This bright green concoction brings the delicious and creamy flavor of avocado to the margarita party.
When I moved to California, I soon discovered that the state’s love for avocados was almost a religion. They were everywhere and on just about everything. A California burger is topped with avocado. There’s avocado soup and even something called California Cowboy Caviar, which is close to a salsa and made with, you guessed it, avocado. I’m barely scratching the surface, too. Peruse any menu anywhere out here, and there’s a wealth of avocado dishes to choose from.
When I first learned about the Avocado Margarita, I assumed it was an invention from somewhere in Southern California, maybe even up San Francisco way. I was very wrong. This thicker, greener version of one the most popular cocktails of all time was actually created on the streets of the Lower East Side of New York City.
Bartender Carlos Soto is credited with inventing the Avocado Margarita. Pointing out that the phenomenon and popularity surrounding these drinks is mostly American, it seems apt that his take on the cocktail was created in the United States. You don’t have to travel all the way to the Big Apple to have one. Even if you live in New York City, as long as you have a blender and ripe avocados, you can easily make these home for yourself or when you have friends over.
And with all the avocados we have out here in California, that’s good news.
What is the Best Tequila to Use to Make an Avocado Margarita?
I love a good Blanco, or silver, tequila. Whether it’s for sipping or mixing, a mid-to-top shelf Blanco will be smooth and bright, melding in a perfectly balanced way with whatever else you’re mixing it with. For more complex and robust notes, use a reposado or even an aged anejo tequila. The creaminess of the avocado really balances all the flavors out neatly, so experimenting with different types of tequila will yield some tasty results.
Ingredients
- 1/4 ripe avocado
- 2 ounces high-quality tequila blanco
- 1 ounce orange liquor Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce agave nectar
- A small sprig of fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- A pinch of lime zest plus more for garnish
- Sea salt and cayenne pepper
- 1 thin lime slice for garnish
- Ice cubes made from filtered water
Instructions
- Prep the Glass: On a small plate, mix 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt and the lime zest. Slide a lime wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass (I prefer to use a Margarita glass), then dip the rim into the salt mixture.
- Combine: In a blender, combine the flesh of 1/4 avocado, tequila, agave nectar, lime juice, cilantro, and a speck of cayenne pepper.
- Blend the Margarita: Add about 1/2 cup of ice. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. Add a bit more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Pour the avocado margarita into your prepared glass. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprinkle of lime zest.
FAQs & Tips
While the recipe above calls for Cointreau or triple sec, if you feel you’d like a slightly less boozy version of this cocktail you can skew closer to Soto’s original recipe. Instead of the orange liqueur, add more lime juice, somewhere between two or four ounces, depending on taste. Remember to always to try a little less at first if you’re unsure. Too much could make it very tart-heavy and ruin the overall quality of the drink.
Fill a margarita glass with your Avocado Margarita for a delicious and good looking tipple. Rim your glass with sea salt and sprinkle some lime zest on top. For an extra kick of heat, mix your salt with a little cayenne.
You can make batches or even single servings ahead of time, store them in a Ziplock bag and keep them in the freezer for up to a day or two. Let the freeze wear off a little before serving for a slushier version, or keep them in the fridge until they are completely thawed.
While this cocktail isn’t akin to having a meal in a glass, the amount of calories in each serving, around 352, is a little heavier than most drinks.
The presence of avocado in this drink certainly makes it a healthier option than some other beverages, but my doctor has never told me I should be drinking more of these. With any alcoholic beverage, moderation and mindfulness should always be considered.
Not at all. There are a few more ingredients in this drink than in others, but as long as you follow our recipe your Avocado Margarita will turn out perfect.
Similar Cocktails to the Avocado Margarita
Margaritas are everywhere and there are so many to choose from these days, it seems. If you loved the Avocado Margarita and are craving something similar, but also maybe a little different, Twist & Toast has you covered. Check out a few of the recipes we have to offer here:
- Pink Margarita – You’ve gone green with our Avocado Margarita, but if you want something a little sweeter, go pink!
- Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita – Put a little heat with your sweet with this spicy version of the popular drink.
- Frozen Mango Margarita – A frozen treat that’s both sweet and salty, this margarita is your perfect poolside companion.
- Devil’s Margarita – Don’t let the name scare you off! This tequila version of the New York Sour will put a devious smile on your face.
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