It’s that time of year again—February 22 is National Margarita Day! This “holiday” is celebrated on that date every year since a group of Margarita fans designated the day in honor of the much-loved libation. That’s reason enough to celebrate. And since that date falls on a Wednesday this year, you will no doubt want to also mix it up early over the weekend.
The Margarita is the most common tequila-based cocktail in the United States but that doesn’t mean it has to be old hat. While the classic recipe mixes tequila with lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur, there are countless variations to try.
The folks with Casamigos Tequila, George Clooney and Rande Gerber’s spirit, have provided an array of margarita recipes to celebrate this tequila-filled day. Aside from the classic Casamigos Margarita, the Pineapple Cilantro, Spicy Cucumber and Watermelon Mint Margaritas offer unique twists on the cocktail.
As the National Margarita Day group’s website states: “Friendship, good times and memories of somewhere warmer are all great reasons to enjoy a Margarita.” Okay. Works for me. Let’s once again raise a glass to that!
Pineapple Cilantro Margarita
Makes 1
2 oz. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
1 oz. pineapple juice
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
.5 oz. cane sugar
8 to 10 cilantro leaves
Optional: 1/2 thick rim sugar, cilantro salt (equal parts)
pineapple leaves, for garnish
Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain into rocks glass. Add ice. Garnish with 2 pineapple leaves.
courtesy of Casamigos Tequila
Casamigos Watermelon Mint Margarita
Makes 1
1.5 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.5 oz. cane sugar
4 (1-inch) watermelon chunks
8 to 10 mint leaves
2 dashes Peychauds Bitters
Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. Muddle fruit/herbs. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Fine strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice. Garnish with mint sprig and watermelon chunk on skewer.
Casamigos Margarita
Makes 1
1.5 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.25 oz. fresh orange juice
.5 oz. agave nectar
.5 oz. orange liqueur
Combine all ingredients to iced mixing glass. Shake vigorously for 10 count. Pour all contents into a rocks glass with or without salted rim. Garnish with a lime.
Casamigos Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita
Makes 1
2 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.5 oz. sugarcane syrup
2 cucumber slices
1 jalapeño slice
Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. Muddle fruit/herbs. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Fine strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice. Garnish with jalapeño slice.
