If you’re a fan of classic margaritas but are interested in trying something new, this frozen smoky margarita might be what you’re looking for. This recipe infuses traditional margarita ingredients with smoke, adding complexity and depth to the cocktail.
A Smoky Twist on a Classic Cocktail: Frozen margaritas are delicious and so easy to make. This is definitely a drink to savor. We’ll cover how to make this smoked margarita with tequila suggestions, alternative ingredients for non-tequila drinkers, and delicious food pairings for your menu.
What are some good alternatives for smoked tequila?
- Mezcal: If you don’t have a smoking gun or own a smoker or pellet grill, you can use a smoke-flavored tequila like Mezcal.
- Flavor enhancement: You can also coat the rim of the margarita glass with smoked salt. Or, add a dash of smoked paprika, chili powder, or sliced jalapeño to the cocktail.
Tequila Recommendations
Since on of the key ingredients for a smoked margarita is tequila, you’ll need good-quality one. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Tequila Ocho Plata: This tequila is made from 100% blue agave and has a clean, bright flavor that holds up well to smoke.
- Casamigos Blanco Tequila: This tequila is slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla.
- Don Julio Blanco Tequila: This drink has a clean herbal note that adds depth to smoked cocktails.
- Others: Patron Roca Silver and Espolòn Blanco,
Frozen Smoky Margarita Ingredients
- Tequila (Blanco)
- Fresh lime juice
- Triple sec
- Agave nectar
- Fresh ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
- For salt rim (use cane sugar if preferred)
- 1 bottle of tequila
- 1 cup of wood chips (hickory, pecan, oak or cherry)
How to smoke tequila
- To smoke the tequila, add the wood chips to a smoker or smoking box and heat until the chips start to smoke.
- Pour the tequila into a heat-safe container (drip pan or aluminum pan) and place it in the smoker. Close the lid and let the tequila smoke for about 30-40 minutes.
- Once the tequila is smoked to your desired level, remove it from the smoker and strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any potential debris. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before enjoying its smoky flavor.
How to make a blended margarita:
- Apply a little fresh lime juice and salt to the glass rim.
- Combine the smoked tequila, lime juice, triple sec, agave nectar, and ice in a blender.
- Blend the mixture until it is smooth and frothy.
- Pour the blended margarita into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy your perfect margarita!
What foods go well with smoked margaritas?
This frozen cocktail pairs well with spicy or flame-kissed flavors. It is the perfect cocktail for summertime, and will work well with grilled proteins, Mexican-inspired dishes, or small plate gathering. Try this smoky margarita at your next cookout, beach party, or Cinco de Mayo celebration.
- Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked and Seared NY Steak
- Mango-Jalapeno Chicken Thighs
- Smoky Chipotle Skirt Steak
- Beef Plate Ribs
- Salmon Tacos
- Achiote Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Zucchini Skins
- Asparagus and Bacon Skewers
Frozen Smoky Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 ounces smoked tequila see instructions below
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 1- ounce agave nectar
- 2 cups ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Salt for rimming the glasses use cane sugar if preferred
- For the Smoked Tequila:
- 1 25-ouncer bottle of tequila (blanco)
- 1 cup of wood chips hickory, pecan, or cherry
Instructions
- To smoke the tequila, add the wood chips to a smoker or smoking box and heat until the chips start to smoke.
- Pour the tequila into a heat-safe container and place it in the smoker. Close the lid and let the tequila smoke for about 30-35 minutes.
- Once the tequila is smoked to your desired level, remove it from the smoker and strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any potential debris. Let it sit for 15 minutes before use.
- For the Blended Margarita:
- Rim the edge of a glass with a little fresh lime juice and salt.
- Combine the smoked tequila, lime juice, triple sec, agave nectar, and ice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour the blended margarita into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy, and repeat.
