Our 16 Best Margarita Recipes

Frozen or on the rocks, with salt or without—no matter what you love, we’ve got the perfect margarita recipe

By SAVEUR Editors | Published Jun 12, 2018 12:00 AM

Drink

This recipe proves that simple can be delicious. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila. Get the recipe for a Classic Margarita ». Matt Taylor-Gross

We’re all for the classic margarita, but we’re also really excited about all its wonderful variations. Maybe the only difference is that it’s totally frozen and icy, or maybe it’s something a little more extreme, like one that features a little fruit (we’ve got plenty of choices if that’s what you’re looking for). You can even take a margarita one step further and add vodka and Kahlua. Check out all our favorite margarita recipes below.

Classic Margarita

This recipe proves that simple can be delicious. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila. Get the recipe for Classic Margarita » Matt Taylor-Gross

Green Variety Margarita

A spicy ginger kick and the subtle, unmistakably grassy sweetness of kale elevates this vegetal variation on the margarita, from the New York City bar The Wayland. Get the recipe for Green Variety Margarita » Matt Taylor-Gross

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

The Margarita is essential to America’s canon of summertime drinks, and adding a grilled element makes it that much more American. Burnished pineapple adds a rich layer of fruitiness while mezcal lends a veil of smoke and spice. For even more smoke and spice, add a salt rim laced with chile powder and coriander. Get the recipe for Grilled Pineapple Margarita » Eric Medsker

Frozen Margarita

In 1971 Mariano Martinez figured out how to make frozen margaritas from a soft serve ice cream machine—the rest is history. Get the recipe for Frozen Margaritas » Matt Taylor-Gross

Jalapeño and Beet Margarita

A jalapeño-infused, blood-colored tequila and beet cocktail, the Moradita (“Little Death”), is a fresh, nearly healthy-tasting drink with some real body and a balancing hint of elegant richness. Get the recipe for Jalapeño and Beet Margarita » Matt Taylor-Gross

Le Mexique

Ginger liqueur adds a spicy note to this fruity twist on the classic margarita. Get the recipe for Le Mexique » Laura Sant

Mezcal and Pineapple Margarita

Made with mezcal, grilled pineapple, jalapeño, and lime, this take on the classic margarita is smoky, sweet, and spicy, with an herbaceous kick from cilantro. Get the recipe for Mezcal and Pineapple Margarita » Matt Taylor-Gross

Blueberry and Basil Margarita

Fresh blueberries give a delightful twist to this margarita. Get the recipe for Blueberry and Basil Margarita » Todd Coleman

Pomegranate Margarita

This richly flavored pomegranate margarita is just as good sipped on a cold day in front of a roaring fire as it is on a balmy afternoon spent on a tropical beach. Get the recipe for Pomegranate Margarita » Mackenzie Smith

Mezcalita de Piña

Made with mezcal, grilled pineapple, jalapeño, and lime, this festive take on the classic margarita is smoky, sweet, and spicy, with an herbaceous kick from cilantro. Get the recipe for Mezcalita de Piña » Todd Coleman

Prickly Pear Margarita

The prickly pear cactus thrives in the deserts of the American Southwest; its bulbous red fruit is prized for many Mexican and Tex-Mex preparations. This legendary margarita, which takes its distinctive flavor from the fruit, comes from bartender Ruben Bernal at Las Canarias restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. Get the recipe for Prickly Pear Margarita » André Baranowski

Sangria Margarita

Matt’s El Rancho in Austin combines two festive drinks in its sangria margarita. Get the recipe for Sangria Margarita » André Baranowski

Silver Coin Margarita

Watermelon gives the Silver Coin Margarita, from Austin’s Fonda San Miguel, its refreshing kick. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila. Get the recipe for Silver Coin Margarita » André Baranowski

Frozen Limeade Margarita

Canned frozen limeade intensifies the citrus flavor of this slushy Mexican-inspired libation. Get the recipe for Frozen Limeade Margarita » Todd Coleman

Ginger Margarita Squares

Ginger simple syrup adds a bit of Asian-inspired flavor to these mouth-puckering Jell-O shots that turn the classic margarita on its head. Get the recipe for Ginger Margarita Squares » Helen Rosner

Margarita Al Jazeera

Jerusalem’s most vibrant watering hole is Yudale, where the bar offers sui generis drinks that include this delicious, tequila-based creation infused with rose petals and cumin. The name is an homage to the many journalists who tramp through town. Get the recipe for Margarita Al Jazeera » André Baranowski

Picante de la Casa

Cool muddled cilantro balances the heat from a fresh Fresno chile in this sweet-spicy refresher. Get the recipe for Picante de la Casa » Farideh Sadeghin