Go pink with your Margarita! This cocktail is a sweet variation on your Mexican favorite, blending tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, with a splash of grenadine.
When Carlos “Danny” Herrera or Margarita Sames first concocted the Margarita (the jury is still out on who the responsible party is), did they ever imagine it would grow to such fame that it would inspire a pink version? What started out as a humble mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur has become a behemoth in the world of mixology and is an icon of Mexico.
The taste, however, isn’t for anyone, what with the lime’s tartness and that rim of salt. It’s one beverage that can actually make you thirstier by drinking it. That’s why God created grenadine. You may remember it as that special ingredient in a Shirley Temple you so savored as a child. These days, the syrup—derived from pomegranate—features in more adult fare, though it still gives the drinks a fun pink makeover. An example? A Pink Margarita, a sweeter version of the Mexican classic that may appeal to those who recoil from a sip of the original cocktail.
What’s the Difference Between a Daisy and a Margarita?
Did you know “margarita” means “daisy” in Spanish? If you did, then you won’t be shocked to learn there’s very little that separates the two cocktails. Both are made with citrus juice, an orange liqueur like triple sec, curacao, or Cointreau, and a sugar syrup. The biggest difference, however, is the base spirit. Margaritas are made with tequila while the daisy can be made with gin, bourbon, or rum. The latter can also feature grenadine, making it significantly sweeter than the margarita. In light of all this overlap, you can see why a Tequila Daisy can also be thought of as a Pink Margarita.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make a Pink Margarita?
First, let’s discuss the tequila. While there are a few different kinds of tequila, I recommend a silver/blanco. It is young, which is a good thing. It means it hasn’t developed too distinct a flavor and so, won’t overpower the drink’s other ingredients. Other tequilas, like a reposado or anejo, have spent some time in oak barrels. Not only has this influenced its color (which you may want to avoid when making a pink drink), the agave will be more than noticeable.
As for the orange liqueur, the Pink Margarita is usually made with a triple sec, but if you want to elevate the quality of your drink, use a premium triple sec like Cointreau, or Grand Marnier, which mixes orange with Cognac.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz. silver tequila
- 1 oz. orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec
- 2 oz. lime Juice about 2 limes
- 1 tbsp organic agave syrup
- 1 tsp grenadine
- salt for the rim
- ice cubes
- lime wheel (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Take a lime wedge and slide it around the rim of your glass to moisten it. Spread a pinch of salt on a flat plate. Dip your glass rim into the salt.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave syrup, and grenadine.
- Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds.
- Fill your prepped glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish and enjoy!
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Margarita Variations
Virgin Pink Margarita: Drop the tequila and the orange liqueur and replace with a mix of pink grapefruit and cranberry juices. Gone is the alcohol, still present is the tartness and beautiful rose color.
- Blue Margarita: Prefer a margarita of a different color? Use blue curacao and drop the grenadine.
- Frozen Mango Margarita: Ice cold (literally) and features the sweetness that is mango.
- Italian Margarita: A margarita with an Italian accent! Replace the orange liqueur with amaretto.
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