Limes. They’re small, green, and bursting with tangy goodness. But when it comes to margaritas, they’re the real MVP – the zesty soul that brings the party to life. And as we gear up to celebrate International Lime Day on 10 March, why not take your margarita game to the next level with some creative twists? Because let’s face it, what’s a margarita without lime anyway?
The formula for a classic margarita
- 2 tots tequila
- 1 tot lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tot triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Salt (optional), for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the edge of a margarita glass with salt, if desired. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a shallow dish of salt.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec/Cointreau.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared margarita glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Optionally, you can serve it straight up (without ice) in a chilled cocktail glass.
1. Avocado margarita
Who said avo is only for toast? Muddle it into a velvety concoction for a sensational margarita experience. Think smooth avocado meets tangy lime, with a hint of sweetness and tequila to balance it all out. Add some sliced jalapeño for a spicy twist!
Follow the general formula but blend 1/4 ripe avocado with the other ingredients to create a creamy texture. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave to balance out the richness of the avocado.
2. Strawberry margarita
Plump, juicy strawberries mingling with freshly squeezed lime juice, all dancing together in a tequila-infused celebration. It’s fruity, it’s fresh, and it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Follow the general formula but incorporate 1 tot freshly puréed strawberries into the mix before blending in the shaker.
3. Granadilla margarita
Combine the tartness of granadilla pulp with lime juice and a splash of tequila for a drink that transports you straight to tropical shores. It’s tangy, it’s exotic, and it’s sure to tickle your taste buds in all the right ways.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot fresh granadilla pulp into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired.
4. Spicy jalapeño margarita
Brace yourself for a flavour explosion with this spicy twist on the classic margarita. Fiery jalapeños meet zesty lime for a drink that’s as exhilarating as it is refreshing. It’s a rollercoaster ride for your taste buds.
Follow the general formula but add 3-4 jalapeño slices into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired. Rim the glasses with a Tajin spice and salt mixture and garnish with sliced jalapeño for an added kick.
5. Chilli rooibos margarita
The warmth and earthiness of rooibos tea blends beautifully with the zing of fresh lime juice and the kick of tequila. It’s perfect for sipping on any occasion.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot of strong brewed rooibos tea and a pinch of red chilli flakes into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of honey, if desired.
6. Watermelon margarita
Refreshing watermelon meets zesty lime in this summery twist on the classic margarita. It’s like a slice of sunshine in a glass, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot of puréed watermelon into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired.
7. Coconut lime margarita
Creamy coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness to the tangy lime and tequila infusion, creating a drink that’s smooth and indulgent.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot of coconut milk into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired.
8. Blueberry basil margarita
Fresh basil leaves and juicy blueberries add a burst of flavour to this unique margarita twist. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, savoury and tart that’s sure to impress.
Follow the general formula but add a handful of blueberries and fresh basil leaves into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired.
9. Mango chilli lime margarita
Sweet, tropical mango meets spicy chilli and zesty lime in this fiery margarita twist. It’s a flavour explosion that hits all the right notes – sweet, spicy and tangy – for a truly unforgettable cocktail experience.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot of puréed mangoes and a pinch of dried chilli flakes into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired. Rim the glasses with a chilli salt mixture and garnish with jalapeño for an added kick.
10. Citrus margarita
A lively blend of freshly squeezed lime and orange or grapefruit juice in this margarita variation offers a burst of citrusy brightness, balanced with a touch of sweetness, resulting in a refreshing and vibrant cocktail experience.
Follow the general formula but add 1 tot of preferred citrus juice into the mix before blending in the shaker. Adjust the sweetness with a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar, if desired.