Love Margaritas? Here Are 12 Delicious Ways to Make Them!

Can you think of a better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with an icy cold, homemade margarita? No, me neither, and that’s exactly why I’ve created this collection of 12 of my favorite margarita variations! The classic is my go-to cocktail, and I’ve absolutely loved the process of trying and testing out these creative spins on everyone’s favorite tequila drink. It’s been tough work, but someone had to do it.

Whether you’re looking for a frozen and fruity version, you fancy incorporating coconut for a tropical vibe, you want to try out watermelon for the ultimate poolside tipple, or you’re just looking for some creative inspiration to shake up your at-home happy hour, you’ll find exactly what you need right here.

These drinks are perfect for summer entertaining, barbecues, Cinco de Mayo, and those times when you want to take Taco Tuesday to new heights. (I hosted my own margarita bar party when I was testing these recipes, and I had 4 friends over to sample them all – it was a LOT of fun, and I highly recommend hosting your own margarita party – FYI, the crowd favourites were the spicy and peach versions, whereas the avocado and cilantro version very much divided option!) Try these out, and let me know your own personal favorite…

(By the way, if you love margaritas, I highly recommend making a batch of homemade Tajin chili lime seasoning to salt your rims. It’s super easy and it really takes your drinks to the next level!)

1. Spicy Margarita

If you love a little kick of heat with your citrus, this one is for you. The perfect balance of smooth tequila, fresh lime, a touch of sweetness, and a spicy jalapeño kick, this margarita is bold, refreshing, and just the right amount of fiery. A Tajín-rimmed glass adds an extra punch of flavor, making this the ultimate summer cocktail for those who like it hot. If I had to decide between this one and the classic margarita, it would be a very close call!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

3 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
2-3 slices fresh jalapeño (adjust to taste)
1-2 dashes hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Tajín or chili salt, for rim
Ice cubes
Lime wedges, for garnish
Jalapeño slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into a plate of Tajín or chili salt to coat.

2. Make the Margarita: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce (if using). Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and infuse the jalapeño flavor.

3. Serve: Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses.

4. Garnish & Enjoy: Add a lime wedge and slices of jalapeño to each glass for garnish. Sip and savor!

2. Frozen Mango Margarita

This Frozen Mango Margarita is sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for hot summer days when you need a cool, tropical escape! Made with frozen mango, fresh lime, tequila, and a touch of sweetness, it blends into a smooth, slushy drink that’s dangerously easy to sip. Rim your glass with Tajín or salt for an extra punch of flavor!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen mango chunks
1 cup ice cubes
½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Lime wedges, for garnish
Tajín seasoning or coarse salt, for rimming (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into Tajín or salt to coat, if desired.

2. Blend the Margarita: In a blender, combine frozen mango, ice cubes, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup. Blend until smooth and slushy. Taste and adjust sweetness with more agave if needed.

3. Serve & Garnish: Pour the frozen margarita into the prepared glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge.

3. Coconut Margarita

A Coconut Margarita takes everything you love about a classic marg and gives it a smooth, tropical twist. The coconut brings just enough creaminess without overpowering the bright citrus and tequila, and when paired with a toasted coconut rim? Trust me, it’s next level! If you like Piña Coladas but don’t want to stray too far from a margarita, this one’s for you.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup coconut cream (not coconut milk)
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cup ice
Toasted coconut flakes & coarse salt, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into a mix of toasted coconut flakes and salt for an extra flavor boost.

2. Blend the Margarita: In a blender, combine tequila, coconut cream, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Serve & Garnish: Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge.

4. Avocado & Cilantro Margarita

Okay, so hear me out on this one! When I found out that this margarita was a cult classic at Epcot, I had to find a way to recreate it at home. It definitely divides option – I absolutely love it, and my husband hates it! – but if you love a vibrant, savory cocktail and all the flavors of guacamole, you definitely have to try this. It’s so good served with Mexican food!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ medium ripe avocado
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
½ cup ice
Coarse salt or Tajín, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedges & cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or Tajín for extra flavor.

2. Blend the Margarita: In a blender, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, avocado, cilantro, agave syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Serve & Garnish: Pour into prepared glasses. I like to add extra ice at this stage for extra chill, but that’s totally optional. Garnish with a lime wedge and cilantro sprig.

5. Peach Margarita

A Peach Margarita is what happens when sweet, juicy peaches meet the bright, citrusy kick of a classic margarita. It’s smooth, refreshing, and just the right amount of fruity without being overly sweet. Made with fresh peach purée (because store-bought syrup won’t do it justice), this margarita is perfect for summer sipping, BBQs, or whenever you fancy something a little different.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup fresh peach purée (about 1 large peach, blended)
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Peach slices & lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar for a classic touch.

2. Mix the Margarita: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, peach purée, and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve & Garnish: Fill glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita over the ice. Garnish with peach slices and a lime wedge.

6. Watermelon Margarita

A Watermelon Margarita is the definition of summer in a glass! Light, refreshing, and naturally sweet, this margarita lets fresh watermelon shine while keeping things balanced with lime juice, tequila, and just a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of cocktail that goes down easy at BBQs, pool parties, or any hot summer afternoon. The watermelon garnish gives it seriously tropical vibes!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup fresh watermelon, blended and strained
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Coarse salt or Tajín, for rimming (optional)
Watermelon wedges & lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or Tajín for a flavorful rim.

2. Mix the Margarita: Blend fresh watermelon until smooth, then strain to remove pulp. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, watermelon juice, and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve & Garnish: Fill glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita over the ice. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and lime wedge.

7. Pineapple Margarita

A Pineapple Margarita is the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and tropical. Fresh pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and a little tang, while tequila and lime keep it grounded in margarita territory. Whether you’re grilling, lounging by the pool, or just craving a little sunshine in a glass, this one delivers!

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup fresh pineapple juice
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Tajín or coarse salt, for rimming (optional)
Pineapple wedges & lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into Tajín or salt for extra flavor.

2. Mix the Margarita: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve & Garnish: Fill glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita over the ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime wedge.

8. Margarita Spritz

Lighter, bubblier, and just as refreshing, the Margarita Spritz is what happens when a classic margarita meets a spritz. It has all the bright, citrusy flavors of a traditional margarita, but with the added lift of sparkling wine or club soda.This is the drink for when you want something effortlessly sippable, perfect for long summer afternoons, brunches, or any time you want a little fizz in your cocktail.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
½ cup sparkling wine or club soda
Ice
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Lime wheels, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar for a classic finish.

2. Mix the Base: Fill a cocktail shaker with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Add the Bubbles: Strain the margarita into two ice-filled glasses. Top with sparkling wine or club soda for a bubbly finish.

4. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a lime wheel. Serve immediately and enjoy!

9. Cherry Lime Margarita

Bold, tart, and just the right amount of sweet, this Cherry Lime Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic. The richness of cherries pairs perfectly with zesty lime and smooth tequila, making this an easy go-to for summer sipping, backyard BBQs, or anytime you want a margarita with a little extra depth and a vibrant pop of color.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup fresh cherry juice (or muddled cherries, strained)
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedges & fresh cherries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar.

2. Mix the Margarita: If using fresh cherries, muddle them in a shaker and strain out the juice. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, cherry juice, and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve & Garnish: Fill glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cherries.

10. Blackberry Margarita

This Blackberry Margarita brings a bold, juicy twist to the classic! Fresh blackberries add a deep, slightly tart sweetness that pairs wonderfully with zesty lime, smooth tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur. It’s refreshing, slightly jammy, and exactly what you want in your glass on a warm summer evening.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup fresh blackberries
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedges & fresh blackberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar for a classic finish.

2. Mix the Margarita: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries and lime juice until the berries release their juices. Add tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain & Serve: Fill glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita over the ice.

4. Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh blackberries. Serve immediately.

11. Strawberry Margarita

Fresh, juicy strawberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to this one, while lime and tequila keep things balanced. No artificial syrups, no shortcuts—just real ingredients blended into a smooth, refreshing cocktail that works just as well on the rocks as it does frozen.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (or frozen for a slushier texture)
½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1-2 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cup ice (omit if using frozen strawberries)
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Lime wedges & strawberry slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar for a classic finish.

2. Blend the Margarita: In a blender, combine strawberries, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness with more agave if needed.

3. Serve & Garnish: Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh strawberry.

12. Aperol Margarita

If you love a classic margarita but want a bold, bittersweet twist, the Aperol Margarita is for you. Aperol’s citrusy, slightly bitter notes pair so beautifully with smooth tequila, fresh lime, and a hint of orange liqueur, creating a cocktail that’s both bright and refreshing, with just the right amount of complexity. It’s the perfect summer sipper that bridges the gap between an Aperol Spritz and a margarita.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

½ cup silver tequila
¼ cup Aperol
¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming (optional)
Orange slices or lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into salt or sugar.

2. Mix the Margarita: Fill a cocktail shaker with tequila, Aperol, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Serve & Garnish: Strain the margarita into two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with an orange slice or lime wedge.

I had so much fun developing and testing these margarita variations, and I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts – I love hearing about the drinks you’ll be creating at home.