Cowboy Margarita
A fun twist on the classic margarita with orange juice, jalapeño pepper, and beer.
Serves1
Prep5 minutes
I enjoy a good margarita most days, but sometimes I like to mix it up. Recently I went off the cuff and developed my version of a cowboy margarita. By adding fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of the traditional orange liqueur, thin slices of jalapeño pepper, and a splash of beer, it’s a fun twist on the classic. It’s citrusy, perfectly sweet, and super refreshing (thanks to the beer’s effervescence) with a slight kick. My cowboy margarita is sure to be a hit with everyone, whether they’re a margarita fan or not.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s unlike any margarita you’ve ever had. The addition of orange juice, jalapeño, and beer take this twist on a margarita to the next level.
- You can make it as spicy (or not) as you want. Depending on my mood, I’ll add one or two slices of jalapeño to the cocktail shaker for a little heat. Other times, I’ll leave it out completely — it’s totally up to you.
Key Ingredients in a Cowboy Margarita
- Fresh citrus juice: Adding freshly squeezed orange juice, along with the classic lime juice, adds sweetness and depth to this fun cocktail.
- Jalapeño pepper (optional): Add a kick to the drink if that’s your thing. You can always add less or more to your taste.
- Blanco tequila: I stick with blanco (or silver) tequila here, which is favored for its smoothness.
- Sweetener: A bit of extra sweetener, in the form of agave nectar or simple syrup, helps balance the citrus juice and beer.
- Beer: We tested this recipe with three types: a light beer, a wheat beer, and an IPA, and found that all of these would be delicious here. I recommend avoiding a dark beer like a stout, which may overwhelm the delicate flavors of this drink.
Cowboy Margarita Recipe
A fun twist on the classic margarita with orange juice, jalapeño pepper, and beer.
Prep time 5 minutes
Serves 1
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons
Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/2
medium orange
Ice
- 1/2
medium jalapeño pepper (optional)
- 1/2
medium lime
- 1 1/2 ounces
blanco or silver tequila
- 1/2 ounces
agave nectar or simple syrup
Beer
Instructions
Spread 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt in an even layer on a small flat plate. Cut 1 thin half-moon orange slice from 1/2 medium orange. Run the orange slice over the rim of an old-fashioned or margarita glass to moisten; reserve the slice for garnish. Invert the glass into the salt, turning it as needed, to coat the rim. Fill the glass with ice.
Cut 4 (1/4-inch-thick) rounds from 1/2 medium jalapeño if using. Juice the remaining orange until you have 1 1/2 ounces. Juice 1/2 medium lime until you have 1/2 ounce.
Place 2 of the jalapeño rounds, lime juice, orange juice, 1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila, and 1/2 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice, seal, and shake until the outside of the shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.
Pour through a strainer into the glass. Top with a splash of beer. Garnish with the orange slice and remaining jalapeño rounds if using.