Five unexpected twists for Margarita Day
The classic Margarita has been given some unexpected twists for its national day this Sunday (22 February), with five standout recipes that push the boundaries of the serve.
Celebrating Margarita Day has evolved from being strictly a national event in the US and Mexico to an internationally recognised celebration of the classic cocktail.
According to Bacardi’s 2026 Cocktail Trends Report, the Margarita remains at the top of global cocktail rankings, solidifying its status as the drink of the moment.
As the bar industry embraces experimentation, provenance, and premiumisation, establishments are increasingly looking beyond traditional offerings to introduce customers to new origins, categories, and flavour narratives. Consumers are following the trend, expecting new flavours to be incorporated into the classic, while other spirits try to attract new followers by adapting.
Keep reading to find out which five unexpected versions of the classic raise the question: ‘Margarita or not a Margarita’ on this international cocktail day.
Looking for more Margarita recipes? You’ll find 10 more here. Or, if you don’t want to spend your weekend squeezing limes, here are 10 of our top ready-to-drink Margaritas you can celebrate with on Sunday.
Mayarita
In celebration of World Margarita Day, Maya Pistola Agavepura, India’s ‘first’ 100% agave spirit, encourages drinkers to explore options beyond traditional Mexican spirits.
Made from Americana agave grown on India’s Deccan Plateau, Maya Pistola Reposado is aged for four to six months in ex-Bourbon and American oak casks. The spirit offers flavours of vanilla marshmallow, tobacco, and sweet spices, complemented by a hint of black pepper. The brand’s Mayarita is described as familiar enough to anchor Margarita lovers, but distinctive enough to spark a conversation across the bar.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Maya Pistola Agavepura Reposado
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 20ml Triple sec
- 10ml Agave syrup
Method: Add all the components into a shaker and shake hard with ice. Strain into a Tajín- or salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Breakfast Margarita
Thinking about starting Sunday’s celebrations in the morning? Maybe not, and we wouldn’t recommend it, contrary to the name of this Breakfast Margarita. The recipe was created by Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Jimenez, owner of Superbueno cocktail bar in New York, bringing a spiced jam-sweet twist to the classic.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Blanco Tequila
- 15ml Agave syrup
- 30ml Lime juice
- 15ml Grand Marnier
- 7ml Mole orange marmalade (see recipe below)
Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, then shake to chill. Fine strain into an Ancho salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with orange zest.
Mole orange marmalade (batch)
- 370ml Bonne Maman orange jam
- 2 Ancho chillis, toasted without seeds or veins
- 1 Pasilla chilli, toasted without seeds or veins
- 1 Dried raisin or prune, chopped
- 2 Dried figs, chopped
- 2g Toasted black pepper
- 2 Cloves
- 2 Star anise
- 5g Roasted cocoa nibs
- 20g Fried plantain, sliced
- 2g Mexican cinnamon
Method: Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat for 40 minutes. Carefully remove the white foam from the top. After 40 minutes, stir and watch closely for the next five to 10 minutes until thickened. Don’t let it burn or wander away during this time. Use a plastic spoon to check for doneness. Once this is done, run it through a food mill to remove all the solids. Let it cool before use.
For a simpler version, omit raisins, prunes, figs, and plantain to reduce the ingredient list.
Cold Brew Margarita
Coffee lovers have not been forgotten this Margarita Day. While this twist could be argued to be more borderline Espresso Martini than Margarita, it elevates cold brew with a combo of classic Margarita spirits.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Blanco Tequila
- 30ml Cold brew
- 15ml Oat milk
- 30ml Cointreau
Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass and garnish with espresso beans.
Lagavulin Smoky Spicy Margarita
We know what you’re thinking: a Margarita with Scotch whisky? But yes, that is exactly what the mixologists at Diageo stirred up for Margarita Day this year. A true unexpected take on the classic, this concoction blends smoky whisky and spicy syrup. Good for those who enjoy a mezcal-based Margarita.
Ingredients:
- 35ml Lagavulin 16-year-old single malt
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Jalapeño agave syrup (see recipe below)
Method: Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake for up to 10 seconds. Strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
Jalapeño agave syrup (batch)
- 570ml Agave syrup
- 140ml Hot water
- Three to six Jalapeños (depending on the desired spice level)
Method: Add 140ml hot water to agave syrup and stir until combined. Add jalapeños and agave mix to a blender and blend on high for one minute. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Margarita Azul
With this eye-catching cocktail, Bols brings its signature blue twist to Margarita Day.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Bols Blue 1575
- 45ml Tequila blanco
- 25ml Fresh lime juice
- 10ml Sugar syrup
Method: Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake until fully chilled. Double-strain into a margarita glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
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