It’s only natural America’s most popular co*cktail ordered by the pitcher should have its own national day. Margarita Day falls on February 20 each year, and to celebrate, we’ve brought you our favourite recipes. Although the exact origin of the co*cktail is still disputed, you can read all about it here, but if you’re just here for the alcohol, read on.
1. Classic margarita
What listicle of a margarita would be complete without mentioning the original recipe first? There’s a reason it’s been a popular classic for decades.
Ingredients: Reposado tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, ice cubes, lime wedge to garnish
A popular and refreshing snack in Mexico is mango dusted with chili powder and salt. A mango margarita is a sweet way to spice up the classic recipe.
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Ingredients: Salt, chili powder, caster sugar, cayenne pepper, Reposado tequila, mango puree, lime juice.
3. Prickly pear margarita
Prickly pears are much sweeter than their spiky appearance would suggest. The cactus fruit tastes similar to watermelon and strawberry, and is commonly found in the markets of Mexico and the US Southwest, thus making it the perfect accompaniment to the tequila base.
Ingredients: Reposado tequila, Cointreau, salt, lime juice, prickly pear juice, ice, wedge of lime
4. The Red Cap margarita
Named after the hibiscus floating atop your co*cktail, the Red Cap is a deep magenta-coloured margarita full of sweet floral notes, making for a gentle twist to this usually citrusy drink.
Ingredients: Hibiscus tea (sweetened however you like), lime juice, silver tequila, ice, hibiscus concentrate, hibiscus flower to garnish.
5. Cucumber jalapeño margarita
This refreshingly savoury take on the classic will intensify the longer it sits. Put all the ingredients in a jug, and chill the mix for around an hour (or however long you can bear the wait).
Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, jalapeño peppers, sliced cucumber, salt, ice
6. The Cindy
The eponymous hero of this co*cktail is the supermodel herself, Ms Crawford. It was commissioned by her husband Randy Gerber while he was consulting on George Clooney’s tequila venture Casamigos. Inventor and barsmith Michel Dozois instructs you to ‘Shake until it’s as dewy as Crawford’s complexion.’
Ingredients: Sliced ripe strawberry, fresh basil leaves, Casamigos blanco tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, served with one large ice cube
7. Avocado margarita
If you want to trick yourself into thinking that a superfood can counteract any adverse effects of alcohol, then this is the co*cktail for you!
Ingredients: Pureed avocado, tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, agave nectar, lime zest, cilantro (coriander), cayenne pepper, crushed ice
8. Charred-orange margarita
This margarita’s special twist comes from giving the orange a quick char on the grill, flesh-side down until it caramelises for a tart co*cktail.
Ingredients: Orange, tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, lemon juice, salt
9. Whole citrus margarita
Sip some vitamin C as a precautionary measure to ward off tomorrow’s inevitable hangover.
Ingredients: Oranges, lemons, limes, superfine sugar, Cointreau, Triple Sec, tequila
10. Lovely lavender margarita
A relaxing take on the energetic classic, the calming lavender added to this co*cktail will bring a sweet, herbal flavour to it. Roll the rim in dried lavender, and add a sprig on top for another elegant flourish.
Ingredients: Silver tequila, Cointreau, lavender simple syrup, lime, sugar, dried lavender
11. Mint-julep margarita
A mash-up of the Kentucky Derby classic, the mint julep – made of bourbon and mint – with a classic margarita, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate hybrid co*cktail.
Ingredients: Bourbon, tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves for garnish
12. French margarita
Chambord, the sexy French liqueur made from black raspberries, is the perfect way to add some European romance to the American classic.
Ingredients: Chambord, tequila, lime, salt
13. Moonshine margarita
Moonshine is a term for any kind of clear, white liquor, usually whiskey or rum. The term was coined during the American prohibition in the 1920s, and refers to a type of alcoholic drink that was made illegally. Add a shot of Tennessee moonshine for a Southern twist on the classic.
Ingredients: lime juice, orange juice, granulated sugar, moonshine, ice, lime wedge, salt
14. Beer margarita
If you’re ‘more of a beer kinda guy’, this could be the margarita you’ve been waiting for.
Ingredients: Light lager or pale ale, tequila, lime, salt, lime juice, sugar, crushed ice.
15. Coconut cream margarita
This summery-tasting margarita is the perfect antidote to the cold winter weather. Add some shredded coconut instead of salt for a truly tropical finish.
Ingredients: Grand Marnier, orange juice, silver tequila, lime juice, coconut water, coconut milk, simple syrup, shredded coconut
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