Must-Try Margarita & Taco Pairings
By Laura Fagan Published April 2023
If you’re like us, you’ll find any reason for margaritas and tacos:
Got a promotion? Margs and tacos!
Scheduled your dentist appointment? Margs and tacos!
Going through a break-up? Margs and tacos!
Tired of adulting? Margs and tacos!
Any excuse is a good excuse for tortillas and tequila! But which marg and taco pairing takes the tres leches cake for the best match-up? Our taco team has done the recipe research and taste testing (tough job, we know!) to bring you the perfect margarita and taco pairings.
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita | Baja Fish Taco
If you're looking for a way to turn up the heat, this margarita and taco duo won't disappoint. The fiery flavors from the Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila and fresh jalapeño coins perfectly complement the crunchy, tangy deliciousness of fresh Baja fish tacos. It's a culinary match that's delectably difficult to resist!
The Margarita Recipe:
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2 ounces Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila
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3 ounces Agalima Organic Margarita Mix
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Jalapeño coins
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add tequila and margarita mix. Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with jalapeño coins.
Watermelon Margarita | Birria Tacos
For this pairing, you've got to dip, crunch and sip for the full experience! The stewed birria tacos feature traditional shredded beef flavors that are lovingly wrapped in a crispy tortilla and served with a tasty consommé. The bright, sweet and refreshing flavors of this watermelon margarita make it the best sip after the birria taco dip.
The Margarita Recipe:
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2 ounces 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila
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¾ cup frozen watermelon, cubed
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½ ounce simple syrup
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¼ ounce fresh lime juice
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Mint sprig
In a blender, add tequila, watermelon, simple syrup and lime juice. Purée until smooth and thick. Pour into a glass and garnish with extra watermelon cubes and a mint sprig.
Traditional Margarita | Tex-Mex Tacos
When it comes to pairing a margarita with Tex-Mex tacos, you can’t beat the classics. This classic margarita honors the historical cocktail flavors that have stood the test of time. Made with 100% agave tequila, fresh lime and premium orange liqueur, it is the ideal accompaniment to the endless spice and flavor variations found in Tex-Mex tacos.
The Margarita Recipe:
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2 ounces Los Rijos Silver Tequila
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1 ounce Cointreau Liqueur
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1 ounce lime juice
Rim glass with lime wedge and roll in coarse salt. In a shaker with ice, add tequila, liqueur and lime juice. Shake and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedge.
Watch how to make this recipe & learn more about the history of this classic cocktail:
Blood Orange Margarita | Coconut Shrimp Tacos
This tropical taco and tangy tequila pairing will have you feeling like you're lounging on a beach in Cabo. This sweet and spicy margarita serves up a serrano kick that is mellowed by the sweetness of blood orange. To tie everything together, the crispy coconut shrimp tacos bring a satisfying crunch to the combo. ¡Que rico!
The Margarita Recipe:
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Equal parts sugar, salt and Tajín mixture
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2 ounces Casamigos Blanco Tequila
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1 ounce blood orange juice
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½ ounce simple syrup
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2 serrano pepper slices
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Blood orange wheel
Rim a glass with equal parts sugar, salt and Tajín and set aside. Combine tequila, blood orange juice, simple syrup and serrano pepper slices in a shaker. Muddle, then add ice. Shake vigorously and strain into rimmed glass over fresh ice. Add blood orange wheel to garnish.
Mezcal Margarita | Barbacoa Tacos
This pairing can easily match your mood (or cravings) with a sweet and spicy option for the mezcal margarita. The mezcal's smoky complexity sips seamlessly with the rich flavors of the barbacoa tacos, while the tangy lime juice and sweet agave nectar perfectly balance the heat of the beef. It's a match made in foodie heaven!
The Margarita Recipe:
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Salt and chili powder (optional for spicy margarita)
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Sugar and salt (optional for sweet margarita)
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2 ounces Dos Hombres Mezcal
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¾ ounce fresh lime juice
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1 ounce Cointreau Liqueur
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½ ounce agave nectar (optional)
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Lime wheel
For Spicy: Add salt and chili powder to a shallow dish. Rim a glass in the mixture and set aside. In a shaker with ice, add mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau and agave nectar (if desired). Shake well and strain into rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
For Sweet: Add sugar and salt to a shallow dish. Rim a glass in the mixture and set aside. In a shaker with ice, add mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau and agave nectar (if desired). Shake well and strain into rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Unfamiliar with mezcal? We’ve got you covered:
Frozen Papaya Margarita | Blackened Chicken Tacos
Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for this next margarita and taco pairing – So. Many. Flavors. The bold, spice-forward flavors of the blackened chicken tacos are balanced by the tangy sweetness of the frozen, fruity margarita. And, with a salt and sumac spice rim, each sip will have a citrusy zing.
The Margarita Recipe:
Cocktail:
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Salt and sumac spice mixture*
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1 ounce Cointreau Liqueur
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2 ounces Los Rijos Silver Tequila
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¾ ounce fresh lime juice
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4 cubes fresh papaya
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1 cup ice
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Jalapeño slice
Salt and Sumac Spice Mixture*:
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½ cup sea salt
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3 tablespoons sumac spice
For the Salt and Sumac Spice Mixture: Combine the sea salt and sumac in an electric grinder and blend. Set aside until ready to use.
For the Cocktail: Rim a glass with salt and sumac spice mixture and set aside. In a blender, combine orange liqueur, tequila, lime juice, papaya and ice. Blend until smooth and pour into rimmed glass. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.
Cold Brew Margarita | Breakfast Tacos
Don’t talk to me before my morning coffee...margarita. Our final pairing breaks all the rules – tacos and tequila for breakfast! The cold brew in this margarita is complemented by the caramel, coconut and chocolate notes of the tequila to create an unexpectedly delicious morning cocktail. For a dynamite pairing, enjoy this margarita with a plate of tacos full of your favorite breakfast flavors like chorizo, Mexican cheese, eggs, cilantro, avocado and onion.
The Margarita Recipe:
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2 ounces Milagro Añejo Tequila
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½ ounce cold brew concentrate
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1 bar spoon grenadine
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1 ounce fresh lime juice
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1 ounce light agave nectar, to taste
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Lime wheel
Combine tequila, cold brew concentrate, grenadine, lime juice and agave nectar to the a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Ready to create a flavor fiesta with these perfect tequila and taco pairings? No Taco Tuesday is complete without a trip to your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for the ingredients to make one of these flavor-packed margs. You can also order online and skip the peopley part!