Funky 5 Margarita Makeovers

The margarita is the most popular tequila based cocktail. Whether you’re planning a party for Cinco de Mayo, an afternoon BBQ or just looking to mix up a refreshing beverage, the margarita is the go to drink of choice. Like many popular cocktails, new variations on the classic mix continually show up on the scene. Here are some recipes to try out the next time you want to quench your thirst for this South of the Border libation.

Cherry Bandit Margarita

This is a fruity, sweet take on the traditional drink. It’s definitely a great cocktail for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Tequila Blanco
• 5 cherries, pitted and stemmed
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• 5 oz club soda
• Ice

Directions:

In a medium bowl, muddle cherries, lime juice and agave nectar. Strain into shaker, and keep the pulp in the bowl. Add tequila blanco, and ice and shake to chill. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, add ice and 1 tablespoon of the cherry pulp into an old-fashioned glass, then fill ¾ of the way full with cocktail mixture. Top with club soda and garnish with a cherry.

Champagne Cele-Rita

Give your next celebratory toast a South of the Border twist. It’s the pleasure of tequila with the pop of champagne.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 oz Tequila Blanco
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 3 oz chilled brut champagne
• Ice
• lime

Directions:

In a shaker, combine lime juice, tequila, triple sec and ice and shake well. Strain out ice and pour in champagne glass, then add champagne. Garnish with lime.

Jose’s Jalapeno Margarita

Some like it hot! Why not spice up your margarita? Bring some heat to this classic drink with a little jalapeno and cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Tequila Reposado
• 1 oz Cointreau
• ½ oz lime juice
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• 2 slices of jalapeno
• margarita salt
• cayenne pepper
• lime

Directions:

Take an old-fashioned glass and rub the lime wedge around the rim. Dip the rim in a mixture of salt and cayenne pepper. Muddle the jalapeno in the agave. In a shaker, combine ice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave with jalapeno. Shake well and pour into the glass.

Peso Pomegranate Rita

This is definitely a cocktail of its time, combining popular Tequila Silver with trendy pomegranate juice and coconut water.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Tequila Silver
• 1 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
• 1 oz Tripple Sec
• 1 cup Pomegranate Juice
• 1 cup Coconut Water
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• sugar
• lemon

Directions:

Take a martini glass and rub a lemon wedge around the rim. Then dip it in sugar. In a shaker, add ice, pomegranate juice, coconut water, Tequila, liquors and lemon juice. Shake and pour into glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Smokey Rita

It’s your traditional margarita with a much bolder, and richer flavor. It’s definitely a cocktail to be enjoyed. Ingredients

• 2 oz Tequila Añejo
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 tsp simple syrup
• Ice
• ½ oz Mezcal

Directions

In a shaker, combine Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, ice and simple syrup and shake. Strain over ice in an old-fashioned glass and pour Mezcal on top. Don’t stir the Mezcal into the drink. It should “float” on top.