A savory margarita isn’t always on the menu, but after you try this one, it will be! Combing bell peppers and spice, this margarita will be on the top of your list for your next Taco Tuesday!
You’ve had the classic margarita made with lime juice and Cointreau. You’ve probably had a strawberry or watermelon margarita during those hot summer months. Heck, you have probably had a spicy jalapeno margarita at some point! But, have you had a savory margarita?? If not, then you need to keep reading to discover your next go-to!
Margs PLEASE!
A margarita is a popular cocktail known for its refreshing and tangy flavor, typically made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. It’s often served in a salt-rimmed glass and is a favorite choice for those seeking a balance of sweet, sour, and a hint of bitterness. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and some variations:
- Tequila: This is the primary alcoholic component of a margarita. It can be made from various types of agave plants, but most margaritas use blanco (silver) or reposado (aged) tequila. The choice of tequila can significantly impact the flavor of the drink.
- Orange Liqueur: Triple sec is the most common orange liqueur used in margaritas. It adds sweetness and orange flavor to the cocktail. Cointreau and Grand Marnier are higher-end options that can be used for a more complex flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the tartness in a margarita. It balances the sweetness from the orange liqueur.
- Salt: A salted rim is a classic feature of a margarita. The salt enhances the overall taste by providing a contrast to the sweetness and acidity of the drink.
- Ice: Margaritas are typically served over ice, which helps to chill and dilute the cocktail slightly.
This is, of course, the typical margarita! But, the savory margarita will give it a run for its money!
The exact origin of the Margarita is shrouded in mystery, with several theories and claims vying for recognition. Here are a few of the most popular stories:
- It is commonly acknowledged among experts that the Margarita has its roots in the “Tequila Daisy” cocktail. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Daisy was a popular drink in the United States, containing a combination of a spirit, a sweetener, and citrus juice. The prevailing theory suggests that an individual may have decided to substitute the original base spirit with tequila, which ultimately gave rise to the beloved Margarita we know today.
- A fascinating tale surrounds a well-known socialite by the name of Margarita Sames and her ingenious creation. It was in 1948 when Margarita hosted a soirée at her luxurious vacation home located in Acapulco, Mexico. During the gathering, she concocted a delightful blend of tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau that she served to her guests. The drink was an instant hit and was eventually named after its brilliant inventor, Margarita.
- The Margarita cocktail has been a subject of debate regarding its origin. According to one theory, the credit goes to Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender from Tijuana, Mexico, who is said to have invented the drink in the late 1930s. The story goes that Herrera created the Margarita for a client who could only consume tequila due to allergies. By blending tequila with lime and salt, he concocted a revitalizing and refreshing beverage that gradually gained popularity. It is fascinating to see how a simple drink can become so popular and well-loved!
Let’s Build a Taco Party!
The best pairing with a margarita is obviously delicious Mexican food! This savory margarita will need some bold flavors to go along side it, so let’s get planning!
Let’s start with the dips. While you’re sipping on your savory margarita, you’re going to want something to munch on! A delicous queso fundido and tortilla chips is the perfect way to go.
Queso fundido, which translates to “melted cheese” in Spanish, is a delicious Mexican appetizer or side dish that features melted cheese typically served in a skillet or a similar ovenproof dish. It’s a warm and gooey dish that’s often enjoyed with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping. Queso fondido can be customized with various ingredients to add flavor and texture.
To go along with the queso, you’ll definitely want to serve your favorite salsa or pico de gallo! This will help add some acidity to the cheese dip.
Next up, have a taco bar! Taco bars are so easy to put together and takes the stress out of trying to figure out what your guests will like. Cook two meats, I suggest ground beef and ground or shredded chicken to give your guests options! Both will pair nicely with a savory margarita!
For toppings, you can have fun with this part! Add shredded lettuce, diced tomates, onions, and chopped cilantro, too. Put out some shredded white cheese or cotija cheese, and finish with sour cream!
A Savory Margarita: it’s a love story!
A savory margarita is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic margarita. This cocktail combines the smoky, earthy notes of roasted bell peppers with the heat of jalapeño simple syrup, the boldness of tequila, the zing of lime juice, and a final touch of smokiness from hickory smoke dust. Here’s a description of the flavors you can expect in your next savory margarita:
- Smokiness: The hickory smoke dust adds a prominent smoky aroma and flavor to the margarita. This smokiness infuses the entire drink, creating a unique experience.
- Bell Pepper: The juiced red bell peppers provide a sweet and earthy flavor. The bell pepper adds depth and complexity, balancing the other ingredients. You could even try slightly roasting the bell peppers to amp up the flavor!
- Jalapeño Heat: The jalapeño simple syrup brings a pleasant heat to the margarita. It’s spicy but not overwhelmingly so, and it pairs well with the smoky and sweet notes of the savory margarita.
- Tequila: The tequila adds a bold and slightly fruity agave flavor, as well as the alcoholic kick that’s characteristic of a margarita. The choice of tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo) can influence the overall taste.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a bright and tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the simple syrup and the smokiness of the peppers and hickory smoke dust.
Overall, a smoked bell pepper margarita is a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a complex and well-balanced cocktail that offers a sensory journey from the initial smoky aroma to the interplay of flavors on the palate, making it a delightful and memorable drink for those who enjoy adventurous and creative cocktails.
Bell Pepper Margarita
Equipment
- 1 Blender to blend red bell peppers into a juice
- 1 pot and spoon and container for simple syrup
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 Butane Torch
Ingredients
Bell Pepper Juice
- 2-3 whole bell peppers
- 1/2 cup water add more if needed. looking for a juice consistency
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 sliced jalapeno with seeds
Cocktail
- 1.5 oz Tequila
- 1.5 oz red bell pepper juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz jalapeno simple syrup
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 pinch Hickory Smoke Dust
- 1 slice lime
Instructions
Bell Pepper Juice
- Slice stem and take seeds our of red peppers. Roughly slice. Place ingredients (see above) in a blender. Blend well until a juice is formed!
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- Place all ingredients (see above) in a pot over medium-high heat. Stir unti combined. Strain and Transfer for a sealable container after cooling.
Cocktail
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake! Strain into a glass.
Garnish & Smoke
- Place Smokeshow smoker on top of glass. Add dust, smoke, remove smoker, and garnish!
