A tart take on the classic cocktail, the Devil’s Margarita invites some mischievous red wine to the party.
I was still staying on the shore off the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas. My adventures brought me here, and where they’ll bring me next, I haven’t a clue. Tonight though, I find myself back in front of the mysterious and seemingly abandoned bar I was at the day before. The flavor and heat from the Spicy Margarita I was served here the night before still hung on my lips. Was it a dream? No light or sound came from the creaky beachside building, its lines all askew and out of square. Maybe I did dream the whole thing…
The warm and yellow lights inside the bar subtly came on, pouring out of the foggy windows. I could hear the jukebox come to life as well, playing another Rolling Stones song… This time it was “Dancing With Mr. D”. Not ominous at all.
As I walked in, two things leapt through my mind grapes, leaving a scattered trail of splattered memory juices in their wake. One, the bar was still empty. Two, the light seemed lower, darker, red. The bartender wasn’t the same as before. This one was taller, gaunt and had a toothy, sinister smile that never left their lips. The impeccable white linen suit they were wearing after Labor Day was just as disconcerting.
Before them on the bar were two drinks, both in large Margarita goblets. And they were obviously for me. The barkeep spoke in a melodious and sumptuous tone.
“In one of these glasses is a Devil’s Margarita, and will satisfy whatever cravings you may have. In the other is-“
I didn’t wait. I’d seen this movie before. Following my gut, I grabbed one of the glasses and drank it down. The bartender’s face dropped as they ducked behind the bar.
The belch came on like an explosion, and a pillar of flame erupted from my mouth, launching me through the ceiling and into the sky, past the clouds and toward the stars. As the velocity increased, I blacked out, just as the air turned into what felt like a freezing wall of ice.
When I awoke, I was on the beach. The sun was shining and my head was pounding. How far into the sky did I fly? And how long was I out?
A telephone rang with a startling sound. I looked down on the sand, and there was my smartphone, with an unknown caller trying to reach me. I answered. On the other end was the thick voice of the barkeep. “Hellllllllllllo.”
“What happened?” I asked. “How’d I end up outside on the beach?”
“You ended up in Hawaii, actually. Oneloa Beach to be exact.”
“Where?! What was in that drink?? I thought a Devil’s Margarita was tequila, lime juice and red wine?”
“It is. But you drank the other glass. That had jet fuel in it.”
“Jet fuel?? What’s the matter with you?! I could’ve died or landed in Orange County!”
There was a long pause, followed by a bored yawn. “I’m the Devil.”
They hung up.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Devil’s Margarita?
Like most Margaritas, I recommend that you use a blanco tequila, which is clear with peppery and earthy, grassy notes. This will mix nicely, flavor-wise, with the red wine float, and make the layered look appear extra vibrant with the contrasting colors. For the wine, get with a merlot or cabernet sauvignon. The deep red topper will bleed into the slightly murky mixture of tequila, simple syrup and lime juice for an inviting and somewhat sinister look.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila preferably silver
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce red wine cabernet sauvignon or a similar full-bodied red wine works best
- Lime slice for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well combined.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Slowly pour the red wine in over the back of a spoon held just above the drink's surface so it floats to form a layer at the top. Garnish with a lime slice.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Use a chilled coupe, and garnish with a fresh lime wheel. Don’t place any salt on the rim for this Margarita variant, as it will clash with the wine.
CAN THIS COCKTAIL BE SERVED ON THE ROCKS?
This cocktail is best served up, without ice, so the wine float and layered look is maintained, and the drink does not get diluted.
Devil’s Margarita Variations
There are Margaritas, and then there are Devil’s Margaritas. And if that tickled your taste buds in all the right ways, check some of these lovely ‘Ritas out and give them a spin this weekend. Then explore even more Margarita recipes right here at Twist & Toast.
- Classic Margarita – Tequila, fresh lime, and triple sec combine in this timeless classic.
- New York Sour – The traditional Whiskey Sour, enhanced with a float of red wine.
- Tommy’s Margarita – Swap the simple syrup for agave nectar in this rich version of the famous cocktail.
- Mezcal Margarita – Add a smoky mezcal instead of tequila for a cool variation.
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