How do you know the summer has arrived? When the Frozen Margarita comes out to play.
When I was a child, and those gloriously hot summer months came around to visit, some of the best and simplest times were had by my friends and I. We had Atari and Nintendo games, plenty of action figures to mess with, and television shows we were almost religiously linked to that kept us entertained. But we also still found plenty of hours in the day to spend outside. Myself and the other Army Brats would cruise around on our ten-speeds while singing the newest Weird Al hit from the top of our lungs, then go swimming at our local pool, followed by hanging out at the post’s little convenience store for Chipwiches, Slurpees and the latest issues of our favorite comic books.
Oddly enough, tonight’s cocktail is a summertime stalwart that owes its existence to the frozen and sweet Slurpee. While the Margarita itself was already an in-demand classic, the frozen version didn’t become a trendy legend until one fateful day in Dallas, Texas.
Mariano Martinez found that the Frozen Margaritas he served at his restaurant couldn’t be whipped up fast enough, and the blenders he needed for that and other drinks were beginning to ask for some time off. Then Martinez walked into a 7-Eleven one day and noticed the constantly churning, and literally chilling Slurpee machines. Purchasing a few of the modern marvels for his own establishment, he was then able to keep up with the demand for the brain-freeze-inducing tequila concoction.
It may not be an official Slurpee, but a Frozen Margarita is truly the next best thing.
What is the best tequila to use in a Frozen Margarita?
As a tequila ages, its flavor and look grow richer. A golden reposado is slightly older and very fine when mixing into cocktails, if you’re looking for a more complex-tasting sip. But for this recipe, a blanco tequila is the better option. Clear in color and peppery in its flavor, the unaged spirit melds nicely with the lime juice and orange liqueur, creating a balanced beverage.
Ingredients
- Salt for rim
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of your glass and dip it into the salt. Set aside for serving.
- In a blender, combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice. Blend on a high setting to your desired consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
You’ll want a large and wide margarita glass for this drink. Chill it in your freezer for an extra cold experience. Take a lime and rub it on the rim, then dip that into some salt. Pour your cocktail in and garnish with a fresh lime wheel.
What orange liqueur is recommended?
Basic bottles of triple sec will always get the job done, especially when you’re making large batches of margaritas for big groups of people. If you’re having a smaller soirée, try using some Cointreau for an elevated take on this recipe. If you crave something with a subtle difference, use Grand Marnier instead, which is a smooth blend of triple sec and brandy.
Margarita variations worth trying
Just about everyone who enjoys a margarita will probably take great pleasure in today’s recipe. But let’s say, for the sake of argument, that one of your friends begins to complain about brain freeze, or sensitive teeth, and puts you on the spot when they ask what else you can give them. Instead of panicking, excuse yourself for a moment and take a look at some of these other ‘Ritas from Twist & Toast.
- Coconut Margarita – Smooth and tropical, this is one summertime favorite you must try.
- Cucumber Margarita – Here’s a cold and crisp version that has a little heat as well.
- Espresso Margarita – A brilliant and biting brunch beverage.
- Blue Margarita – This sweet and salty azure-colored cocktail will soothe as well as satisfy.
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