margaritas

recipes

No Sugar Needed For a Flavorful Frozen Margarita

In Texas, just about every restaurant offers three different ways of serving a margarita: straight up, on the rocks, or frozen.

In Texas, just about every restaurant offers three different ways of serving a margarita: straight up, on the rocks, or frozen. I took this for granted, as when I moved to California, I sadly discovered that most Mexican joints don't offer the slushy form (with a few exceptions — thank heavens for the frozen margarita machine at Tacolicious!). Luckily, I am the proud owner of a blender, so when I'm making Mexican food at home, you better believe I'm pairing it with a frozen margarita.

There's no sugary syrup involved in my recipe, only orange liqueur, lime juice, and blanco tequila. And if you're worried it won't be sweet enough, don't be! This is a smooth, very drinkable cocktail. This recipe will make you feel the effects fast, so even if you think it tastes "weak" after a few sips, remember: that's just because your taste buds may be a bit frozen!

Keep reading for the recipe.

healthy recipes

To Your Health: Grapefruit, Green Tea, and Basil Margarita!

On the rocks or frozen — no matter how you like yours, it's time to celebrate National Margarita Day!

On the rocks or frozen — no matter how you like yours, it's time to celebrate National Margarita Day! But skip the triple sec and salted rim by opting for a cocktail chock-full of antioxidants: the right mixers can actually boost your health. Watch as nutritionist Cynthia Sass mixes up a healthful margarita featuring green tea, citrus juices, and basil. Cheers!

healthy living

Happy Hour in the Garden: Kale-Ginger Margarita

I start almost every morning with this nutrient-rich recipe for green detox juice, so why not end my week with a sauced-up version?

I start almost every morning with this nutrient-rich recipe for green detox juice, so why not end my week with a sauced-up version? Since tequila pairs nicely with other green goodness like cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno, it seems the fitting spirit to mix with fresh-pressed kale and ginger juice. The kale gives the drink a clean and subtle vegetal taste, but the ginger and agave syrup balance it out with a sweet and spicy kick.

Ready to healthify your happy hour? Read on for the kale-ginger margarita recipe.

Adapted from The Wayland NYC

Kale-Ginger Margarita

Kale-Ginger Margarita

Ingredients

Ice
1.5 ounces 100-percent agave blanco tequila
1.5 ounces fresh-pressed kale-ginger juice
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon agave syrup
Candied ginger, for garnish

Directions

To make this cocktail, you'll need a juicer. If you don't have a juicer, pick up fresh kale and ginger juice at a natural foods market or juice bar. To make the kale-ginger juice, use a 3-inch piece of ginger to one kale bunch.

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with candied ginger.

Makes 1 drink

happy hour

Happy Hour: Blood Orange Sorbet Margarita

San Francisco has seen some of its warmest days this year in the past week.

San Francisco has seen some of its warmest days this year in the past week. And in what I'd like to call exceptional timing, a rather generous shipment of gelato arrived at my doorstep. It was as though some frozen dessert fairy godmother heeded my call for a bracing heat-quencher.

I could've simply dug in with a spoon, but my happy hour spirit got the best of me. I took Ciao Bella's advice and made a slushy margarita with the blood-red sorbet. It hit the Indian Summer spot this week, but I'll be serving it punch-bowl style for Halloween next week as well. For a fun twist on the classic margarita, read more.

margaritas

Are You Wasting Away in Margaritaville?

Yesterday marked National Tequila Day.


Yesterday marked National Tequila Day. We hope you celebrated appropriately, but who says that the tequila consumption needs to stop now? It's Summer! Whether it's the original or a twist on the classic, now is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious, boozy treat. Do you know the history of the machine that gave Jimmy Buffett the inspiration to his iconic lyrics: "There's booze in the blender / and soon it will render / that frozen concoction that helps me hang on?" Take our quiz to find out your knowledge of margarita madness!

Take the Quiz
recipes

Happy Hour: Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

This strawberry season, the Yum team's had a major obsession with cocktails made from the fruit.

This strawberry season, the Yum team's had a major obsession with cocktails made from the fruit. So when Katie recently shared a recipe for her favorite strawberry margarita, I felt a sudden, burning desire to feature mine.

Call me cheesy, but on Summer's hottest days, I can't resist the allure of a blended, fruity drink. This margarita, which is made with the classic elements (lime, agave, orange liqueur), fresh strawberries, and plenty of ice, totally hits the spot. The secret ingredient is añejo tequila — it imbues the cocktail with a smoother, more subtle flavor.

Ready for my fav strawberry margarita? Then keep reading.

Quiz

What Do You Know About the Margarita?

Still rebounding from the idea of getting back on track after a three-day weekend?

Still rebounding from the idea of getting back on track after a three-day weekend? Well, here's something to look forward to on a Tuesday: today's National Margarita Day! Naturally, a day that celebrates one of America's most beloved drinks deserves a fun pop quiz! How much do you know about the lime and tequila libation? Find out now — then, if you're feeling a little thirsty, help yourself to one of these refreshing cocktails!

Take the Quiz
recipes

Happy Hour: Tommy's-Style Margarita

I've long heard about the legendary margarita style created at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, but it wasn't until the Sugar four-year anniversary party that I had a chance to try a version, crafted by San Francisco cocktail catering company Rye on the Road.

I've long heard about the legendary margarita style created at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, but it wasn't until the Sugar four-year anniversary party that I had a chance to try a version, crafted by San Francisco cocktail catering company Rye on the Road. Ever since, I've been obsessed and refuse to drink one any other way.

If it's not made right, the classic margarita will leave me with sugar-coated teeth and strong booze breath. But this isn't the case with the Tommy's version; rather than using a syrupy orange liqueur, it calls for all-natural (and health-conscious) agave nectar.

The key to making this perfectly is to use the best ingredients possible, from the freshest limes to top-notch reposado, or "rested," tequila. You'll find yourself going back for seconds for a tipple that's refreshing, light-bodied, and balanced. Try something new when you read more.

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: My 29th Birthday — Drinks

There's one spirit that always gets a party started, and for my Mexican-inspired birthday dinner, I'm turning to tequila.


There's one spirit that always gets a party started, and for my Mexican-inspired birthday dinner, I'm turning to tequila. Yes, it's a dangerous idea, but I only turn 29 once! I'll have plenty of beer on ice and I'm also making these cool frozen margaritas.

The key ingredient is a scoop of lime sorbet that melts with the tequila. It's easier than mixing classic margaritas all night and I won't have to worry about juicing a million limes — perfect! To check out the recipe I plan on using, keep reading.