While the classic margarita is undeniably thirst-quenching, we’ve got a few new party tricks to take your marg game up a notch.
From fruity blends that transport you to sun-soaked beaches to sophisticated coffee-infused concoctions, these recipes celebrate the beauty of mixology. Grab your cocktail shaker, and lets cheers to the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Rumrita
Kick things off with a hint of tropical luxury, using rum instead of tequila. The magic touch being SelvaRey’s white rum which offers a taste of citrus and vanilla, and will clock in as one of the smoothest rums you’ll taste. White rum is the perfect light and refreshing mix that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and salt of your margarita. Try opting for a darker rum if you crave a smokier flavor. 
Rumrita
Ingredients
1.5 oz SelvaRey white rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz fresh orange juice
0.25 oz agave
Tajin
Instructions
Rim your glass with a mixture of salt and Tajin.
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with lime.
Strawberry Basilita
Ideal for the warmer months, this libation is perfect when the strawberries are sweet and the basil is fresh. Boasting a sweet and tart medley, the Strawberry Basilita reveals a flavorful spin on your usual margarita. This recipe hails from the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, where they feature the infamous 150 Margaritas menu. You read that right, the JW Lobby Bar offers 150 variations of the classic margarita, many featuring Mexico’s brilliant array of tequilas, including silver, reposado, and añejo varieties.
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Strawberry Basilita
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
3 strawberries
4 basil leaves
1 oz Controy liqueur
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
1.5 oz tequila El Gran Jurado Blanco
Instructions
In a mixing glass, muddle the strawberries and the basil.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass rimmed.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Legacy
Try a smokier, mezcal-based version with the Legacy. This recipe comes from Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where the serene Puerto Rican coastlines and luxurious tranquility will have you living a new definition of peaceful. The egg white adds a frothy, smooth finish to each sip, without any overpowering taste.
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Legacy Cocktail
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
1.5 oz Mezcal Montelobos
0.75 oz Ancho Verde liqueur
0.75 oz spice syrup
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz egg white
Garnish: half black salt rim, dried lime
Instructions
Pour all ingredients in the shaker with ice.
Shake thoroughly.
Pour into rimmed rocks glass with ice cubes.
Garnish and serve.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Margarita Negra
This espresso margarita flaunts a tasty coffee with a zesty lime twist, all wrapped up in an edgier look. Take your love for coffee shamelessly into the evening. The secret ingredient? Mr. Black — a coffee liqueur that craftily blends cold brew and Australian vodka to give you that perfect kick. If you don’t believe us, try it for yourself at Brooklyn’s Chela, a Mexican eatery that spotlights this marg and other playful renditions.
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Margarita Negra
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
1 oz Mr Black
1 oz El Tequileño Platinum tequila
1 oz Lime Juice
0.5 oz Agave Syrup
Instructions
Combine all ingredients, shake, strain into a rocks glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.
- Prep Time: 1 min
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Not a Margarita
Embodying the accouterments of a classic margarita is a drink that features the Japanese spirit, iichiko shochu. This 43% ABV spirit is full-flavored, smooth, and easy to drink. iichiko Saiten’s complex flavor palate embodies notes of umami, jasmine tea, white peach, with some citrus and a saline finish. Not to be confused with its close Korean cousin, soju, this shochu is distilled only once, with no flavorings or additives allowed. The spirit’s versatility is what makes it the perfect mix for any summer cocktail.
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Not a Margarita
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
2 oz iichiko Saiten
0.5 oz Lime Juice
0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
0.5 oz Triple Sec
Lime Citrus Wheel
Instructions
Add ice to a glass.
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake, then strain into glass.
Garnish with lime citrus wheel.
- Prep Time: 1 min
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
