Surf, sun and fun all come together in this popular take on the traditional summer cocktail!
While the exact details of the Blue Margarita’s origins are shrouded in mystery, it is generally known to have first appeared in Southern California during the Tiki craze of the early 1960s. Its ocean-like looks and salty-sweet taste were the perfect companion to the sounds of surf guitar, all under the flickering glow of tiki lights and the approving gaze of ancient tiki idols.
During my summers home from college, I’d sometimes spend the early part of the day (before the crowds came in) at the local seafood restaurant, eating lobster tail and drinking tall Blue Margaritas, dreaming of California and the Pacific Ocean. When I moved to Los Angeles, that cocktail was one of the first things I had getting off the plane.
The original Margarita, created in Mexico in 1948 during a Christmas party by Margaret Sames, is traditionally made with tequila, lime and triple sec, while this variation switches out the triple sec for Blue Curacao. It’s not just the color that’s different.
Is it just the color that’s different from the original?
Blue Curacao not only gives the Blue Margarita its vibrant, aquatic color and namesake, it also adds a sweeter and slightly bitter citrus taste, because it is an orange liqueur. You can keep the triple sec from the original version if you like, blending both recipes together.
And if you want to make sure you know how to make the perfect classic Margarita before tackling this one, Twist and Toast has you covered! Check out our recipe here: How to Make a Perfect Margarita.
What is the Best Tequila to Use?
Silver tequila, sometimes called Blanco, is the ideal spirit for this cocktail. It easily carries the flavors of curacao and lime, keeping everything together, bright and not too sweet. When it’s a hot summer day and you’re ready to mix some of these up, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Patron or Don Julio; you might even want to try Patron’s Reposado 100% agave tequila for some extra excitement and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce blue Curacao liqueur
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Salt for the rim optional
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- If you’d like, salt the rim of your glass by running a lime wedge around the edge and then dipping it into a plate of salt.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, blue Curacao, and lime juice over ice. Shake well until mixed.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. You can serve it over ice if preferred. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
For a drink as good looking as the Blue Margarita, you’ll want a nice, long-stemmed coupe or martini goblet. Chill your glasses in the freezer 10-to-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve. A chilled glass will also let the salt stick to its rim more easily.
Since it’s a popular drink at gatherings during the hot summer months, it is a good idea to prepare a large amount ahead of your get-togethers. Depending on how many people you’re going to be serving, adjust this recipe accordingly and make a lot of space in the refrigerator… but don’t make them too far out as they won’t taste as fresh past a week. A day or two is ideal.
177 calories. As with anything delicious we treat ourselves to, let’s make sure we don’t overdo it. You’ll be much happier in the morning.
A blender! Instead of shaking the drink in a cocktail shaker and serving it on the rocks, take those ice cubes along with the other ingredients, put them into a blender and pulse mix until it’s nice and smooth and blue.
Hmmm… I suggest that when you’re done catching waves for the day, then that’d be a good time to sip on some ice-cold Blue Margaritas.
Blue Margarita Variations
If margaritas of any variety are your thing, then Twist and Toast has you covered! We have several different recipes for you to try out, with even more to come! Check out a few of them below:
- Watermelon Margarita – Watermelon is a cocktail favorite for summertime drinks, check out our version here: Watermelon Margarita Recipe
- The Tommy’s Margarita – Be sure to try this delicious version of the margarita, created in 1990s San Francisco: The Tommy’s Margarita (Delicious Variation!)
- Texas Margarita – Yee-haw, cowpokes! Saddle up for the Lone Star State’s take on this classic: Texas Margarita
There’s more to try, so make sure you keep checking out the recipes at Twist and Toast!
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