From colorful and fruity margs to spicy twists on the classic, these margarita recipes will definitely delight a tequila-loving crowd.
27 Best Margarita Recipes to Get the Party Started
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
1/27
Classic Lime Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
A classic margarita recipe doesn’t need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. This recipe calls for blanco tequila, which is the best tequila for margaritas, according to our Test Kitchen.
2/27
Cadillac Margarita
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need all top-shelf spirits to make this smooth Cadillac margarita. It’s a swanky upgrade of the classic drink featuring reposado tequila and Grand Marnier for a deep, beautiful flavor. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
While classic margaritas are made with silver (blanco) tequila and triple sec, this swanky upgrade calls for reposado tequila and Grand Marnier. Reposado tequila is aged in oak whiskey barrels for up to 12 months, and Grand Marnier is a more sophisticated orange-flavored liqueur than triple sec.
3/27
Prickly Pear Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
For a unique cocktail that you’ll want to come to again and again, this prickly pear margarita is for you. With a base of Blanco tequila and lime juice, the prickly pear syrup is the star of the show—adding a mix of tropical, sweet and a bit of tart. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
With a pretty pink hue and mild sweet taste, prickly pear is one of the best margarita flavors you probably haven’t tried yet. If you’re serving a crowd, mix everything together in a drink pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator until it’s time to add ice and serve.
4/27
Pineapple Margarita
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple is the star of the show in this margarita. A sweet and tangy flavor profile comes from the pineapple and lime juice that then gets paired with the smoothness of amaretto and blanco tequila for this tropical cocktail. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet and tangy pineapple is an MVP ingredient in tiki cocktails and also in this flavored margarita recipe, which looks gorgeous served in a highball or martini glass. To go full tiki, add a half ounce of spiced or dark rum.
5/27
Spicy Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a pinch of heat to your favorite tequila cocktail with this spicy margarita. Muddled jalapeno and a rim of tajin add the spice, while the lime juice and simple syrup keep the refreshing, citrusy flavor. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The heat from muddled jalapeno adds just the right amount of spiciness to this refreshing cocktail. Instead of salt, we like to rim the cocktail glasses of these fiery margs with Tajin, a tart and slightly spicy Mexican seasoning mix made with dried ground chiles.
6/27
Frozen Margaritas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite summer drinks is a frozen margarita. What’s not to love? This drink is perfect paired with tacos or chips and salsa. —Caroline Stanko, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Different occasions call for different margaritas, and there’s nothing like sipping on a sweet-tart frozen marg at a backyard cookout or summer pool party. These are the best blenders we’ve tested for making frozen cocktails.
7/27
Blood Orange Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
When blood oranges appear at the grocery store, there's a rush to use them anywhere and everywhere. They are particularly delicious in desserts and citrus salads. However, blood oranges are also a fantastic addition to your bar cart. —Laura Scherb, Evanston, Illinois
For a bold red color and sweet citrus flavor, this blood orange cocktail is hard to beat. Blood oranges are less acidic than navel oranges, so they complement tangy lime juice perfectly.
8/27
Mezcal Margarita
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've never tried a mezcal margarita, you'll want to give it a shot (pun intended)! This fun twist replaces tequila with the smoky flavors of mezcal while still keeping that sweet and citrusy flavor from lime juice, simple syrup and triple sec. This version may just beat out the classic! —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Smoky and rich mezcal is an agave-based Mexican spirit and one of the essential ingredients for a good margarita (tequila is actually a type of mezcal!). Some of the best margarita flavors are spicy, so infuse your mezcal with some heat by adding sliced jalapeno and letting it sit for about 15 minutes, then strain to remove the jalapeno.
9/27
Cranberry Margarita
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Bright, citrusy and tart, this cranberry margarita is a beautiful version of the classic margarita. Flavored with cranberry juice and rimmed with spiced sugar, this cocktail is perfect when you want something with a little bit of oomph. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
As far as fun margarita recipes go, this warming and ruby red cocktail is our favorite choice for holiday parties. Fresh sage and cranberries make an elegant garnish, or go with a sprig of fragrant rosemary.
10/27
Peach Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy a sweet, refreshing cocktail with this fruit-infused margarita. Peaches are muddled to form a juice, while tequila brings the strongness and peach schnapps enhance the fruit flavor. It's the perfect cocktail for when you want something citrusy on those warmer days. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
These peachy margaritas go wonderfully with fresh basil or mint; just add the leaves to the shaker while muddling the peach. To make a blended version, use frozen peaches (and a few berries, if you’d like).
11/27
Pomegranate Margarita
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding pomegranate juice to your margarita is refreshing and unique, but it's also incredibly good for you. Pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants and vitamin C—just what your body needs during those colder months! Add some extra zing by putting a few pinches of freshly grated ginger in your cocktail shaker before shaking your drink. —Laura Scherb, Evanston, Illinois
Not only is pomegranate juice loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, but it also makes delicately tart cocktails. Add some extra zing by grating ginger into your shaker before shaking up the margarita.
12/27
Skinny Margarita
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny margarita has plenty of fresh flavors with fewer calories. The lighter version of this classic cocktail skips the sugar and instead focuses on natural ingredients like lime and orange juice for its sweet taste. —Debbie Koenig, New York, New York
This lightened-up margarita recipe has less sugar than the classic version because it calls for freshly squeezed orange juice instead of triple sec and a teaspoon of agave nectar as the sweetener. Use any type of juice in place of the orange juice; mango, passion fruit and pineapple work really well.
13/27
Virgin Margarita
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need store-bought limeade, alcohol or any fancy ingredients to create a refreshing, thirst-quenching experience this summer. All you need is a few lemons, limes and a touch of sugar; it really is that easy to learn how to make a virgin margarita! —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nondrinkers shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun of a margarita. The key to this virgin margarita is freshly squeezed lime and lemon. Check out these tasty mocktail recipes for more nonalcoholic drink inspiration.
14/27
Beer Margarita
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing cocktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri
Adding beer to your margaritas may sound unusual, but we promise the two drinks are a match made in cocktail heaven. Pick up sweet and sour mix at the grocery store or make your own sour mix at home. We recommend opting for a light beer that won’t overpower the lime flavors, like Modelo, Bud Light or Corona.
15/27
Frozen Sriracha-Mango Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The sweetness of the fruit helps offset the spiciness of the Sriracha, giving this mango margarita a unique and fun twist. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Loaded with mango nectar and mango chunks, this frozen margarita is tropical and refreshing. The sweetness of the fruit helps offset the spiciness of the Sriracha, giving this mango margarita a unique and fun twist.
16/27
Frozen Strawberry-Basil Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh, fruity and oh, so cool, this strawberry-basil margarita may be the perfect summer cocktail. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Fresh, fruity and cool, this strawberry-basil margarita may be the perfect summer cocktail. To make them a little sweeter, add simple syrup, honey or agave syrup to the blender.
17/27
Blue Curacao Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun spin on a classic cocktail, substitute Blue Curacao for Triple Sec. The vibrant blue margarita will make you think you're on the shores of the Caribbean. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This margarita uses Blue Curacao instead of Triple Sec for a fun spin on a classic cocktail. The vibrant blue drink will make you think you’re on the shores of a Caribbean island.
For more tropical cocktails, check out these Tiki drink recipes!
18/27
Frozen Ginger-Raspberry Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Raspberries and lime are a wonderful flavor combination, so I thought I'd combine them to make a raspberry margarita. This cocktail is perfect for spring or summer parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Ginger and lime are a classic cocktail flavor combination, and we added raspberry for a surprising fruity twist. This cocktail is perfect for spring or summer parties.
19/27
Watermelon Margarita
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
This frozen watermelon margarita is the perfect drink to serve at backyard summer barbecues. As you’re preparing it, use these tricks for how to cut a watermelon. And remember: When making frozen margaritas, you generally want to add less juice and more fruit or ice.
20/27
Frozen Coconut Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your cocktail to the tropics with this coconut margarita. It's very refreshing! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Take your cocktail to the tropics with this refreshing coconut margarita. It’s a smooth, tangy treat made with cream of coconut as well as lime.
Love coconut? Try these pina colada-inspired recipes!
21/27
Apple Cider Margarita
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This seasonal cocktail uses the spices of cinnamon and Angostura bitters to create its warm and inviting flavor. Made with apple cider and reposado tequila, this will quickly become your favorite comfort drink during the fall. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apple cider isn’t just for swizzling with a cinnamon stick! This autumnal cocktail gets its warm spice notes from a simple apple cider syrup, made by simmering cider until it reduces. Cinnamon sugar-lined rims add a lovely festive touch.
22/27
Frozen Cherry Margarita
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When summer rolls around, I start thinking about all the fun drinks I can whip up to stay cool. This frozen cherry margarita is a favorite of mine. It's so delicious, and the deep red color is amazing. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
With cherry juice and frozen pitted cherries, this margarita recipe is packed with sweet, tart flavors.
23/27
Grapefruit Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
When you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
If you take our classic margarita recipe and swap the lime juice for an ounce of grapefruit juice, you’ve got yourself a grapefruit margarita! Add a drizzle of grenadine to create a beautiful sunset look.
24/27
Frozen Lemon-Berry Margarita
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Made with berries and lemonade concentrate, this frozen margarita recipe is a cool summer treat. Since the tequila is optional and there’s no Triple Sec, it can be a family-friendly beverage, too!
25/27
Amaretto Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This amaretto margarita adds a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime beverage. If you enjoy the taste of amaretto, try these other amaretto cocktails.
26/27
Frozen Blueberry-Mint Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Refreshing and fruity, you need this frozen blueberry margarita in hand this summer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This frozen blueberry-mint margarita is super easy to make—just add a cup of frozen blueberries and four fresh mint leaves to a classic lime margarita recipe and blend.
27/27
Kumquat Margarita
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden margaritas bring a bit of sunshine to a winter table. Eye-catching kumquats are the secret ingredient. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
If you’re looking for a unique margarita, then look no further than this kumquat margarita recipe. Kumquats are in season during the winter months, so use this drink to bring a bit of sunshine to a winter gathering.
