Fresh Ginger Margarita

If you like the biting flavor of fresh ginger you are going to go crazy for these Ginger Margaritas!! It is perfectly balanced between tart, salty, and sweet, with a kick from the fresh ginger. It is made similarly to a classic margarita but instead of agave we are adding a ginger simple syrup and topping with just a float of ginger beer. They are super refreshing and would go GREAT with any Mexican Style Dinner!

Tequila

For this Ginger Margarita I recommend using a mid priced silver or reposado tequila. Since you are mixing in a lot of other flavors now is not the time for a $50-$100 bottle of tequila!

Something like a Jose Cuervo Traditional, Espolon or Cazadores will be great.

Ginger Simple Syrup

Making a fresh ginger syrup instead of using a ginger liqueur makes all the difference. That fresh ginger has such a unique and beautiful flavor. It is like a cross between a spicy citrus and herbal fragrance.

Just like the name says simple syrup is SUPER simple to make! Traditional simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water simmered together until the sugar melts. In this recipe you are mixing equal parts water and sugar with some lime juice and chopped ginger. Simmer for 15 minutes and then cool for 30 mins-1 hour. Strain the solids and save the syrup in the fridge or use right away.

Ginger Beer

Not all ginger beers are created equally!!! Some are waaaaay too sweet, in my opinion. Two that I have found are the most balanced between that strong ginger flavor, bubbles and sweetness are:

• Q Mixer
• Fever-Tree

You should be able to find either one of these options at your local liquor store and most grocery stores, Target or Walmart.

Some other great cocktail recipes that use ginger beer are a Mexican Mule and a Cranberry Ginger Margarita.

Kosher Salt

When you are making margaritas a salt rim is classic! It gives you that perfect balance between sweet and salty and pairs perfectly with the saltiness of tequila. The salt you want to use for your rim is a kosher salt! Never use iodized table salt for the rim of your glass.

The three brands we love are:

1. Diamond Crystal – has a really soft texture and light saltiness. I call it salty snow.
2. Real Salt- a little more expensive but has a nice texture and very mineral-y flavor.
3. Morton – generally available in every store. Has a coarser texture.

Spice It Up

If you like a little more spice and heat than the ginger gives, consider whipping up a batch of this Jalapeno Infused Tequila to use in your cocktail.

Or you could add some jalapeno slices to your ginger simple syrup!

More Tequila Cocktail Recipes

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