13 Margarita Variations You Should Try

Margaritas have a rich history, with origins that trace back to the 1930s, and they’ve since become a staple of cocktail culture. But why stop at the classic? Our 13 Margarita variation recipes introduce you to innovative takes on this timeless drink, incorporating fresh fruits, herbs, and even unexpected spices.

Classic Margarita

A Classic Margarita is timeless and straightforward. Perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

Rim the Glass:

• Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
• Dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat evenly.

Prepare the Cocktail:

• Pour tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur into a cocktail shaker.
• Add four ice cubes.
• Shake for about 10 seconds until well chilled.

Serve:

• Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

A Classic Margarita balances sweetness, tanginess, and the strength of tequila in every sip.

Strawberry Margarita

A Strawberry Margarita is both refreshing and flavorful. It combines sweet strawberries with the tanginess of lime. This drink is perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening.

To make a classic Strawberry Margarita, you’ll need:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup triple sec

Instructions:

1. Blend the strawberries until smooth.
2. Add lime juice, simple syrup, tequila, and triple sec to the blender.
3. Blend until well mixed and smooth.
4. Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.

For a spicy variation, add 1/4 jalapeño pepper to the blender. This adds a kick to the drink. If you prefer a tangy twist, try rimming the glass with Tajín instead of regular salt.

Another interesting option is the Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks. Combine:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur

Instructions:

1. Blend strawberries, lime juice, and sugar or honey until smooth.
2. Add tequila and orange liqueur, blend again.
3. Pour over ice in glasses.

Experimenting with variations can be fun. You can adjust sweetness or try different garnishes like fresh mint or basil leaves.

Mango Margarita

Mango Margarita combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the classic tang of a margarita. This refreshing drink is perfect for any occasion, especially summer gatherings. Here’s how to make your own Mango Margarita.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (Blanco recommended)
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 oz mango nectar (or use frozen mango chunks)
• 1 oz simple syrup or agave syrup
• Ice cubes
• Salt (for the rim)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass:

• Cut a notch in a lime wedge.
• Rub the lime around the rim of the glass.
• Dip the glass rim into a plate of salt.

Mixing the Drink:

• Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, mango nectar, and simple syrup in a blender.
• Add ice cubes.
• Blend until smooth and frothy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.

Serving:

• Pour the mixture into the salted glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

You can also make this margarita on the rocks. Simply shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then strain into a prepared glass.

Mango Margaritas offer a sweet twist on the traditional margarita. They’re easy to make and can be adjusted to your taste. Try adding a splash of orange juice for an extra citrus kick.

Pineapple Margarita

A Pineapple Margarita offers a tropical twist on the classic cocktail. The juicy, sweet flavor of pineapple pairs wonderfully with the tang of lime and the bite of tequila.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
• Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Ice
• Pineapple slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass:

• Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass.
• Dip the rim in salt to coat.

Mix the Drink:

• Add ice, tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

Serve:

• Fill the prepared glass with a few ice cubes.
• Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
• Garnish with a pineapple slice.

You can also experiment with adding fresh pineapple chunks and muddling them with cilantro for an extra flavor kick.

Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon Margaritas are a refreshing summer cocktail. The mix of watermelon, tequila, and lime creates a juicy and tangy drink perfect for hot weather.

Ingredients

• 1 cup watermelon cubes
• 1 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
• Ice cubes
• Salt for rimming the glass

Instructions

1. Prepare Watermelon Juice: Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain the juice to remove pulp.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a blender or a large shaker, combine watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Rim the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the rim in salt to coat.
4. Combine and Serve: Fill the glass with ice then pour the margarita mix over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or small watermelon wedges.

Tips:

• Use fresh watermelon for the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
• Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Peach Margarita

A Peach Margarita is a delightful twist on the classic margarita. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe peach, sliced
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the peach slices in a cocktail shaker until smooth.
2. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
4. Rim the glass with lime juice and dip in salt.
5. Pour the mixture into the glass over ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

This refreshing Peach Margarita offers a sweet yet tangy taste that enhances the traditional margarita experience. Enjoy one on a hot day or at your next gathering!

Coconut Margarita

A Coconut Margarita offers a tropical twist on the classic margarita. It’s creamy and refreshing. To make one, start with these ingredients:

• 4 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 ½ ounces agave or simple syrup
• 3 ounces full-fat coconut milk
• 2 cups ice

For the glass rim and garnish:

• Lime wedges
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened finely shredded coconut
• Lime zest

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim.
2. Dip the rim. Press the rim into shredded coconut to coat.
3. Mix ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, agave, and coconut milk.
4. Add ice. Put the ice into the shaker.
5. Shake well. Shake until cold.
6. Strain the mixture. Pour into the prepared glass filled with ice.
7. Garnish. Add a lime wedge and a sprinkle of lime zest.

For an extra creamy version, use cream of coconut instead of coconut milk. To make it:

• 1 ounce cream of coconut
• 1 ounce coconut milk
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• Splash of half-and-half
• Splash of simple syrup
• 1 ½ ounces Patron reposado tequila
• ½ ounce Cointreau

Prepare the same way as the previous recipe. These ingredients will give you a thicker, richer Coconut Margarita.

Blueberry Margarita

Looking for a refreshing spin on a classic drink? A Blueberry Margarita offers a burst of fruity flavors. You’ll love its vibrant color and balanced taste.

Frozen Blueberry Margarita

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz margarita mix
• Ice

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass.
3. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

Fresh Blueberry Margarita

Ingredients

• ¼ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 ½ oz tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions

1. Muddle blueberries in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice.
3. Shake well and strain into a salted-rim glass.

Blackberry Margarita

A blackberry margarita offers a refreshing twist on the classic margarita. This variation combines the sweetness of blackberries with the tang of lime juice and the smooth finish of tequila. It’s perfect for summer or any occasion that calls for a fruity cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Salt or sugar for rim (optional)
• Lime wedges and blackberries for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Rim: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into salt or sugar to coat it.

Make Blackberry Syrup:

• Mash 1 cup of fresh blackberries in a bowl.
• Strain the mashed blackberries through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds.
• Use the strained juice for your syrup.

Mix the Drink:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup.
• Pour in the blackberry syrup.

Shake and Serve:

• Shake well until the mixture is cold.
• Fill your prepared glass with ice.
• Pour the cocktail mixture into the ice-filled glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh blackberries.

Raspberry Margarita

A Raspberry Margarita offers a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, blending the tartness of raspberries with the zing of lime and the warmth of tequila. This vibrant drink is perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 4 oz fresh raspberries

Instructions:

• Place raspberries and lime juice in a blender.
• Blend until smooth; strain to remove seeds.
• Add tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup to the raspberry-lime mixture; blend again.
• Serve over ice in a chilled margarita glass.

Pitcher Variation (8 servings):

• 1 ½ cups tequila
• 1 ½ cups triple sec
• 1 cup lime juice
• ½ cup simple syrup
• 4 cups raspberries

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth; strain to remove seeds.
• Serve in a pitcher with ice.

Blood Orange Margarita

A Blood Orange Margarita is a delightful twist on the classic margarita. The addition of blood orange juice adds a vibrant color and unique flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 cups silver tequila
• 1 ½ cups orange liqueur
• ¼ cup superfine sugar
• Salt or Tajin for the rim
• Ice
• Blood orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and superfine sugar.
2. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
4. Rim the edges of your glass with a lime wedge and dip them in salt or Tajin.
5. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
6. Pour the chilled margarita mixture over the ice.
7. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

For a spicy twist, add a few slices of jalapeño to the mixture. Shake longer to infuse the spicy flavor.

Cucumber Margarita

A Cucumber Margarita is refreshing. It’s a perfect mix of cool cucumber and classic margarita flavors. This drink is great for summer days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cucumber juice (from one English cucumber)
• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cucumber slice and lime slice (for garnish)
• Salt for rimming the glass (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt if you prefer. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it in salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add cucumber juice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is cold.
4. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass.
5. Garnish with a cucumber and lime slice.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh cucumber juice. Blend and strain cucumbers for best results.
• Opt for a good-quality blanco tequila. It pairs well with cucumber and lime.
• If you’re not a fan of salted rims, skip this step. The drink works great without it.

Jalapeño Margarita

A Jalapeño Margarita adds a spicy twist to the classic margarita. Perfect for those who enjoy a kick with their drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.5 oz agave nectar
• 1-2 slices fresh jalapeño
• Ice cubes
• Salt for rimming (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt.
2. Muddle the jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker.
3. Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
5. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
6. Strain the mixture into the glass over fresh ice.

Try experimenting with the number of jalapeño slices. The more you add, the spicier it gets. This drink brings a unique mix of flavors to your cocktail repertoire.

Grapefruit Margarita

A Grapefruit Margarita offers a refreshing twist on the classic margarita with a tangy and slightly bitter flavor. This variation is perfect for those who appreciate citrusy undertones. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups tequila
• ½ cup Triple Sec
• 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Salt or tajín for rim
• Grapefruit slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the rim: Wet the rim of your glass with a cut piece of grapefruit or lime. Dip the wet rim into salt or tajín.

Mix the drink: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add:

• Ice cubes
• 2 cups tequila
• ½ cup Triple Sec
• 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup

Shake and serve: Shake well for about 20 seconds until chilled. Strain into the prepared glasses filled with ice.

Garnish: Add a slice of grapefruit on the rim for a decorative touch.

Pomegranate Margarita

The Pomegranate Margarita offers a unique twist on the classic cocktail. Its distinct flavor and vibrant color make it a standout choice for your next gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pomegranate juice (chilled)
• 1 cup tequila
• ½ cup Triple Sec or orange liqueur
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Ice

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass:

• Pour a small amount of pomegranate juice into a shallow bowl.
• Spread salt (or a mix of salt and sugar) on a plate.
• Moisten the rim of your glasses with pomegranate juice.
• Dip the rims into the salt (or salt-sugar) mixture.

Mix the Drink:

• Combine pomegranate juice, tequila, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice to the shaker.
• Shake well for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is chilled.

Serve:

• Fill the prepared glasses with ice.
• Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses.
• Garnish with a lime wedge or pomegranate arils for added flair.