The Seven Best Margarita Recipes for Any Season

The next forecast with the words ‘ice’ and ‘salt’ better be a margarita recipe.

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Winter blues got you down? You’re not alone. Right now, we’re hitting the middle of winter and most of us could all use a little spring in our step. I’m no meteorologist, but here’s some good news. Today is the perfect time to lay your winter blues aside because Margarita Day has arrived with the sunny citrus promise of warmer days ahead. It’s National Margarita Day!

Take this opportunity to dust off those lonely margarita glasses which are patiently awaiting summer’s arrival. Mix up your tired old winter routine with something bright and boozy! 

From their humble beginnings as a mix of tequila, sugar, and citrus to the new and exotic creations you can now find in restaurants or bars (or make at home!), a margarita never disappoints. Join me in trying one, a few, or all seven of these marvelous margaritas to celebrate National Margarita Day 2021.

The only question is: frozen or on the rocks?!

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Keep It Simple: Classic Margarita

The margaritas we know and love today were invented sometime in the 1930’s or 1940’s. The melded Mexican flavors of tequila and lime became popular in the prohibition era as cocktail lovers traveled to Mexico to get their boozy fix. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the frozen margarita hit the scene as the beautiful, blended version of this tangy Tequila treat. 

With so many modern flavors and styles of margaritas, you’ll never get bored of trying a new one. Still, there’s something to be said for a perfectly tart and salt classic citrus margarita. Make this version from Gimme Some Oven on National Margarita Day, Cinco de Mayo, or any day you need a bright pick-me-up. 

If you want to improve on the classic just a little bit, make some homemade citrus margarita salt. This recipe uses freshly grated orange peel to make the rim the star of the show. 

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Rose-Colored Glasses: Pink Lemonade Margarita

Nothing says simpler days like pink lemonade. For me, pink lemonade is like a time machine back to childhood, when my biggest problem was what imaginary adventure to take on next! 

With a pink lemonade margarita in hand, you’ll be able to slip on those rose-colored glasses and reminisce about the good old days. This recipe uses raspberry lemonade, Blanco tequila, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and mint to make a stunning adult version of your childhood pink lemonade. Instead of using store-bought pink lemonade, you can always summon your inner child and mash up your own strawberry lemonade for an even more delicious punch. 

• 4 ounces raspberry lemonade
• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1.5 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier (or Cointreau)
  Mix together well. Rim glass with sugar (or salt). Pour into a glass with ice. Garnish with raspberries, mint and/or lemon wheel.

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Spice It Up: Stealth Margarita

Some like it hot, and if that’s you, this Stealth Margarita will be your next go-to recipe. Cool cucumber and sweet agave syrup balance the spice that comes from a jalapeno lime syrup. This is one drink you’ll want to make again and again. 

The main ingredient is a cucumber puree, which is easy peasy to make. Simply pulverize a whole peeled cucumber in your food processor and add 2 ounces of water. This is a great tip to add to some of your smoothies as well.

If tequila or margaritas aren’t your thing, simply replace this ingredient with an infused vodka like Effen Cucumber Vodka and get on with celebrating. Salud!

• 4 ounces blanco tequila
• .75 ounces agave syrup
• 2.5 ounces cucumber puree
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Muddle & Wilde Lime Jalapeno Syrup
  Combine all ingredients into a shaker and mix well. Pour into a glass of ice. Garnish with a cucumber wedge dusted in Tajin.

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A Sip of Summer: Watermelon Margarita

Margaritas are synonymous with summer. Watermelons are the quintessential fruit of summer. Is this a match made in heaven? I think so!

A watermelon margarita is a perfect remedy for anyone who’s got the winter blues. This simple recipe is an instant transport to a tropical cabana, your family’s favorite lake house, or a summer porch party with neighbors. If watermelons aren’t available in your area, swap in another summery fruit you love that is easier to find (like frozen pineapple, mango, or cantaloupe). Yum!

To really perk yourself up from a mid-winter slump, pair your watermelon margarita with some barbecue chicken, grilled corn, and a tomato feta salad. Then turn on your favorite beach movie and escape! 

• 4 ounces tequila blanco
• 4 ounces watermelon juice puree
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce Agave Syrup
  Mix all ingredients together well. Pour into a glass of ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a watermelon wedge.

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The Wellness Margarita: Healthy Hibiscus Margarita

Who says a margarita can’t be healthy? While all alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, there’s no reason we can’t make the most of our cocktails with some superfood ingredients.

A hibiscus margarita is the perfect way to enjoy your margarita while still giving your body a boost. Hibiscus is a vibrant flower that offers tons of health benefits. It contains powerful antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, and improves the quality of your skin and hair. 

This hibiscus margarita recipe is not only good for you, but it looks beautiful too! Want to go completely guilt-free? Swap the tequila for seltzer water and Grand Mariner for freshly squeezed orange juice to make a wellness mocktail instead.

• 4 ounces Hibiscus Watermelon Kombucha
• 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (or LimeAde)
• 4 ounce blanco tequila
• 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  Mix all ingredients together. Pour into a glass rimmed with sugar (or salt) and filled with ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

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A Taste of the Tropics: Coconut Margarita

Pina Coladas might get all the attention when it comes to coconut in cocktails, yet there are so many other ways to enjoy the rich and creamy flavor of coconut. Lucky for us, it works perfectly as a simple, tropical margarita. 

With only three ingredients, this coconut margarita recipe is so simple there’s no reason not to indulge. Simply mix your favorite Blanco tequila together with fresh lime juice, and coconut puree. If you can’t get your hands on fresh coconut puree, search the store for “cream of coconut.” Then, for a real treat, toast some coconut flakes and add to sea salt for a coconutty rim. 

Because this cocktail is slightly sweeter and creamier than our other margarita recipes, it pairs perfectly with dessert. Enjoy with a slice of key lime pie or some Mexican dark chocolates. 

• 4 ounces blanco tequila
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces Cream of Coconut

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Citrus Splash: Grilled Orange Margarita

Grilled citrus fruits? Yes, please! If you have never tried grilling a lemon to serve alongside chicken kebabs or a few limes to add depth to your fish tacos, you’re missing out! Grilled fruit is one of the simplest ways to take your meals – and cocktails – to the next level. 

In this margarita recipe from Imbibe Magazine, we light the grill to add flare to sumptuous Satsuma oranges. Grilling the oranges yields an intriguing and smokey flavor that tastes like an evening on the beach. Don’t have Satsumas where you live? Mix it up! I am blessed with a few lemon and tangelo trees in my garden and love to use them whenever I can. After I make my grilled citrus margarita, I’ll use any extra juice to marinate shrimp for dinner!

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When Life Gives you Limes, Make Margaritas

Jimmy Buffet once said, “When life gives you limes, make margaritas.” Over the past year, we’ve been thrown quite a few “limes.” Well, the time has come to make some margaritas out of it all, wouldn’t you say?
After a year like no other, let’s make February 22^nd a Margarita Monday like no other. In honor of National Margarita Day, let’s make a toast. Here’s to making limes into margaritas and a sunny future ahead!