16 Margarita Recipes That Taste Like the Weekend
From hibiscus and coconut to classic and frozen, there's a margarita recipe for every occasion on our list.
Bryan Gardner
On the rocks or frozen, rimmed with flaky salt or without—what could be more festive than the classic margarita? Invite a few close friends over, break out the chips and guacamole, and you have the makings of an impromptu party. And if you happen to enjoy the tart pleasures of your refreshing cocktail at sunset in a postcard-perfect setting, all the better!
As much as we love the taste and simplicity of traditional margarita recipes (all you really need are tequila, triple sec, fresh lime, and agave or simple syrup, plus a cocktail shaker or a blender) we also like to mix it up. Add a hint of heat (say yes to muddled serrano chile!) or something sweet (like juicy mango) to take the classic in a new direction. In other words, the margarita is a drink with infinite possibilities. Cheers to new takes on a dear old friend!
Related: 22 of Our Tastiest Tequila Cocktails
Classic Margarita
The classic margarita first made a splash back in the 1950s, and it's still going strong. So, what gives this delightful cocktail its staying power? Just four simple ingredients (or five, if you choose to rim the glass with a dose of coarse salt).
Texas Margarita
Even small tweaks, like adding freshly squeezed orange juice, can lend a different dimension to the classic margarita. (And yes, freshly squeezed makes a difference, so carve out a few extra minutes!)
Lemon Mezcal Margarita
What happens when you swap out lemon juice for lime and mezcal for tequila? Suddenly, your favorite poolside cocktail has a whole new flavor profile. Rim the glass with salt and pepper, and savor the difference.
Smoky Serrano-Mint Margarita
Lennart Weibull
This riff on the margarita not only brings the heat, courtesy of roasted serrano chile pepper—it also offers the cool relief of fresh mint. Muddle the solid ingredients right in the glass, add sumac to the flaky sea salt rim, and presto! You have a delicious departure from the classic.
Frozen Mango Margarita
It wouldn't be a margarita party without a frozen take or two. While mango is the star in this margarita recipe, reposado tequila keeps the sweetness in check, adding a hint of smoky flavor.
Frozen Pomegranate Margaritas
Sweet yet tart, this margarita recipe is made with frozen pomegranate cubes and traditional margarita ingredients. Another sublime reason to surrender to the blender.
Hibiscus Margarita
Pretty in pink, this margarita recipe introduces an element of the unexpected thanks to homemade hibiscus-ginger syrup. A spritz of seltzer ups the refreshment factor.
Watermelon Margarita
Nothing says summer quite like watermelon—unless, of course, we're talking about margaritas. Combine watermelon cubes and margarita fixings, dip your glasses in lime juice and salt, and say hello to the ultimate drink of the season.
Grapefruit and Honey Margarita
Honey stands in for orange liqueur in this recipe, lending flavor with less of an alcoholic punch. Grapefruit is also front and center, adding just the right amount of citrus refreshment.
Morning Margarita
Move over mimosas! Make room at the brunch table for this scrumptious cocktail made with bittersweet orange marmalade and agave wine, which has about half the alcohol of its cousin tequila.
Coconut Margarita
Why should piña colada have all the coconut fun? Featuring shredded coconut, this margarita recipe takes a bit of extra effort, but it's totally worth it for a drink you'll crave from this moment on.
Cranberry Margarita
We're rewriting the rules on margaritas, and that includes a festive cocktail made with cranberry simple syrup. You might even blend up a batch while waiting for Santa to squeeze down your chimney!
Winter Cadillac Margarita
Citrus is a natural when it comes to margaritas, and tangerine is no exception to the rule. In fact, tangerine juice, Grand Marnier, and silver tequila are the ultimate margarita dream team.
Ginger Margarita
Ginger might not be the first ingredient you think of for margaritas, but combined with lime, it provides a flavor punch you won’t soon forget. Just a few simple steps and voila! Margarita perfection.
Kiwi Margarita
With its brilliant green hue and distinctive flavor, kiwi delights the eye and the palate like few other fruits. Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for an unforgettable margarita.
Peppadew Margarita
If you like your margaritas with a hint of sweet heat, look no further than this recipe. Made with Peppadew® brine, and Peppadew as a garnish, it's sure to be a favorite in your margarita repertoire.
