If you love classic margaritas but want to try something new, this frozen smoky margarita just might be what you need. This recipe blends traditional margarita ingredients with smoky flavors, adding complexity and depth.
These smoky frozen margaritas are incredibly refreshing and so easy to make! In this guide, we will discuss how to prepare a smoked margarita, how to select the right tequila and provide alternative ingredients for non-tequila drinkers. I’ve also included some delicious food pairings to complement your menu.
Don’t own a smoker? Try these options instead
- Mezcal: If you don’t have a smoke gun, smoker, or pellet grill, you can use a smoky-flavored tequila like Mezcal. While it might not have the same depth of smokiness, it is an excellent alternative.
- Flavor enhancement: Coat the rim of the margarita glass with smoked salt. Or, add a dash of smoked paprika, chili powder, or sliced jalapeño to the cocktail.
Tequila Recommendations
One of the key ingredients for a smoked margarita is tequila, so it’s important to choose a high-quality variety. Here are some recommendations:
- Tequila Ocho Plata: This tequila is made from 100% blue agave and has a clean, bright flavor that holds up well to smoke.
- Casamigos Blanco Tequila: This tequila is slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla.
- Don Julio Blanco Tequila: This drink has a clean herbal note that adds depth to smoked cocktails.
- Others: Patron Roca Silver and Espolòn Blanco,
Frozen Smoky Margarita Ingredients
- Tequila (Blanco)
- Fresh lime juice
- Triple sec
- Agave nectar
- Fresh ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
- For salt rim (use cane sugar if preferred)
- 1 bottle of tequila
- 1 cup of wood chips (hickory, pecan, oak or cherry)
How to smoke tequila
- Prep the smoker: Add the wood chips to a smoker or smoking box and heat until the chips start to smoke.
- Smoke the tequila: Pour the tequila into a heat-safe container (drip pan or aluminum pan) and place it in the smoker. Close the lid and let the tequila smoke for about 30-40 minutes.
- Strain and cool: Once the tequila is smoked to your desired level, remove it from the smoker and strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any potential debris. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before enjoying its smoky flavor.
How to make a blended margarita
- Apply a little fresh lime juice and salt to the glass rim.
- Combine the smoked tequila, lime juice, triple sec, agave nectar, and ice in a blender.
- Blend the mixture until it is smooth and frothy.
- Pour the blended margarita into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy your perfect margarita!
Food to pair with smoked margaritas
This frozen cocktail pairs well with spicy, grilled, or smoked dishes. It is the perfect summertime cocktail to serve alongside grilled steaks and seafood, Mexican and Tex-Mex-inspired dishes, or appetizers. Serve this smoky margarita at your next cookout, beach party, or Cinco de Mayo celebration.
- 4 ounces smoked tequila see instructions below
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 1- ounce agave nectar
- 2 cups ice
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Salt for rimming the glasses use cane sugar if preferred
- For the Smoked Tequila:
- 1 25-ouncer bottle of tequila (blanco)
- 1 cup of wood chips hickory, pecan, or cherry
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To smoke the tequila, add the wood chips to a smoker or smoking box and heat until the chips start to smoke.
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Pour the tequila into a heat-safe container and place it in the smoker. Close the lid and let the tequila smoke for about 30-35 minutes.
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Once the tequila is smoked to your desired level, remove it from the smoker and strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any potential debris. Let it sit for 15 minutes before use.
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For the Blended Margarita:
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Rim the edge of a glass with a little fresh lime juice and salt.
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Combine the smoked tequila, lime juice, triple sec, agave nectar, and ice in a blender.
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Blend until smooth and frothy.
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Pour the blended margarita into the prepared glass.
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Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy, and repeat.
Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg
