There’s something so leisurely about a classic Margarita – that magic combo of tequila, lime juice and a salted rim is just guaranteed to transport anyone to a poolside state of mind. Technically, you can’t have a true margarita without tequila, but you can make one with ingredients that are more interesting than just lime juice and a salted rim. We’ve found 24 of the best margarita recipes that take flavour to the next level, from Mango Jalapeño to Spicy Watermelon to Key Lime Pie and more.
1. Blue Margarita by Lauren Mote
Mixologist Lauren Mote uses blue curaçao to create a Margarita inspired by her favourite Toronto sports teams – the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.
GET THE RECIPE
2. Strawberry Margarita by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
An easy-to-make strawberry purée is the base of Brenda Score’s colourful margarita. Serve it on the rocks and add a garnish of a strawberry and sprig of mint.
GET THE RECIPE
3. Jalapeño Mango Margaritas by Emilie Eats
A bit of heat from jalapeño peppers is the perfect offset to the cool, refreshing mango in Emilie Hebert’s Margarita recipe. “No crazy garnishes or expensive obscure liqueurs necessary,” she writes.
GET THE RECIPE
4. Rhubarb and Thyme Margarita by The Margarita Mum
This fresh spring-y Margarita recipe will make it very clear why Rhonda Withers is referred to as “The Margarita Mum”. She’s created a quick thyme-infused simple syrup and rhubarb to add the taste of spring to her Margarita.
GET THE RECIPE
5. Magical Colour Changing Margarita by Fox and Briar
Butterfly pea flower is responsible for the stunning shifting colours in this Margarita recipe by Meghan McMorrow. It infuses with the tequila and shifts from blue to purple as the drink is shaken then poured.
GET THE RECIPE
6. Spicy Gingered Mango Margarita by Half Baked Harvest
Tieghan Gerard’s gorgeous ginger-mango Margarita uses chipotle chili powder for a hint of heat. “It’s sweet, spicy and all things good in life,” she writes.
GET THE RECIPE
7. Spiced Grapefruit ‘Detox’ Margarita by Meredith Youngson
Meredith Youngson’s citrus-forward Margarita cocktail delivers a boozy hit of antioxidants thanks to citrus and cayenne.
GET THE RECIPE
8. Blood Orange Margarita by Fit Foodie Finds
There are only four ingredients in Linley Hanson’s gorgeous Margarita: honey simple syrup, blood orange juice, lime juice and tequila.
GET THE RECIPE
9. Rosé Margaritas by Danilicious
Why choose between Margaritas or rosé all day? Dani Davis’ recipe has the best of both worlds, complemented by a splash of elderflower liqueur.
GET THE RECIPE
10. Frozen Mezcal Mango Margaritas by Kale Junkie
Nicole Modic’s boozy mango-Mezcal slushy is the ultimate refreshment. As she puts it: “If there’s one fruit that can help us temporarily forget all of our problems, it’s a mango. Specifically, a mango mixed with alcohol.”
GET THE RECIPE
11. Beer Margaritas by Off The Eaten Path
These ‘beergaritas’ by Chrissie Nelson Rotko are made with fresh limeade, tequila and the beer of your choice.
GET THE RECIPE
12. Spicy Watermelon Margarita by The Social Sipper
Carolyn Pascual White’s take on watermelon Margaritas carries some heat, but it’s totally thirst-quenching. Exotico Blanco is her tequila of choice.
GET THE RECIPE
13. Passionfruit Margaritas by The Cookie Rookie
A pitcher of passionfruit Margaritas will go over well with most guests. Becky Hardin has you covered – these beautiful cocktails will take everyone straight to the tropics.
GET THE RECIPE
14. Pink Pomegranate Margaritas by Superman Cooks
Jackie Hughes and Keith Lampkin love pink cocktails, and these rosy pomegranate Margaritas are as light and sweet as they look.
GET THE RECIPE
15. Spicy Pineapple Margaritas by Isabel Eats
Isabel Orozco-Moore is a Mexican-American Margarita expert, and her pineapple Margaritas make a fresh and tropical treat.
GET THE RECIPE
16. Classic Margarita Pitcher by Eleven20 Tequila
This basic recipe from Eleven20 tequila has you covered for your next party with a method for making Margaritas by the pitcher.
GET THE RECIPE
17. Easy Tamarind Margaritas by Food Diary of a City Girl
Cecilia Moreno’s tamarind Margaritas-for-two recipe is easy and flavourful. The secret ingredient? Tajín.
GET THE RECIPE
18. Ultimate Creamsicle Margaritas by Away from the Box
That’s right: Creamsicle Margaritas. Sarah Dyer’s version of this summer treat tastes like the real thing – with tequila, of course.
GET THE RECIPE
19. Coconut Margarita by Simple Joy
Lisa Longley forgoes the salt for a toasted coconut rim in this creamy 4-ingredient Margarita recipe. “Prepare to fall in love and make pitcher after pitcher,” she warns.
GET THE RECIPE
20. Simple Lemon Margarita by A Couple Cooks
Tequila, lemon juice, Cointreau and salt are all you need to make this simply classic Margarita recipe by Sonja and Alex Overhiser.
GET THE RECIPE
21. Guava Margarita by Spoonful of Flavor
This Margarita recipe by Ashley Cote is oh-so-summery. Fresh guava and agave nectar, citrus and tequila come together to create a refreshing and balanced cocktail.
GET THE RECIPE
22. Key Lime Pie Margaritas by Yes to Yolks
This one is for the lime lovers: Molly Meehan’s dessert-worthy mix of key lime pie ingredients and tequila is the ultimate indulgence. Silver tequila, orange liqueur, key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk get shaken with ice and finished with a graham cracker crumb rim.
GET THE RECIPE
23. Classic Margarita by Love and Lemons
It’s a classic combination for a reason. Jeanine Donofrio’s Margarita recipe is tart, refreshing and unbelievably easy to make.
GET THE RECIPE
24. Salted Plum Margarita by Mott 32
Mott 32 Vancouver’s inventive take on the Margarita uses whole and ground salted plums.
