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Elevate your cocktail game with a blue margarita, offering a tasty twist on the classic, whether enjoyed by the glass or a pitcher for party.
When it comes to cocktails and warm whether, I'm all about margaritas - from a passion fruit margarita to a lemon margarita to a guava margarita.
While flavor is important, it never hurts to drink something both tasty and fun to look at and that's where this blue margarita comes into play.
Why This Recipe Works
- It is a spin on a a classic margarita.
- Uses just 5 ingredients, so it is quick to prepare.
- You can make 1 just for yourself or a large batch for a party.
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Ingredient Notes
- Tequila - Choose a quality tequila, preferably silver or blanco, for a clean and crisp base.
- Blue Curacao - This gives the drink its vibrant blue color and adds a hint of orange flavor.
- Triple sec - Opt for a good-quality triple sec to enhance the citrus notes in the margarita.
- Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice is ideal for the best flavor.
- Agave syrup - For sweetness, use agave syrup instead of simple syrup. It complements the flavors and adds a touch of richness. It also offsets some of the tartness from the lime juice.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, you can change up the ingredients if need. Some substitutes include:
- Swap tequila with mezcal for a smokier flavor or use a fruit-flavored tequila for added fruitiness.
- If you don't have Blue Curaçao on hand or prefer to avoid it, you could try using a blue butterfly pea flower tea or syrup. This natural blue coloring agent can provide a similar vibrant hue without the orange flavor.
- I always have triple sec in my cabinet, but Cointreau works great as well.
- While lime juice is traditional, you can try using other citrus juices such as lemon or grapefruit for a different flavor profile. Each citrus fruit will impart its unique tartness and aroma to the drink.
- I like agave syrup in this margarita, but honey or sugar can be used as substitutes.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Rub the rim of a glass with a lime slice. Dip in sugar or salt or a combination of both.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, Blue Curacao, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a margarita glass, ensuring a smooth pour, and garnish with a lime slice for a finishing touch.
FAQs
Blue Curacao is a liqueur, dyed blue for its striking appearance, with a taste reminiscent of Triple Sec. Its flavor is derived from the peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, a bitter orange variety cultivated on the island of Curacao.
Silver tequila is bottled immediately after distillation, retaining a robust agave essence. On the other hand, gold tequila undergoes aging in barrels or receives caramel coloring.
Considering this, silver tequila tends to be more affordable as well making it good for margaritas.
Personally, I prefer the distinct agave flavor in this margarita, but you have the option to substitute with sugar or take a minute to prepare a simple syrup if you prefer.
For a frozen margarita, triple the ingredients and incorporate approximately 5 cups of ice into the blender. Blend together with the other ingredients until smooth and slushy.
Certainly! You can make a pitcher of margaritas ahead of time. However, it's best to hold off on adding ice until just before serving to maintain the drink's strength and flavor, preventing dilution.
Best Tequila for Margaritas
Like and liquor, you can go super expensive or quite affordable. Luckily there are plenty of options.
- Roca Patrón Silver – It has a fresh, delicate citrus aroma with a low and balanced alcohol note. It is sweet with notes of black pepper and lime tea.
- Espolòn Blanco – This is a great budget tequila with bright agave flavor and notes of pepper, vanilla bean, grilled pineapple and spice.
- Olmeca Altos – This is my go-to. It has hints of citrus, pepper, sweet agave, fruit, herbal and earthy, with some light floral notes.
Equipment
The equipment you use is important to how the drink turns out. What is needed is the following:
- Cocktail shaker - Helps emulsify and keep the margarita ingredients cold when you shake them. You can also stir everything together.
- Margarita glasses - If you want the drinks to look the part you need some margarita glasses but any glass will work.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use silver tequila when making the margarita. Gold tequila can muddy the flavor.
- Freshly squeeze lime juice is the only way to go. It's cheaper and taste better.
- Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup. It takes takes less work and adds additional flavor.
- Crushed ice which will make the margarita colder quicker.
Similar Recipes
If you’ve tried this blue margarita or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Blue Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz Blue Curacao
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz agave syrup
- lime wedges and salt for garnish
Instructions
- Cut a lime and rub edges of glasses with it. Then dip the glasses in a plate that has either sugar or salt or a combination.
- Combine tequila, Blue Curacao, triple sec, lime juice and agave syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 20 seconds. Strain in a margarita glass and garnish with a sliced lime.
Notes
- Use silver tequila when making the margarita. Gold tequila can muddy the flavor.
- Freshly squeeze lime juice is the only way to go. It's cheaper and taste better.
- Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup. It takes takes less work and adds additional flavor.
- Crushed ice which will make the margarita colder quicker.
Janet says
Beautiful color and tasty!