Hey there, margarita fans! Craving a colourful and yummy twist on your classic cocktail? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make a blue margarita that’s easy to make and delicious.
No mixology experience is needed- just grab your ingredients, shake it up and create an azure wonder.
1. What is Blue Margarita?
Blue margarita is one of the variations of the margarita, a classic and popular cocktail. Blue margarita is a visually appealing and refreshing drink that adds a vibrant blue hue to the traditional recipe.
This summer entertaining drink with its captivating blue colour is perfect for any parties and celebrations. This tangy and sweet drink is a popular choice among a wide range of people.
2. History and Origin of Blue Margarita
The blue margarita is a modern twist on the classic margarita and has an interesting history. Its origin can be traced back to the 1990s when bartenders and mixologists started experimenting with the traditional margarita with different variations. The addition of blue curacao to the drink gave it a vibrant hue and a unique flavour to it.
Even blue curacao has a history that can be traced back to the Caribbean, where this bitter orange element used for creating orange liqueur was brought by Spanish explorers.
After the innovation of the blue margarita, it became a hit in bars and restaurants because of its visually striking appearance. While the blue margarita cocktail does not have that much of a centuries-old history, it’s modern origin and aesthetic charm have created a place for itself in the world of cocktails. Today, the blue margarita continues to be enjoyed by a wide range of people all around the world as a vibrant and delicious drink.
3. Ingredients Required
Here are the ingredients required to make a classic blue margarita in standard quantities:
3.1. Tequila
2 oz (60 ml) tequila is needed.
Go for a high-quality blanco tequila for a smooth taste.
3.2. Blue Curacao
Take 1 oz (30 ml) blue curacao liqueur. This is the key ingredient that gives the drink a gorgeous blue colour and also adds a citrus flavour to it. Blue curacao taste like triple sec but with a sweet and subtle bitterness.
3.3. Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
Take ½ oz of triple sec. You can also opt for Cointreau.
These are orange liqueurs with low alcohol content, that complements the other elements in the drink. Additionally, it also adds depth to the flavour.
3.4. Lime Juice
Then take 1 oz, i.e.30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice. It gives a zesty flavour to the margarita. Also, avoid packaged lime juice for a better taste.
3.5. Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup
For sweetening the drink, take ½ oz (15 ml) of simple syrup or agave nectar. You can also add this more or less in quantity according to your taste.
3.6. Ice
Ice is an essential element for getting the desired cold and refreshing taste in your drink.
3.7. Salt
Salt is used for rimming the glass. Though this is optional, in my opinion, you should add it because this salted salt rim enhances your drinking experience while balancing the sweetness of the blue margarita.
3.8. Lime Wedge or Wheel
You can take this for garnishing purposes.
4. Necessary Equipment and Glassware
Before starting on the making of blue margarita, prepare all the necessary equipment mentioned below:
4.1. Choosing the Right Glassware
Opt for a classic margarita glass, i.e. a cocktail or martini glass, which is ideal for serving a blue margarita.
If you want a touch of elegance, then you can go for a traditional margarita glass.
If you want, you can also choose a colourful cocktail glass to match the vibe of the lively and refreshing drink.
4.2. Citrus Juicer
An electric or handheld citrus juicer is required to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
4.3. Cocktail Shaker
A necessary tool for the chilling and mixing of the cocktail for a perfect taste.
It ensures that all the flavours are properly mixed.
5. Step-by-Step Process for the Blue Margarita Recipe
Here’s a simple and easy guide to crafting a delicious blue cocktail:
5.1. Prep your Glass
Start by rimming the edge of the Margarita glass with salt. You can do this, by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dip the glass in salt.
5.2. Filling the Shaker with Ice
Then, take a cocktail shaker and fill a generous amount of large ice cubes with it.
5.3. Adding the Ingredients
Now begin with measuring the ingredients given above and adding them into the shaker.
Use 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of blue curacao, 1 oz of lime juice, ½ oz of triple sec and ½ oz of simple syrup. Note that this measurement is for a single serving.
5.4. Shake the Shaker
After pouring the ingredients into the cocktail shaker, place the lid on the shaker, securely close it and start shaking vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
This process ensures that the cocktail becomes well-chilled and is blended thoroughly.
5.5. Strain and Then Serve
After shaking the drink vigorously, strain the mixture into the prepared glass with ice cubes with the help of a cocktail strainer.
This strainer will help to keep the ice or any pulp of lime juice out of the drink.
5.6. Garnishing
Finally, garnish the drink by adding a lime wheel or wedge to the rim of the glass. This will give an extra citric aroma to the drink and will also look visually appealing.
You can also garnish it by adding some fresh blueberries for a pop of colour, with a maraschino cherry for some sweetness, or with edible flowers like violets for an elegant touch.
6. Variations
There are different variations of the blue cocktail. You can also customize it according to your preferences.
6.1. Frozen Blue Margarita/ Blue Margarita Slushie
If you prefer a frozen blue version out of a blue margarita, then blend all the ingredients with ice until it turns smooth and frosty.
Then, pour it into the glass with fresh ice, and garnish it as you want.
6.2. Blueberry Margarita
For a blueberry margarita, blend fresh (or frozen) blueberries with tequila, lime juice and sugar syrup to craft a fruity and yummy blueberry margarita.
6.3. Electric Margarita
If you prefer an electric margarita, then mix blue raspberry vodka with your usual margarita ingredients to get a bold and dazzling electric blue-coloured cocktail.
6.4. Blueberry Basil Margarita
Combine blue curacao, blueberries, basil, lime juice and tequila to get a fruity and herbal blueberry basil margarita.
6.5. Blue Lagoon Margarita
Mix blue curacao, lemonade and tequila for a refreshing and visually appealing cocktail.
6.6. Blueberry Lemonade Margarita
Blend fresh blueberries, lemonade, tequila and most importantly, blue curacao to get a vibrant and yummy margarita.
6.7. Blue Margarita Spitzer
Mix all the blue margarita ingredients and top it up with sparkling water for a bubbly and fizzy variation of blue margarita.
6.8. Blue Jalapeno Margarita
Mix your favourite margarita, with sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick along with blue curacao, lime juice and tequila to get a spicy blue jalapeno margarita.
6.9. Blue Coconut Margarita
For a tropical twist, you can add coconut cream/ coconut milk/ coconut water/ coconut tequila to your margarita recipes besides the classic recipe. This variation of the margarita is delicious as the coconut flavour in the drink goes well with the blue curacao.
Always remember to adjust ingredients and garnish creatively as per your taste. And most importantly, savour each sip responsibly.
7. How to Make a Blue Margarita Mocktail?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of margarita, then you can replace the tequila with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
And use a non-alcoholic blue curacao or blue food colouring as an alternative for the eye-catching vibrant blue hue of the drink.
8. Pairing It With Snacks
You can pair this refreshing blue margarita with different snacks and dishes.
8.1. Classic Guacamole
The creamy and tangy twist of guacamole pairs well with the zesty hint of the blue margarita.
8.2. Shrimp Ceviche
The citrusy-sweet taste of the blue margarita goes perfectly with the fresh and yummy flavours of shrimp ceviche.
8.3. Mexican Street Tacos
The margarita’s tangy flavour complements the delicious yummy taste of tacos.
8.4. Mango Salsa
The drink’s sweetness complements the fruity flavours of salsa.
8.5. Spicy Chicken Wings
The refreshing characteristic of the blue margarita provides a cooling effect to chicken wings.
8.6. Quesadillas
The cheesy and yummy quesadillas pair perfectly with the margarita’s tangy sweet flavour, making a satisfying combination.
9. Health Benefits
Below are some potential health benefits of a refreshing blue margarita:
- Has antioxidant content
Blue curacao in, blue curacao margarita contains antioxidants that help in combating oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Contains Vitamin C
Lime juice is a good source of Vit C that supports the immune system, and skin health.
- Reduction of stress
Moderate consumption of blue margaritas helps some individuals in reducing tension and makes them feel relaxed.
In summary, the blue margarita offers not just a vibrant and refreshing taste but also contains numerous potential health benefits. From the antioxidant-rich blue curacao to the Vitamin C content from lime juice, it contributes to our well-being significantly. It is one of the most preferred drinks in any parties and events.
Whether you crave a fruity infusion, a creamy blend, a slushie, or want a spicy kick, the blue margarita’s vibrant colour with its different variations is an attractive choice for any festivities.
When taken in moderation, this drink can provide relaxation as well as social connection. Just remember to drink this cocktail responsibly with a limit so as not to overindulge yourself.
Check out: Can You Make a Margarita with Vodka?
