Beer Margarita

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Combine the refreshment of an ice-cold beer with the tequila and lime flavors of a classic cocktail to make this memorable mash-up, the Beer Margarita.

My tuxedo had arrived from the tailor. Costing over two thousand smackaroos, I was almost afraid to slip it on. Should I just rent one from Sears and tell everybody I’m wearing Anthony Sinclair, courtesy of Savile Row? Nah. I spent the money, it’s time to make an entrance.

The casino here on the French Riviera dripped with gold and all manner of glitterati. Everybody sparkled as they flashed their Cartier and other items of high couture. They all smelled amazing too, probably the biggest giveaway of fortune and glory. I myself carried a certain semi-successful bouquet, as my Jus D’Amour turned heads wherever I walked. Hopefully in the best of ways. I could only assume my cologne was working properly, since nobody ran away covering their mouths. At least not yet.

I strode up to the bar, where the mixologist awaited with a smile. They assumed I was going to order a Vesper Martini, and even began to chill a coupe for me. But I silently shook my head, smirking slightly and wiggling my finger to signal they needed to wait. I leaned in and whispered my order, which was met by a wide-eyed stare. My guess was that the request was a little left of field.

Moments later, I was handed a large, long-stemmed goblet, filled with a golden mixture of tequila, limeade and lager, all over ice. People began to notice, and soon I was inundated with questions and curious minds, all inquiring what I was imbibing.

I cocked an eyebrow and simply said, “Margarita. Beer Margarita.”

What Is The Best Beer To Use In A Beer Margarita?

For this particular mixture, I’d recommend going for a softer beer, such as an Amstel Light, Heineken Light… Any light beer you enjoy, in fact. Kona, Beck’s or Blue Moon make fantastic low-calorie suds, but shop around to discover even more that you might not know about. Look into local breweries too, to support your local businesses and communities.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Line the rim of a large margarita glass with salt, then fill it with ice and add your drink to it. Garnish with a lime wedge and you’re ready to party.

WHAT IS A CORONA-RITA?

I used to get these all the time at Dave and Buster’s, the popular arcade/restaurant chain. Basically, it’s a classic Margarita, but with a bottle of Corona beer placed into it, upside down. As you sip the cocktail from a straw, the Corona dispenses itself throughout the glass, adding a little bubbly bite to each sip.

Other Beer Cocktails Worth Trying

When you want a cocktail that’s less of a sipping drink, and more of a gulper, some beer-based libations might be what you’re looking for. There’s more of them than you might realize, too. If you’re curious, but also unsure of where to start looking, check out these recipes from Twist & Toast to help get you going.

• Summer Beer – Vodka, lemonade and beer make the perfect summertime beverage.
• Shandy Beer – One of my all-time favorite drinks to have on a hot and sunny day.
• Beer Paloma – The grapefruit-flavored classic gets a sudsy makeover.
• Tequila and Beer – Another ‘Rita-like lager-based elixir, both potent and thirst-quenching.