From Cinco de Mayo to summer’s trending cocktail, the classic margarita is always a refreshing sip on a sunny day. While some people just think of on the rock or frozen or salt or no salt, the iconic sour cocktail can be amplified with many different flavors. These five flavorful twists will have people raising another glass to a luscious libation.
The margarita has become one of those cocktails that people appreciate but sometimes overlook. It might be a staple beverage pairing with Mexican food or a favorite at a pool party. More importantly, the margarita can be adapted with many different flavors and ingredients.
At the heart of the sour cocktail is the simple equation, 2-1-1. It is basically two parts spirit, one part sour, and one part sweet. While the margarita is generally tequila, lime, and agave or simple syrup, it can be transformed in a multitude of ways. From fruit forward to earthy, anyone can shake up some creative options.
5 fun, flavorful ways to shake up that classic margarita
Green Jeans Matcha Margarita
Pantalones Organic Tequila is the “The Official Tequila of Getting Out of Line.” While no one has to leave their pants at home to enjoy this spirit, many of the brand’s cocktails are a little cheeky.
This year, the Green Jeans matcha margarita is available at Bonefish Grill. The slightly earthiness of the matcha with the sweet and sour flavor is quite tasty. Plus, it plays well with seafood dishes, especially anything spicy.
The Cinco de Mayo
While the name references the May celebration, this particular riff on a margarita is delicious eery month of the year. For drinkers who love the herbal note in a spritz, they will want to try the Suze Liqueur. Sometimes featured in a white negroni, the slightly bitter note keeps the cocktail from being too sweet. Combined with the El Tequileño Reposado, the libation is a delicate balance of sweet, herbal, and sour.
Ingredients:
.75 oz El Tequileño Reposado
.75 oz Suze Liqueur
.75 oz Lillet Blanc
.75 oz Luxardo Maraschino
.5 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes of Cardamom Bitters
Method:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with a big ice cube. Shake vigorously and double strain neat into a frozen coupe.
5 de Mayo Margarita from Casa Velas
Anyone who has visit Casa Velas in Mexico appreciates the elevated food and beverage offerings at the resort. The beverage team created 5 de Mayo Margarita as a tribute to the Battle of Puebla. While there is a historic connection, it takes into account current beverage trends, like French Green Chartreuse. The combination of enticing aromas, tropical flavors, and vibrant colors makes this cocktail a must try.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Tequila
0.5 oz Green Chartreuse
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
0.5 oz Natural or Agave Syrup
4 Cardamom Berries
Method:
Lightly muddle cardamom berries and tequila in a shaker to release their essence. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a short glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated lime or lemon and thyme branches.
Miso Margarita at Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Dorado, Puerto Rico
Adding savory ingredients to a cocktail is another growing beverage trend. In this recipe, the miso syrup tempers the sometimes pungent ingredient. It is the underlying flavor that is quite enticing and makes people sip and contemplate. Miso should be used more frequently in cocktails.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Tequila (Jose Cuervo Reposado)
1 oz Cognac Orange Liqueur (Grand Marnier)
0.5 Lime Juice
1.5 oz Miso Syrup
Method:
Rim Glass. Measure all ingredients into a shaker and add ice. Shake and fine strain.
Sake ONO Margarita
Continuing the Asian ingredient inspired theme, the Sake ONO Margarita adds the sake for a lovely floral note. Combined with the earthy bergamot and the bright citrus, it hits all the flavor notes in a perfect balance.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Sake ONO
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.75 oz bergamot liqueur
0.5 oz blanco tequila
0.25 oz agave syrup
Method:
Hard shake all ingredients and strain into a double rocks glass over cubed ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Whether it is Cinco de Mayo, June 1, or even December 31, a flavorful twist on a margarita is a delicious way to revitalize the classic sour cocktail. Ready to get shaking?