Porch Swing Margarita

I may not have a swing, but I do have a porch—and porch swing margaritas are all about lazy summer afternoons outside, when the only real decision is whether to sit in the sun or the shade. This cocktail brings together a few things: my obsession with Arnold Palmers, my ongoing love affair with margaritas and my borderline dangerous affection for any peach recipe. The result is a drink that’s sweet, tart, boozy and just southern enough to make you say “y’all” by accident.

This margarita recipe has a zip of lime, the mellow charm of strong black tea, a whisper of peach liqueur and a tequila backbone that reminds you this is, in fact, happy hour. Whether you’re sipping solo with a book or passing a pitcher around with friends, this is the drink for sweltering evenings, chasing after fireflies and pretending the group chat can wait.

Porch Swing Margarita Ingredients

• Fresh-squeezed lime juice: This is what gives the margarita its signature zing. Always go for freshly squeezed over bottled because it tastes more bright and fresh. You can juice the limes the same way you’d juice lemons: in a food processor or by using a citrus squeezer.
• Simple syrup: You can buy it at the store, but you can also prep homemade simple syrup just as easily. Simple syrup is traditionally made from equal parts sugar and water, but many bartenders use a rich simple syrup that uses a two-to-one sugar-to-water ratio for a sweeter, thicker syrup. Either way, this liquid sweetener balances out the lime and tea.
• Peach liqueur: This sweet, fruity spirit is the flavor pivot that takes the margarita from cantina to porch swing. For a more casual vibe, go for something like Peachtree schnapps. For a deeper fruit flavor, pick up a higher-end peach liqueur like Giffard Creme de Peche.
• Blanco tequila: Clean, crisp and full of agave flavor, blanco tequila is the best tequila for margaritas because it lets the tea and peach flavors shine without overpowering them. Don’t waste your top-shelf tequila, but skip the plastic jug too—something mid-range like Espolòn or Cazadores works beautifully.
• Double-strength iced tea: This is the real southern twist! You’ll want to brew your tea using twice as many tea bags as the directions instruct to make it bold enough to hold up to the tequila and citrus. I used Luzianne iced tea bags and brewed 2 cups of water with two tea bags, and I did not lengthen it with cold water. I just threw it in the fridge for a while. You can make iced tea via the cold brew method as well. It doesn’t matter how you make it, just make sure the tea is concentrated and not watered down. You can even brew a whole batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for spontaneous sipping.
• Lime wheel or fruity garnish: A classic lime wheel keeps things traditional. Or, dress up your drink with fresh peach slices, mint sprigs or even a skewer of summer berries if you’re feeling extra. It’s like jewelry for your drink—optional but highly recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Fill your glass with ice

Fill a Mason jar or double rocks glass with ice.

Editor’s Tip: Crushed or pebble ice is a great option for a super hot day, but it will water the drink down a little bit. You could also jazz up your ice cubes by freezing peaches inside them!

Step 2: Stir it up

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In a mixing glass, combine the iced tea, tequila, peach liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Pour and garnish

Pour the mixture over the ice in your glass or jar and garnish with a lime wheel or other type of fruit if desired.

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Porch Swing Margarita Variations

• Make it minty: Peach and mint are a match made in heaven. Muddle a few mint leaves with your simple syrup before mixing for a refreshing herbal note.
• Swap in sour mix: If you don’t have fresh lime on hand, you can totally use sour mix or margarita mix. If you use a mix, omit the simple syrup.
• Get crafty with garnishes: Wrap a peach slice in mint or float blackberries on top. Take it up another notch by setting up a garnish bar for your guests. Don’t be afraid to get fruity!
• Keep it Kentucky: Trade your tequila for bourbon for an earthier, caramel flavor.

Can you make porch swing margaritas ahead of time?

Absolutely! Porch swing margaritas are an ideal batch cocktail for an indoor or outdoor drinks station. Just make sure you keep the same ratio of ingredients and mix everything except the ice and garnish in a large pitcher or jar. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then pour the drink over ice and garnish on the spot. This makes hosting backyard barbecues a breeze—no need to play bartender all night.

Porch Swing Margarita Tips

Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes

What’s the best type of glass for porch swing margaritas?

Honestly, you’ve got options. A Mason jar feels delightfully on-theme and keeps things casual. But a double rocks glass works great for a tidier presentation. If you’re feeling playful, a stemless wine glass adds a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort. The real key? Make sure whatever cocktail glass you choose is big enough for ice and extra sips.

What can you serve with porch swing margaritas?

Front porch happy hour is less about formal dining and more about nibbling, sipping and leaning into that golden hour glow. Think finger foods and easy, breezy bites that don’t require a knife or an excuse. Deviled eggs with a horseradish twist, pimiento cheese on buttery crackers or a big ol’ platter of antipasto skewers are all fair game. Set out bowls of spiced nuts and marinated olives. Or, stick with the perfectly peachy theme by serving peach salsa with tortilla chips. Any of these options will result in a casual spread that’s low-maintenance and high-vibe.