Cocktails Archives - A Beautiful Mess

Rum Cocktails

Elsie Larson — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

If you’ve got a bottle of rum, we’ve got dozens of delicious rum cocktail recipes. From the Piña Colada to the Painkiller and the Dark and Stormy, we’ve got all the best rum cocktail recipes for you to try.

Piña Colada

Classic rum-based pineapple cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.

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El Presidente Cocktail

Learn to mix up the El Presidente cocktail using white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine syrup.

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Coquito

A creamy coconut Puerto Rican version of a holiday eggnog-like drink.

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Strawberry Daiquiri

A Strawberry Daiquiri is a classic blended cocktail featuring strawberries, sugar, white rum, and lime.

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Painkiller Cocktail

Learn to mix a classic Painkiller Cocktail made with dark rum, pineapple, orange juice, cream of coconut and grated nutmeg.

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Jungle Bird Cocktail

Learn to make a Jungle Bird cocktail using blackstrap rum, Campari, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice and demerara syrup.

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Bahama Mama

A Bahama Mama is light, tropical, fruity and perfect for summer with the combo of pineapple and orange juice with lime, coconut, and rum.

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Bushwacker

Learn to make a Bushwacker cocktail using dark rum, coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, whole milk and ice.

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Blue Hawaii Cocktail

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Fishbowl Cocktail

Learn to make a fishbowl cocktail at home.

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Hemingway Daiquiri

Learn to make a Hemingway Daiquiri using white rum, maraschino liqueur, fresh lime juice and fresh grapefruit juice.

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Strawberry Mojito

A recipe for a Strawberry Mojito using fresh ingredients.

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Cinnamon Girl Cocktail

There is one flavor that I get completely obsessed with this time of year: cinnamon! So, we’ve created a spicy but sweet cocktail that combines this flavor along with a few unexpected ones as well.

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Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)

A warm and spicy mulled wine served at German Christmas markets.

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Scooby Snack Shot

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Long Island Iced Tea

Learn to make a Long Island Iced Tea.

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Flaming Dr. Pepper

Learn to make a Flaming Dr. Pepper drop-in shot using lager beer, amaretto and overproof rum.

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Queen’s Park Swizzle

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Liquid Marijuana Shot

Learn to make a Liquid Marijuana Shot using spiced rum, melon liqueur, blue curacao, coconut rum, sour mix and pineapple juice.

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The Best Fresh or Frozen Daiquiri

Ask any bartender or cocktail guru what THE quintessential rum cocktail is and the answer will always be the daiquiri. Originating in Cuba in the early 1900’s, a cocktail this old and prolific deserves to be treated respectfully.

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Hot Buttered Rum

This hot buttered rum recipe is sweet, creamy, and buttery with warm winter spices and a dose of rum.

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Mint Mojito Recipe

The best at-home Mint Mojito recipe made with homemade simple syrup and other fresh ingredients.

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot

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Mai Tai

Learn to make a classic Mai Tai at home.

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Frozen Tropical Sangria

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Painkiller Cocktail

Learn to mix a classic Painkiller Cocktail.

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Dark and Stormy Cocktail

A recipe for the classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail using rum, ginger beer and lime.

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Rum Runner

Learn to make a Rum Runner cocktail at home.

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Cuba Libre

Learn to make a classic Cube Libre at home.

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Dark ‘n Stormy Popsicles

It’s been so hot lately I’ve been on an only eating/drinking super cold things kick, like smoothie bowls, salads, frozen drinks and frozen desserts.

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Mojitos by the Pitcher

Recipe for a pitcher of Mojitos, a refreshing party cocktail.

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More Recipes to Try

Paloma Cocktail

Elsie Larson — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 14:02:00 +0000

If you love a Margarita but sometimes find them too sweet, a classic Paloma might be your perfect drink. This tequila-based drink uses grapefruit juice and lime. It has just the right balance of sweet and tart citrus.

The Paloma is Mexico’s national drink and most popular cocktail. We definitely recommend ordering this popular cocktail next time you are out. Today, let’s learn a perfect Paloma recipe at home.

More recipes: Ranch Water, Mexican Mule, Mexican Candy Shot, Homemade Margarita Mix, Bee’s Knees, Green Tea Shots, Basic Jello Shots.

Ingredients in a Paloma

Tequila – Tequila blanco is the base of this drink.
Grapefruit Juice – Fresh squeezed if you have it.
Sparkling Water – Any kind of club soda will do.
Agave Nectar – For a little added sweetness.
Fresh Lime Juice – Adds a little extra flavor.
Course Salt – For the rim. I always keep this salt on hand.

A traditional Paloma is made with grapefruit soda (instead of grapefruit juice and sparkling water). I like this recipe as well, but having tasted both I strongly prefer the grapefruit juice version as it tastes fresher and a little more flavorful.

Instructions

Begin by prepping the salt rim. I use a little honey or agave to cover half of the outer rim of a glass. Dip into course salt to prepare the rim, ensuring that none goes into the glass.

In a cocktail shaker, combine your tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave. Shake with ice for 10-15 seconds.

Pour into a glass filled with ice. Top the glass with sparkling water and stir.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

What does a Paloma taste like?

A Paloma cocktail tastes like a grapefruit version of a margarita. It’s a bit less sweet and lighter with the addition of sparkling water. It’s a delicious tequila cocktail.

History of a Paloma cocktail

Paloma translates to “Dove” in Spanish. This drink likely originated in the 1950s, made first by bartender Don Javier Delgado Corona in Tequila, Mexico. It may have been named after the popular folk song “La Paloma.” However this cocktail was created, we’re glad it was and has now stood the test of time with decades of popularity.

Tips for Making

Salting the rim is not necessary, but I love what it adds to this cocktail. I never skip it. I like to use course kosher salt or margarita salt.
Fresh grapefruit juice is worth the effort and more delicious for sure. That said, I use store-bought juice often. No one will judge you.
If you don’t have tequila blanco available, you can substitute it for lightly aged reposado tequila. We don’t recommend anejo tequila (anything that has been aged for a long time).
My favorite glass to serve a Paloma in is a simple rocks glass.
If you don’t have agave nectar, you can substitute for honey syrup or simple syrup.

Paloma Variations

Paloma with Grapefruit Soda – You can use a sweetened grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt) in place of club soda and grapefruit juice. Omit agave syrup if you use this variation.
Mezcal Paloma – Create a smokier, more intense cocktail by replacing tequila with mezcal.
Spicy Paloma – Muddle some sliced jalapeño peppers in the grapefruit juice before mixing the rest of your cocktail. Serve with a jalapeño on top.
Pink Paloma – Choose ruby red grapefruit juice to create a pink cocktail.

Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With

Other recipes you may like:

Mexican Food – Taco Dip, Taco Soup, Rotel Cheese Dip
Small Plates – See 30+ Easy Finger Foods
Margarita – Blood Orange Margarita, Strawberry Margarita

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Margarita and a Paloma?

Espresso Martini

Emma Chapman — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

This recipe makes a classic Espresso Martini. It’s the perfect after-dinner drink or dessert cocktail. It’s tastes strong, balanced and has a creamy, foamy top. If you love coffee cocktails, you have to try this recipe. This recipe is the perfect marriage of cocktail and coffee. With only three ingredients, this drink is easier to make than it looks.

In this recipe, simple ingredients combine to create something magical. Espresso flavors meld with flavors of strong coffee balanced by sweetness.

Looking For More Espresso-Flavored Recipes?

Before making your espresso martini, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you will want to use espresso instead of brewing coffee or using instant coffee. It’s important for the flavor profile.

Next, it’s important to let the espresso chill before adding it to the ice and alcohol so that it does not melt the ice.

The foam is an important part of this cocktail, both for flavor and presentation. It’s kind of like when you order a latte, the more foam the better! The foam comes from shaking in a cocktail shaker for 10-15 seconds.

Espresso Martini Ingredients

Espresso – 1 shot (about 1.5 ounces) espresso
Vodka – 2 ounces vodka
Kahlúa – 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
Simple Syrup – 1/2 ounce simple syrup (this is optional but I recommend it)
Coffee Beans – For garnish

This will make one drink. You can easily make two servings in the same shaker by doubling the ingredients. The best cocktail glass to serve an Espresso Martini in is a martini glass or a coupe glass. You will also need a cocktail shaker to make this recipe. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a jar can be used.

Espresso Martini Recipe

Make your espresso and allow to cool (otherwise, it will melt your ice). If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the refrigerator.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the espresso, vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup (optional).
Shake until chilled. This will also create the froth for foam.
Strain and pour into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a few coffee beans.

Bonus points if you chill your martini glasses in the freezer ahead of time.

Tips for Making

Substitutions – If you don’t have a way to make fresh espresso cold brew, concentrate is an acceptable substitution.
Variations – You may swap unflavored vodka for vanilla vodka, or a seasonal flavor such as caramel, pecan, pumpkin or peppermint. While some would consider this sacrilegious, we would point out that the Espresso Martini isn’t technically a true martini and so if you enjoy seasonal coffee drinks, why not?
Sweetness – The simple syrup (sugar syrup) is technically optional, but we find it essential to creating balance between strong and bitter flavors.
Garnish Ideas – In addition to coffee or espresso beans, many bartenders like to dust the top of the martini foam with espresso powder.

History

The Espresso Martini was created in 1983 by bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club, a bar in London. It continued to gain popularity throughout 1980s and more recently had a second resurgence. The famous tale says that Bradsell was asked by a famous model of the era to make a cocktail that would “wake me up and fuck me up.” And so the Espresso Martini was born. Bradsell is also famous for creating the Bramble cocktail.

Home Espresso Makers

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it seven months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.
MiniPresso – This machine will make you a single shot of espresso by adding boiling water into one end, your grinds into the other, and then you pump a button that pops out.
French Press – It’s also possible to make espresso in your French press.

Not only is this espresso martini delicious, but it can be a great conversation starter. I know I’m a little bit more talkative when I have a little jolt of caffeine in my system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vodka is best for an espresso martini?

Paper Plane Cocktail

Elsie Larson — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The Paper Plane cocktail recipe is a great bourbon drink to add to your home bar skillset. If you love to order fancy and unique cocktails, this recipe is a must for you. The combination of bourbon, Aperol, amaro and lemon juice is a bright orange cocktail that is citrusy, botanical and warming with the perfect sweet and bitter balance.

Ingredients in a Paper Plane

Bourbon – Adds sweetness and warmth to this recipe.
Aperol – A citrusy, botanical liqueur that gives this recipe color and flavor.
Amaro Nonino – This sweet liqueur adds unique flavor and depth.
Lemon Juice – Fresh citrus for the perfect balance.

The best glassware choice for this cocktail is a coupe glass. I used a gold cocktail pick to secure my tiny paper airplane garnish.

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes, pour in bourbon, Aperol and Amaro Nonino. Then add freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.

Pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a tiny paper plane or an orange twist.

What does a Paper Plane drink taste like?

This is a sweet and strong cocktail. Composed of equal parts bourbon, Aperol, amero and lemon juice, this drink is balanced. It’s both bitter and sweet. The top flavor is citrus, followed by notes of botanical bitters and woodsy bourbon.

The Paper Plane is a modern take on the Last Word Cocktail, which is another equal parts drink made using gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice. Although these two drinks have few ingredients in common, the unique combination of citrus, botanical liqueurs and liquor to create a unique sweet and strong cocktail are the same. The two drinks are cousins and happen to be two of my personal favorite cocktails. Try both and see which recipe you love most.

History

We share cocktails all the time here on the blog and I’ve honestly never seen such a recent instant classic! Most popular drinks have been around more than 100 years, or close to it! This drink was created by bartender Sam Ross in 2008. Sam is a well known bartender and the co-owner of Attaboy and Diamond Reef in New York City. Although Ross is a NYC bartender, he created this recipe specifically for The Violet Hour in Chicago. He named the drink after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” which he says he was listening to constantly at the time.

On creating the recipe, Ross recalls, “That .75-ounce of bourbon, to be sure, I tried it with every type of spirit — rye, applejack, brandy — to really make sure that bourbon was the right fit. And it was.”

Tips for Making

If you don’t have Aperol on hand, you can substitute in Campari, but the resulting cocktail will be more bitter (add a bit of simple syrup, to taste, to counteract this).
Amaron Nonino is a bit pricey (around $50 per bottle) and can be tricky to find. Some substitutions are Amaro Averna, Amaro Montenegro or Cynar (which is Italian Amaro).
Garnish ideas: A tiny paper plane is the most adorable garnish. Other ideas are a lemon peel or orange twist.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers – 30+ Finger Food Recipes
Meal Ideas – 60+ Dinner Recipe Ideas
More Cocktails – 50+ Fun Cocktails to Make At Home
Nonalcoholic Drinks – Roy Rogers, Shirley Temple, Virgin Mojito

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a Paper Plane cocktail?

Mixed Drinks

Elsie Larson — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:45:00 +0000

Mixed drinks are great to know how to make at home as well as order in establishments where a cocktail menu is not available (such as dive bars). In this post, we’ll teach you favorites like Cuba Libre, Ranch Water and Dirty Shirley.

What is the difference between a cocktail and mixed drink?

The technical distinction between a mixed drink and a cocktail is that a mixed drink is just two ingredients (such as vodka and cranberry juice) while a cocktail is made of three or more ingredients. I would add to this that a mixed drink can be mixed right in the glass, while a cocktail usually requires a cocktail shaker or other tools. Simply put, mixed drinks are easy to make with few ingredients. You can think of them as VERY easy cocktails.

In this post we will share mixed drinks with two ingredients as well as easy to make drinks with a base of juice or soda.

Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe

Put an alcoholic twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink with just a few ingredients!

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Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail

Learn to mix a Harvey Wallbanger using vodka, orange juice and Galliano L'Autentico.

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Sea Breeze Cocktail

Create a classic Sea Breeze cocktail using vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juices.

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Vodka Tonic

A Vodka Tonic: Made with vodka, tonic water and lime juice, this three-ingredient recipe is easy to mix up at home.

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Fuzzy Navel

The Fuzzy Navel is a classic ’80s cocktail that uses equal parts orange juice and peach schnapps.

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Bay Breeze Cocktail

Learn to make a Bay Breeze cocktail at home.

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Alabama Slammer

Learn to make an Alabama Slammer using Southern Comfort, sloe gin, amaretto liqueur and orange juice. Perfect summer drink!

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Greyhound Drink

Learn to make a two-ingredient Greyhound Cocktail at home!

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Dark and Stormy Cocktail

A recipe for the classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail using rum, ginger beer and lime.

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Ranch Water Recipe

Think of this one as a sugarless Margarita. It’s refreshing and light.

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Tom Collins

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7 and 7 Recipe

Learn to make a 7 and 7 drink using Seagram's Seven Crown (a blended whiskey beverage) and 7 Up (a lemon-lime soda).

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Cuba Libre

Learn to make a classic Cube Libre at home.

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Classic Bloody Mary

Create a classic Bloody Mary cocktail at home.

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Amaretto Sour

Learn how to make an amaretto sour at home.

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Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour recipe made with sour mix and no egg whites.

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Whiskey Ginger Recipe

Homemade ginger syrup with whiskey and club soda.

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Michelada

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Cape Cod

Learn to make a Cape Cod Cocktail (vodka and cranberry)

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Spaghett

Learn to make the Spaghett cocktail using Miller High Life and aperol. Garnish this perfect summer recipe with a fresh lemon slice.

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Tequila Sunrise

Learn to make a Tequila Sunrise cocktail with only three ingredients.

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Screwdriver Drink

Learn to make this famous orange juice and vodka mixed drink.

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Long Island Iced Tea

Learn to make a Long Island Iced Tea.

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Paloma Cocktail

Learn to make a Paloma cocktail at home.

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Bloody Caesar Drink

Learn to make a Bloody Caesar using vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish. Garnish with celery and more!

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Kalimotxo (Calimocho)

Learn to make this delicious red wine and cola drink.

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Salty Dog

You’ll love this refreshing grapefruit-based mixed drink.

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Moscow Mule

Make the classic Moscow Mule cocktail with only three simple ingredients!

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Gin and Tonic

Learn to make a perfect Gin and Tonic at home.

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Bloody Maria

The Bloody Maria is made using tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce celery salt and black pepper.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular mixed drinks?

Vodka Tonic

Elsie Larson — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

A Vodka Tonic cocktail is a refreshing variation on the classic Gin and Tonic. Made with vodka, tonic water and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this three-ingredient recipe is easy to mix up at home. In this post, we’ll teach you to take this after-work drink to the next level.

More mixed drinks: 7 and 7, Cuba Libre, Ranch Water, Dirty Shirley, Colorado Bulldog.

Ingredients in a Vodka Tonic

Vodka – Choose a high quality, unflavored vodka.
Tonic Water – Choose a classic tonic water or you may use sugar free.
Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice adds so much flavor to this simple recipe.
Lime Wedge – As an optional garnish.

The best glassware to serve a Vodka Tonic in is a highball glass.

Instructions

In a highball glass filled with ice, add two ounces vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice and top it off with tonic water.

Stir with a straw to mix.

Add a lime wedge for garnish.

Tips for Making

Use a flavored vodka – Choose a flavored vodka such as citrus, cranberry or cherry to add more flavor to your Vodka Tonic.
Add a splash of juice – Add a splash of your favorite juice such as cranberry to add color and flavor to your drink.
Diet tonic water – If you want, you can use sugar free tonic water or another seltzer water for a lighter version of this recipe.
Switch up citrus – You can use lemon instead of lime juice for a unique variation.
Chilled glass – Pop your glass in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving for a chilled glass that instantly elevates your bartender game.

More Recipes to Try

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a Vodka Tonic?

40+ Christmas Cocktails

Elsie Larson — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

This roundup of our favorite Christmas cocktails is guaranteed to bring some Christmas cheer to your holiday season.

We have lots of festive holiday cocktails to choose from, like spiced apple cider, hot toddy, a delicious peppermint White Russian, and my personal favorite … mistletoe punch. Our variety of festive cocktails includes classics, punch bowls, hot drinks, shots and even cute novelty recipes perfect for a party.

Ready to see our best Christmas cocktail recipes for your holiday party or cozy night by the Christmas tree?

Espresso Martini

Create this iconic espresso martini with just three ingredients: vodka, espresso and Kahlúa with the optional ingredient of simple syrup. Prep time is only five minutes!

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Pomegranate Martini

Learn to make a Pomegranate Martini using pomegranate juice, vodka, orange liqueur and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

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Peppermint White Russian

A fun holiday variation of a classic White Russian made with Kahlúa, peppermint vodka and a splash of heavy cream. With the addition of peppermint-infused ice cubes and a candy cane rim, this cocktail is extra festive.

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Coquito

A creamy coconut Puerto Rican version of a holiday eggnog-like drink.

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Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)

A warm and spicy mulled wine served at German Christmas markets.

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Classic Hot Toddy

A simple hot cocktail with only four ingredients: hot water, whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and honey.

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Spiced Apple Cider

A simple recipe for spiced apple cider that you can add alcohol to or enjoy as a mocktail. This is a great cold weather drink for any holiday gathering! Made with apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, spiced rum and cinnamon sticks for garnish.

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Mulled Wine

Classic mulled wine recipe made with red wine, fruit (such as cranberries, apple, oranges and lemons) and spices (such as whole cloves and vanilla bean) along with brandy. This recipe is full of holiday cheer.

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Grasshopper Cocktail

A minty chocolate classic cocktail made with three simple ingredients: creme de menthe, creme de cacao and heavy whipping cream.

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Sidecar Drink

Learn to make a classic Sidecar cocktail. Made with a mixture of brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice, this tasty recipe is a classic to have on your home bar menu.

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Spiked Peppermint Mocha Milkshake

A decadent holiday milkshake cocktail made of chocolate ice cream, peppermint schnapps, coffee liqueur and candy canes.

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Orange and Coffee Moscow Mule

Alongside ginger beer, there are also notes of coffee and cinnamon with a big splash of freshly squeezed orange juice in this orange and coffee Moscow Mule.

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Cranberry Mimosa

You can’t go wrong with a mimosa, especially one made with prosecco and fresh cranberries as garnish. Perfect for Christmas morning!

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Santa’s Little Helper Shot

This fun novelty Santa Claus shot recipe is perfect for an adult Christmas party.

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Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy

Warm cozy spices and homemade cranberry honey syrup add so much flavor to this cranberry spiced hot toddy!

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Strawberry Mojito

Red and green have never looked so good. A recipe for a strawberry mojito using fresh ingredients, including white rum, soda water, mint, strawberries, simple syrup and fresh lime juice.

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Cosmopolitan Recipe

This cosmopolitan recipe is a very balanced drink with just a little sweetness from Cointreau (orange flavored triple sec) and the sweet and sour blend of cranberry juice.

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Peppermint Coconut Cocktail

If you like peppermint AND coconut, you’re going to love this cocktail. It’s wonderful, creamy, and perfectly festive. Garnished with holiday sprinkles and a candy cane, it’s perfectly on theme.

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Appletini

A dessert cocktail made with vodka, apple juice, sour apple schnapps and fresh lemon juice.

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Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode

Boozy mulled apple cider comes in at the top of my list for most perfect chilly weather cocktail. The aroma of apple and spice is so delightful and mulling cider is one of my favorite domestic activities this time of year.

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Pumpkin Pie Martini

Made with vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, horchata liqueur and milk. This festive martini is so perfect for the season.

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Homemade Eggnog

Classic homemade eggnog from scratch!

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Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe

Put an alcoholic twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink with just a few ingredients!

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Eggnog Jello Shots

If you like eggnog, these jello shots are so much fun!

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The Gold Rush Cocktail

A classic cocktail made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice and honey syrup.

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Negroni Cocktail

Learn to make a classic Negroni cocktail at home. This famous, bright orange cocktail is made with gin, campari and sweet vermouth, then garnished with an orange peel.

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Painkiller Cocktail

Learn to mix a classic Painkiller Cocktail. I consider this a winter version of the Pina Colada. Made with dark rum, pineapple, orange juice, cream of coconut and grated nutmeg, it’s smooth and delicious.

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Manhattan Drink

This classic drink is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters and a luxardo cherry.

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Rum Runner

Learn to make a Rum Runner cocktail at home. This classic fruity cocktail could easily have a white or green rim added to make it extra festive!

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Black Russian

Learn to mix a Black Russian cocktail at home. This drink is the White Russian cocktail without the cream.

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Chocolate Martini Recipe

A deliciously sweet at-home chocolate martini recipe.

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Mistletoe Punch Bowl

A vibrant cranberry citrus punch that Elsie appropriately named mistletoe punch. It’s a favorite cocktail for any holiday party. Don’t forget the rosemary sprig garnish!

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Holiday Vibes Mai Tai

A holiday-flavored Mai Tai infused with the festive flavors of cranberry and clementine (and a green sugar rim). Such a fun drink!

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Snickerdoodle Martini

A dessert martini made with vanilla vodka, heavy whipping cream, amaretto and cinnamon schnapps.

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Spiked Hot Chocolate

This cozy hot chocolate is spiked with rum. Perfect for the holiday movie season.

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Washington Apple Shot

Learn to make a Washington Apple Shot at home. Made with Canadian whiskey, sour apple schnapps, cranberry juice and a splash of club soda. This is one of our favorite shot recipes!

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Spiced Cranberry Punch

This cozy punch is made with cranberries, an orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves and fresh sprigs of rosemary.

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Old Fashioned Cocktail

It’s always Old Fashioned season to me, but especially during winter! The classic Old Fashioned cocktail is iconic and perfect for a fancy holiday dinner party.

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Boulevardier Cocktail

Let’s learn the classic recipe for a Boulevardier cocktail. Using Campari, bourbon (or rye whiskey) and sweet vermouth, you can mix this stiff, flavorful cocktail.

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Cranberry Spritz

An easy cranberry cocktail for any holiday gathering!

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Peppermint Mocha Jello Shots

These fun jello shots are a play off Starbucks’ popular Peppermint Mocha. You have to try them.

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Easy Orange Cranberry Margarita

This orange cranberry margarita is Elsie’s favorite cocktail for the holidays. It’s SO good, and it’s made with our famous homemade margarita mix.

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Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

This apple cinnamon hot toddy only has three ingredients, including the best cinnamon tea. This drink can also be enjoyed as a cozy mocktail.

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Vieux Carré Cocktail

Learn to make a classic Vieux Carré cocktail at home. This famous New Orleans drink is made of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, benedictine liquor and pimento bitters.

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Eggnog Martini

The best way to enjoy eggnog? As a martini with a hint of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick garnish, of course.

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Irish Coffee

Learn to make this classic caffeinated cocktail. Irish coffee is a delightful blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream.

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Oatmeal Cookie Shot

We love this novelty shot (it tastes exactly like an oatmeal cookie!). Made of butterscotch schnapps, Bailey’s Irish cream and cinnamon schnapps. Keep these three ingredients on hand for fun holiday shot making.

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Gingerbread People Jello Shots

Holiday parties can be a lot of fun, but they can become a bit of a blur if you go to a lot of them. To avoid that from happening at your party, why not make something that your guests won’t forget? Like, gingerbread people jello shots!

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More Christmas Recipes:

Christmas Mocktails (nonalcoholic drinks)- Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Sherbet Punch, Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers Drink
Christmas Coffee & Tea Drinks – Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, Starbucks Medicine Ball, Chai Latte
Grinch Recipes (for kids) – Grinch Punch, Grinch Cookies
Christmas Cookies – 50+ Christmas Cookie Recipes
Christmas Desserts – Christmas Cake Pops, Figgy Pudding, Jello Salad
Christmas Dinner – 50+ Christmas Dinner Ideas

7 and 7 Recipe

Elsie Larson — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

If you like simple mixed drinks, this is a fun one to try! The Seven and Seven (7 & 7) drink is a highball cocktail made using Seagram’s Seven Crown (a blended whiskey beverage) and 7 Up (a lemon-lime soda). The result is a sweet, easy mixed drink with citrus flavors.

More Mixed Drinks: Cuba Libre, Ranch Water, Dirty Shirley, Colorado Bulldog.

Ingredients in a 7 and 7

Seagram’s Seven Crown – A blended whiskey beverage.
7 Up – Or any lemon-lime soda.
Lemon Slice – As an optional garnish.

Instructions

To make a Seven and Seven cocktail, begin by adding a shot (1.5 ounces) of Seagram’s to a glass filled with ice.

Next, top the drink off with lemon-lime soda (4 to 6 ounces).

You can garnish the drink with a lemon slice or a citrus garnish if you like (optional).

Add ice to your drink before topping it off with soda.

Tips for Making

Extra Citrus – Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you want a little more citrus flavor.
Bourbon Seven and Seven – Try ordering (or making) this drink with bourbon instead of Seagram’s.
Other Popular Highball Drinks – Try a Tom Collins, Long Island Iced Tea or a Cape Cod Cocktail.

More Cocktail Recipes

More Recipes to Try

Cocktail Ideas – Coffee Cocktails, Kahlua Drinks, Party Shots
Appetizer Ideas – 20 Easy Party Appetizers
Dessert Ideas – Christmas Desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a 7 and 7?

Hot Buttered Rum

Laura Gummerman — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:35:00 +0000

When it comes to wintertime drinks, cozying up by the fire with a hot buttered rum is the top way to pass the time on a cold winter’s night. While the name may sound odd, this hot buttered rum recipe is actually a delicious drink that combines sweet, creamy, and buttery flavors with winter spices and a dose of rum to warm you from the inside out.

You can easily make a batch of hot buttered rum “batter” to keep in your fridge so you can make this Christmas cocktail at a moment’s notice, and you can even make it without the alcohol to be a family-friendly drink. Check out our instructional video to see how easy it is to make!

What’s the history of hot buttered rum?

Hot buttered rum dates all the way back to the American colonial period of New England in the 1650s. Rum was a popular drink as water wasn’t always safe to drink and the hot buttered rum was an alternative to a hot toddy as it also added some calories. The basic recipe consisted of rum, butter, spices, and sugar, which are still the main ingredients in modern hot buttered rums.

What does hot buttered rum taste like?

While the name may not sound appetizing to some, hot buttered rum has a creamy sweet taste punctuated with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The butter does give the drink a delicious buttery flavor similar to drinking a buttery cookie in a glass!

What type of rum is best for hot buttered rum?

While it’s possible to use white rum if that’s all you have on hand (and if that’s the rum you prefer), spiced rum or dark rum is a better flavor profile for this particular drink. Spiced rum will have some added caramel flavor and spices while dark rum will be a little more of a darker molasses flavor profile.

Hot buttered rum ingredients:

Unsalted butter: This is the buttery part of your hot buttered rum!

Brown sugar: You’ll get sweet notes of caramel by adding brown sugar to your batter mix.

Powdered sugar: Adding some powdered sugar gives the drink a lighter sweetness on top of the deeper brown sugar flavor.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove: These warm spices combined together make this drink taste like Christmas in a glass! Feel free to add some ground allspice or cardamom as well for even more levels of spice.

Vanilla extract: Try and use vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla for a more pure vanilla flavor.

Rum: A dark or spiced rum is your best choice for the perfect hot buttered rum.

Hot water: Adding hot water to your hot buttered rum batter is what gives you a warm and cozy drink.

TIP: Rather than boiling water, you’ll want to use hot water that’s just under boiling as water that’s too hot can dull the flavors a little.

How to make hot buttered rum

For the batter:

Add unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted and then whisk in your brown and powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove until sugar is melted and ingredients are combined.

Remove from heat and add in your vanilla and stir to combine. Use to make hot buttered rum or allow to cool and then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use.

For the hot buttered rum:

Add 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture to a heatproof mug and pour in 6 ounces hot water and 1-2 ounces of rum depending on how strong you want your drink. Stir and add more batter to taste if necessary and enjoy!

TIP: Since you are adding hot water to your drink, you don’t have to heat the rum as well, so feel free to use room temperature rum.

Tips for making hot buttered rum:

Add a dash of salt to your batter to really bring out the flavors.
Adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your drink will not only look pretty, but it will add extra creamy sweetness as it melts into the drink.
Sprinkle some cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of your drink or add in a cinnamon stick before serving for a boost of cinnamon flavor.

TIP: To keep your drink warm longer, serve the hot buttered rum in pre-warmed mugs!

How do you make hot buttered rum nonalcoholic?

To make a family-friendly version of hot buttered rum, simply use just the batter and hot water to make your delicious drink. You can also add the batter into milk, apple cider, or coffee for a nonalcoholic treat.

How do you make hot buttered rum in a crockpot?

To make hot buttered rum for a crowd in a slow cooker, put the batter ingredients into the crockpot first and cook on high until all the ingredients are blended together (about 30-60 minutes).

Add in your hot water and rum and reduce heat to low until ready to serve. Ladle into mugs and garnish as desired before serving.

How long does hot buttered rum batter last in the fridge?

Hot buttered rum batter will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

You can also put it in the freezer and it will last around 3 months frozen. Just let thaw in the fridge before using.

Can you use salted butter in hot buttered rum?

While most recipes call for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level to taste, you can also use salted butter with great results.

Hot buttered rum variations:

Make it with tea: Use your favorite black tea bags to brew tea with your hot water before adding it to your drink.

Play with spices: Try adding ginger, allspice, or cardamom to your batter until your reach your favorite spice combo.

Swap the rum: You can try brandy, whiskey, or cognac in place of the rum for a twist on the classic.

Make it with ice cream: It’s also popular to add some melted vanilla ice cream to your hot buttered rum batter for extra creamy sweetness.

Add notes of orange: Orange is such a popular holiday flavor as well so try some orange zest in the batter or a touch of orange extract.

Try these festive appetizers at your holiday party!

Hot Buttered Rum

This hot buttered rum recipe is sweet, creamy, and buttery with warm winter spices and a dose of rum.

Course cocktail

Cuisine American

Keyword hot buttered rum, hot buttered rum recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings drinks

Calories 394kcal

Author Laura Gummerman

Ingredients

Hot Buttered Rum Batter

½ cup unsalted butter one stick
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground clove
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail

2 tablespoons hot buttered rum batter
6-8 ounces hot water
1 ounce rum

Instructions

For the batter:

Add unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted and then whisk in your brown and powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove until sugar is melted and ingredients are combined.
Remove from heat and add in your vanilla and stir to combine.
Use to make hot buttered rum or allow to cool and then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use.

For the cocktail:

Add 2 tablespoons of the batter mixture to a heatproof mug and pour in 6-8 ounces hot water and 1-2 ounces of rum depending on how strong you want your drink.
Stir and add more batter to taste if necessary and enjoy!

Notes

Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Tips for making hot buttered rum:

Add a dash of salt to your batter to really bring out the flavors.
Adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your drink will not only look pretty, but it will add extra creamy sweetness as it melts into the drink.
Sprinkle some cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of your drink or add in a cinnamon stick before serving for a boost of cinnamon flavor.

TIP: Rather than boiling water, you’ll want to use hot water that’s just under boiling as water that’s too hot can dull the flavors a little.

TIP: To keep your drink warm longer, serve the hot buttered rum in pre-warmed mugs!

Nutrition

Skinny Margarita Recipe

Laura Gummerman — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:03:00 +0000

This skinny margarita recipe is fresh and light, easy to make for a crowd, and is less calories than a classic margarita but still packed with flavor. Instead of simple syrup, we use agave syrup for a more natural sweetness and switch out the traditional orange liqueur of triple sec or Cointreau for fresh orange juice.

All you need is four simple ingredients and a few minutes to make the freshest low-calorie margarita you’ve ever had (and all without counting calories!).

Helpful Bar Tools

There are a few simple bar tools that will make your homemade margarita experience simpler and quicker. I recommend a handheld citrus squeezer, a measuring shot glass and a cocktail shaker.

Skinny margarita ingredients:

Tequila: The type of tequila you use is up to your personal taste preference, so white, silver, blanco, reposado, or añejo will all work. The better the tequila, the smoother your margarita will be, so try to at least buy a mid-shelf brand like Patron verses the cheapest option.

Lime juice: You can use the bottled lime juice in a pinch, but try and squeeze fresh lime juice if possible for the brightest tart flavor.

Orange juice: If you only have store bought, that will work, but fresh is always the way to go if possible when it comes to the best tasting skinny margarita.

Agave nectar: Using light agave syrup provides a natural sweetener for your skinny margarita rather than using the classic simple syrup.

For your glassware, you can use either the classic margarita glasses or more of a shorter tumbler.

How to make a skinny margarita:

Mix: Add all of your ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake: Shake vigorously until cold and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime or orange wedge if desired.

TIP: To get the most juice from your limes and oranges, start with room temperature fruit and roll them back and forth gently on the cutting board for a minute before slicing widthwise and juicing.

How to make a salt rim:

While you can use lime juice to adhere your salt to the rim of your glass, agave is a little more hearty and holds more salt than lime juice alone. When you do a salt rim, be sure to only do the outside edge so unwanted salt isn’t falling into your drink.

To make a salt rim, add your agave to a small plate and roll the rim of the glass into the sticky substance (or run a wedge of lime around the top of the glass if using a lime). Next, dip the sticky rim onto a plate with a layer of margarita salt or course kosher salt so the salt sticks to the tacky surface. You can always salt just half the glass rim so that way guests can use either side depending on whether or not they enjoy a salted rim.

Try making your own homemade margarita salt mix at home!

Tips for making skinny margaritas:

If the flavor of your fresh-squeezed lime juice is too tart for your taste, add a splash of water to your drink to lessen the lime flavor.
The best way to serve a skinny margarita on the rocks is in a rocks glass with a few ice cubes.
Add extra citrus flavor with some citrus zest mixed into the salt rim.

Skinny margarita variations:

For a twist on the classic flavor, try adding some fresh grapefruit or watermelon juice to create a fresh, fruity flavor.
You can also muddle fresh fruit like strawberries, blackberries, or mango in the bottom of your shaker before pouring in your skinny margarita mixture (and you can also do the same with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro).
Add a slice of a jalapeño or serrano pepper for a spicy skinny margarita.
Try liquid stevia, monk fruit, or any other other liquid sweetener substitute to taste in place of the agave syrup.

How to make skinny margaritas for a crowd:

In a large pitcher with ice, add 1 1/2 cups of tequila, 1 1/2 cups of lime juice, 3/4 cup orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of agave syrup. Stir to combine and pour into 6 salted glasses filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Pair a skinny margarita with:

Skinny Margarita Recipe

A bright and fresh skinny margarita with fresh lime and orange juice.

Course cocktail

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword skinny margarita, skinny margarita recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings person

Calories 189kcal

Author Laura Gummerman

Equipment

1 cocktail shaker

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila
2 ounces fresh lime juice
1 ounce fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon light agave syrup
lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

Make salt rim if desired.
Add ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake until cold and pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime or orange wedge.

Notes

Tips for making skinny margaritas:

- If the flavor is too tart for your taste, add a splash of water to your drink to lessen the lime flavor.

- The best way to serve a skinny margarita on the rocks is in a rocks glass with a few ice cubes.

- Add extra citrus flavor with some citrus zest mixed into the salt rim.

Nutrition