Ah, the classic margarita. Is there a drink more perfectly suited to the season?
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, commandeering the grill, or trading tales of whose theme park visit was the sweatiest of all over a plate of tacos, it’s the ultimate summer accessory. Frozen or on the rocks, we hold this truth to be self-evident: the margarita is almost universally beloved.
In its traditional form—tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, salt rim—it does something very few cocktails ever achieve. The simple margarita unites all our taste buds in one boozy zeitgeist of the season: salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. Notes of bright citrus piercing through a sky of tequila with pops of salt on the tongue—it’s basically summer in a glass.
In that spirit, we tapped bartenders from some of our fave local spots for their favorite make-at-home margarita recipes. While you can always opt to whip up a tried-and- true traditional marg, these four recipes offer a unique riff on the classic, adding seasonal fruit, spice, and intrigue to your glass. Bottoms up—and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Mexican Firing Squad
“First documented by cocktail historian Charles H. Baker in ‘The Gentleman’s Companion Vol. II,’ The Mexican Firing Squad was discovered at La Cucaracha Bar in Mexico City circa 1937, about the same time as the emergence of the margarita cocktail. The Mexican Firing Squad cocktail has a similar framework to the margarita. The addition of grenadine and Angostura Bitters add a slightly fruity yet aromatic twist. This cocktail is a great summer sipper that stands out from the crowd with its bright pink hue.” —Seth Weinberg, Head Bartender, Bourbon Steak Nashville
(201 8th Ave. S., 34th flr., 629-208-8440; nashvillebourbonsteak.com)
- 2 ounces La Adelita Blanco Tequila
- 3⁄4 ounce lime juice
- 3⁄4 ounce grenadine syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish: lime wheel and Mexican skull pick
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel. Mexican skull pick optional (can be found on Amazon).
BOURBON STEAK NASHVILLE/LISA DIEDERICH PHOTOGRAPHY.
Return to Summer
“Summer is about simplicity and enjoying the abundance of fresh produce Mother Nature provides. Seasonality, location, and accessibility can all change the flavor profiles of your cocktails. Don’t be afraid to add more or less of an ingredient if you’re making drinks at home. Cocktails are all about preference, and recipes are more like guidelines. If you have fresh herbs available, feel free to throw a nice bouquet on top to deliver natural aromatics every time you dip your nose in the glass.” —Don Hernandez, Director of Food & Beverage, The Chestnut at BentoLiving
(321 Hart St., 6129-231-4001; livebento.com)
- 1 1⁄2 ounces Teramana Tequila Blanco 1⁄2 ounce Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur 1⁄2 ounce Liqueur 43
- 3⁄4 ounce agave syrup
- 3⁄4 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce watermelon juice Pinch of salt
Garnish: watermelon wedge
Pour all ingredients into a shaker, add ice, and shake hard.
Pour diluted mixture into a highball glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a small watermelon wedge on top.
THE CHESTNUT AT BENTOLIVING.
Spicy Mango Rita
“Our Spicy Mango Rita’s unique twist on the traditional margarita represents the heart and soul of this lively urban hotel in Music City. It has a great blend of flavors including Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whiskey along with 1800 Reposado Tequila, mango, and our house margarita blend. The habanero from the whiskey gives a good smoky spice flavor making the drink super unique and well balanced.” —Kim Basnight, Lead Bartender, Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
(425 Rep. John Lewis Way S., 615-986-9300; margaritavilleresorts.com)
- 1 1⁄2 ounces 1800 Reposado Tequila
- 3⁄4 ounce Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whiskey
- 3 1⁄2 ounces Lemon-X Golden Margarita Mix with Agave Garnishes: salt, lime wedge, jalapeño, mango pieces
Fill a cup to the top with ice.
Add all ingredients except for garnishes to the cup.
Cover with mixing tin and shake.
Serve in a short glass with salted rim and garnish with lime wedge, jalapeño, and mango pieces.
MARGARITAVILLE HOTEL NASHVILLE.
Spiced Watermelon
“Our Spiced Watermelon cocktail is inspired by a classic margarita, but the watermelon adds a refreshing twist. The jalapeño packs a punch and prevents the cocktail from being too sweet.” —Melissa Laskin, General Manager, STK Steakhouse
(700 12th Ave S., 615-619-3500; stksteakhouse.com)
- 1 1⁄2 ounces Patron Silver
- 3⁄4 ounce St. Germain
- 1 1⁄2 ounces watermelon puree or WTR 1⁄2 ounce lime juice
- 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 slice jalapeño
Garnish: watermelon triangle
In a mixing tin, add all the ingredients. Do not muddle the jalapeno.
Add ice and shake.
Rim half the martini glass with tajin salt.
Strain into the martini glass and add a watermelon triangle as the garnish.
STK STEAKHOUSE.