vary considerably, giving each a subtly different flavor.
Lastly, lime juice is a must have for every margarita drink. It gives this sweet and sour cocktail a citrus punch and balances the flavors in a well-rounded way.
Food That Goes Great with Margaritas
Mexican food is at the top of the list of foods to pair with margaritas, but there are also a variety of international foods to enjoy as well.
Shrimp fajitas
Beef tamales
Chicken enchiladas
Fish tacos
Ceviche
Chicken Mole
Indian curry
Jerk chicken
Pad Thai
Gumbo stew
Margaritas enhance the flavors of all types of cuisine. There is no limit to what you can eat with this refreshing cocktail.
15 Fun and Easy Margarita Recipes to Try Now
Whether you're in search of a new recipe for every season or prefer to shake up your classic margarita recipe, we've got 15 tasty versions for you to try below!
1. Classic Margarita
Sweet and tangy with a whole lot of flavor, this classic margarita recipe is the perfect antidote to a hot summer day.
Ingredients
1 to 1/2 ounces silver tequila
1-ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau is a great option)
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Splash simple syrup
Coarse salt
Mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish
Directions
Combine tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled, salt-rimmed glasses. Garnish with mint or lime wedges, and serve frosty cold.
2. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Perfect Margarita
Who better to create a tasty recipe than the legendary Margaritaville song maestro himself? Jimmy Buffet puts his own special twist on a classic drink with the help of several top quality ingredients.
Ingredients
1-ounce Margaritaville Tequila Gold
1/2 ounce Margaritaville Tequila Silver
1/2 ounce triple sec
1 splash orange Curacao
1 1/4 ounces Rose's Lime Juice
Crushed ice
Coarse salt
2 lime wedges
Directions
Add all ingredients except lime wedges to an ice-filled shaker. Squeeze juice from two limes and shake for several minutes. Using a lime wedge, rim the outside of the glass; next, dip the glass into some coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice; strain drink into the glass. Top off with a lime wedge.
3. Cranberry Margarita
This is a great seasonal option for your next Thanksgiving gathering. Get ready to share this delicious recipe because it's one of our favorites.
Ingredients
12 ounces of frozen limeade concentrate
2 1/2 cans of water
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup cranberry juice
2 to 21/2 cups of gold or silver tequila
Lime for garnish
Sugar or coarse salt for glass rim
Directions
In a large pitcher, mix limeade concentrate with 2 1/2 cans of water, 16-20 ounces of tequila, cranberry juice, 1/2 cup cranberries, and sugar. Mix and place covered pitcher in the fridge for 3 hours. Dip glass rims into sugar or salt and serve.
4. Watermelon Margarita
This is a refreshing drink straight from Virgil's Real Barbecue to sip on a hot day. Not only does the taste of watermelon cool you off, but it will make you nostalgic for the long days of summer as well.
Ingredients
2 chunks of watermelon
2 ounces of silver tequila
1 ounce of fresh lime juice
1 ounce of simple syrup
Splash of Cointreau
Coarse salt
Directions
Crush watermelon and fill shaker up with ice, tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and Cointreau. Shake for 10 seconds. Dip rims of glasses into salt; strain drink and garnish with a small watermelon wedge.
5. Jalape?o Margarita
If you're a fan of spicy things, then you're going to love this tasty version. While the heat is not too overwhelming, you can definitely add or subtract the jalape?o depending on your preference.
Ingredients
1 jalape?o, remove stem and seeds
1 handful of celery leaves
4 juiced limes
8 ounces tequila
4 ounces orange liqueur
Ice
Coarse salt
Directions
Place first five ingredients into a blender and pulse. Pour into an ice-filled pitcher. Dip rims of glasses with salt and serve on over ice.
6. Strawberry Margarita
Fresh strawberries give this classic margarita a welcome boost of sweetness. The key to a vivacious and tasty drink is to use organic strawberries.
Ingredients
1/2 pint of strawberries
1 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur
4 juiced limes
Ice
1 lime, cut into wedges
Coarse salt
5 strawberries
Directions
Add the first four ingredients to a blender and pulse. Pour into an ice-filled pitcher and stir. Rub lime wedges along the rim of glasses then dip in salt. Fill glasses and garnish with fruit. Serve right away.
7. Margarita Jello Shots
These jello shots put a fun new twist on the time-honored classic margarita. This is the perfect drink to add to your Cinco de Mayo party menu.
Ingredients
3/4 cup boiling water
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet of unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup tequila
Coarse salt
Lime slices for garnish
Directions
In a bowl of boiling water, add sugar and gelatin and dissolve; add lime juice and tequila. Pour drink into plastic shot glasses and refrigerate for three hours. Dip into salt and garnish with lime. Enjoy!
8. Chili Mango Margarita
A little sweet and a little spicy are what make this chili mango margarita the perfect blend. This yummy frozen version will make you return to this recipe again and again.
Ingredients
20 ounces frozen mango
12 ounce can frozen limeade concentrate
3 cups water
3 ounces tequila
splash of hot sauce
Coarse salt
Chili powder for rim
Lime slices for garnish
Directions
Place mango, limeade concentrate, two cups of water, tequila, and hot sauce in a blender until combined. Add the last cup of water for thinner drink mix. Mix salt and chili powder together; dip lime wedge along glass rim and dip into salt and chili powder mix. Pour into glasses and serve with lime wedge.
9. Ginger Beer Margarita
This inventive drink blends the spiciness of ginger beer with the citrusy tang of lime, topping it off with a mellow sweetness. Ginger beer margaritas are an easy drink to make for a large party or for yourself.
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1-ounce lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Coarse salt
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, mix tequila, simple syrup, ginger beer, and lime juice together with 1/2 cup of ice and stir. Be careful not to put the lid on it and shake because the carbonation will cause too much pressure. Pour drinks into serving glasses rimmed with a lime wedge and coarse salt. Serve.
10. Blueberry Lemonade Margarita
Summer is calling with the light and sweet blueberry lemonade margarita. Remember to make an extra batch for when your neighbors drop in for the annual summer barbecue potluck.
Ingredients
Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup blueberries
1 lime zest
Margarita:
2 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
8 ounces tequila
4 ounces triple sec
3 ounces lemonade
Ice
Directions
Mix sugar and water together in a pan over medium heat; add blueberries and lime zest and bring to a boil. Lower temperature to simmer until blueberries break open (approximately 5-7 minutes). Cool for 10 minutes and strain into a jar.
Mix sugar and salt together and dip lime wedge-rimmed glasses into the mixture. Mix tequila, triple sec, and lemonade together in a pitcher and pour into ice-filled glasses with blueberry syrup. Garnish with lemon and enjoy!
11. Apple Cider Margarita
Apple cider margaritas are the perfect fall cocktail to sip by the fire while roasting marshmallows. The apple cider and cinnamon flavors give this drink a low-key sophistication.
Ingredients
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup silver tequila
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Sugar
Cinnamon
Coarse salt
Apple slices
Cinnamon sticks
Directions
Mix apple cider, tequila, and lemon juice together in a pitcher and stir vigorously. Blend sugar, cinnamon, and salt mixture and dip glass rims into the mix. Pour margarita mix into glasses and garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
12. Pomegranate Margarita
This pitcher pomegranate margarita recipe is ideal for your next holiday shindig. Whether it's the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving, this flavorful mix is going to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups tequila
1 cup triple sec
2 cups 100 percent pomegranate juice (avoid concentrates or blends)
12 ounces frozen limeade concentrate
2 cups water
Lime wedges
Coarse salt
Directions
Mix tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice, limeade, and water into a pitcher and stir thoroughly. Pour into ice-filled glasses rimmed with salt. Garnish with a lime wedge and drink up.
13. Blueberry Basil Margarita
The pretty basil and blueberry blend gives this margarita a decidedly earthy flavor. Part sweetness, part herbal, you're going to want to keep this fresh recipe on hand for your next get together.
Ingredients
5 basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1-ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce lemon juice
2 ounces tequila
Ice
Limes for garnish
Directions
Lightly mix basil, blueberries, and tequila together in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add simple syrup, lime and lemon juice and stir. Pour into ice-filled glasses and top with a lime wedge and a few blueberries. Cheers!
14. Peach Margarita
Using fresh peaches is the secret to making this cocktail taste extra delicious. Depending on your preference for sweet or tart, there are a variety of peaches to choose from.
3 large peaches for puree
2 ounces silver tequila
1 1/2 ounces lime juice
1-ounce triple sec
1 tbsp. agave or honey
Coarse salt
Sliced peaches for garnish
Directions
Peel and pit peaches and place in a blender; mix until smooth. Add puree and remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses and garnish with peach slice. Yum!
15. Savory Margarita
With so many sweet margarita varieties out there, it's great to have a savory alternative. This red pepper flavored cocktail is the perfect complement to a hearty Mexican meal.
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1-ounce fresh red bell pepper juice
1-ounce fresh lime juice
3/4-ounce honey syrup (one part honey, one part water)
Fresh cilantro
1 lime
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15-30 seconds. Strain and pour into ice-filled glasses rimmed with salt. Add lime garnish and enjoy!
Margaritas are the Ultimate Versatile Cocktail
Whether you're craving a sweet, salty, or savory margarita, we hope you found the perfect cocktail mix among our 15 delicious margarita recipes. Time and time again, margarita lovers know how much a great tasting margarita brings out the exquisite flavor of tequila.
For more great recipe ideas, visit our blog! And when you're ready to sample some of the best authentic Tex-Mex food around, make sure to book a table today.