There’s something so leisurely about a classic margarita. That magic combination of tequila, fresh lime juice and a salted rim is guaranteed to transport anyone to a poolside state of mind. While a traditional margarita never goes out of style, there are plenty of fun ways to put a fresh spin on the iconic tequila cocktail.
From spicy watermelon and mango jalapeño margaritas to frozen, fruity and dessert-inspired versions, we’ve rounded up 24 of the best margarita recipes for summer. Whether you prefer your margarita on the rocks, blended or with a little heat, there’s a recipe here worth mixing up.
What Makes a Great Margarita?
A great margarita is all about balance. The tequila should shine, the citrus should be bright and fresh, and the sweetness should complement rather than overpower. Whether you like yours tart, spicy, frozen or fruity, the best margarita is the one you’ll happily make again.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7. Spiced Grapefruit ‘Detox’ Margarita by Meredith Youngson
Meredith Youngson’s citrus-forward grapefruit detox margarita cocktail delivers a boozy hit of antioxidants thanks to citrus and cayenne.
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8. Blood Orange Margarita by Fit Foodie Finds
There are only four ingredients in Linley Hanson’s gorgeous blood orange margarita: honey simple syrup, fresh blood orange juice, lime juice and tequila.
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9. Rosé Margaritas by Danilicious
Why choose between margaritas or rosé all day? Dani Davis’ recipe has the best of both worlds: her rosé margaritas are complemented by a splash of elderflower liqueur.
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10. Frozen Mezcal Mango Margaritas by Kale Junkie
Nicole Modic’s boozy mango-mezcal margarita 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.”
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11. Beer Margaritas by Off The Eaten Path
These fun ‘beergaritas‘ by Chrissie Nelson Rotko are made with fresh limeade, tequila and the beer of your choice.
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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.
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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.
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14. Pink Pomegranate Margaritas by Superman Cooks
Jackie Hughes and Keith Lampkin love pink cocktails, and these rosy pomegranate “pop-pom” margaritas are as light and sweet as they look.
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15. Spicy Pineapple Margaritas by Isabel Eats
Isabel Orozco-Moore is a Mexican-American mmargarita expert, and her pineapple margaritas make a fresh and tropical treat.
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16. Classic Margarita Pitcher
This basic recipe from Eleven20 tequila has you covered for your next party with a method for making Margaritas by the pitcher.
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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.
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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.
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19. Coconut Margarita by Simple Joy
Lisa Longley forgoes the salt for a toasted coconut rim in this creamy 4-ingredient coconut margarita recipe. “Prepare to fall in love and make pitcher after pitcher,” she warns.
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20. Simple Lemon Margarita by A Couple Cooks
Tequila, lemon juice, Cointreau and salt are all you need to make this classic margarita recipe by Sonja and Alex Overhiser.
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21. Guava Margarita by Spoonful of Flavor
This guava 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.
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22. Key Lime Pie Margaritas by Yes to Yolks
A key lime pie margarita? Why not. 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.
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23. Classic Margarita by Love and Lemons
It’s a classic combination for a reason. Jeanine Donofrio’s classic margarita recipe is tart, refreshing and unbelievably easy to make.
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24. Salted Plum Margarita by Mott 32
Mott 32 Vancouver’s inventive take on the margarita uses whole and ground salted plums to create a memorable salted-plum margarita.
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*with files from Bobbe Hayes. Post updated June 2026
