Gift Guide
Spicy Añejo Margarita
A smooth, smoky spin on the spicy margarita with premium añejo tequila.
Time to make: 10 minutesServes: 1
Is there a tequila cocktail more classic than the margarita? While you may be most used to a sweet and tart margarita made with blanco tequila, you won’t want to miss this darker, spicier take with our spicy añejo margarita recipe. Try your hand at this robust cocktail to enjoy yourself or impress your friends with a depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.25 oz. Añejo Tequila
- 0.25 oz. Orange Liqueur
- 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1 tsp. Chipotle Chili Powder
- Salt or Sugar Rim (Optional)
- Lime Wedge Garnish
Directions
- If desired, wet the rim of a margarita or rocks glass using a lime wedge or lime juice in a dish. Dip in salt or sugar and set aside.
- Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake until thoroughly chilled and strain into the prepped margarita or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
In this recipe
What’s the difference between an añejo margarita and a blanco margarita?
The classic margarita is made up of three ingredients: tequila, lime juice and orange-flavored liqueur. There are many variations, but these three base ingredients constitute what is generally considered a margarita.
A classic margarita is usually made with blanco tequila. Blanco tequila is a clear spirit, also called silver or white tequila, that is distilled and bottled without aging. Blanco has a sweeter, fruitier flavor, and tends to have the strongest agave taste.
Añejo tequila, on the other hand, is an amber-colored spirit that has been aged in oak barrels for one to three years. As a result, añejo is smoother, with an oak-forward flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Typically, blanco is used more often in cocktails, while añejo is more often sipped. Using añejo in this cocktail lends an extra depth of smooth, toasty flavor.
What does the spicy añejo margarita taste like?
This cocktail is toasty and spicy with the citrus flavor classic to the margarita.
Citrus & sweet
In this cocktail, orange liqueur adds that citrus margarita flavor. While sweet, it has a spicy, more complex flavor, making it perfect for a deep and spicy margarita. Simple syrup adds sweetness to the mix.
Tart
Lime juice provides the classic lime flavor of a margarita.
Smoky & spicy
Chipotle chili powder adds a kick of spice.
Top-shelf tequila
Añejo tequila provides the signature agave flavor that brings it all together with warmer, richer notes than the usual blanco tequila. High-quality liquor is the backbone of this drink. We recommend Don Julio Añejo or Casamigos Añejo for the utmost in quality and a beautiful cocktail añejo.
Depending on your preference, add a salt or sugar rim to really heighten the flavor.
Shop añejo tequilas
Variations to customize your margarita
In a hurry, but missing ingredients? Just feeling adventurous and want to try new things? We have a few suggestions.
If it’s too spicy
You may simply want to cut down to half a teaspoon of chipotle powder, but there are other options to consider. If you want to preserve that smoky flavor with less heat, try replacing chipotle powder with either ancho chili powder or smoked paprika.
If it’s not spicy enough
Do you want to bring more heat? Mix chipotle powder with salt before rimming your glass. Want more heat in the drink? Swap out chipotle powder for a stronger chili. Go crazy and add some cayenne powder instead. Drink at your own risk, you thrill seeker.
Switch up the spirits
Though this recipe is based on añejo, for a slightly lighter taste, you might try reposado tequila.
Try a top-shelf reposado tequila
Reposado tequila is aged less than a year, so the agave flavor is stronger, and the vanilla, oak and caramel tones are milder. Reposado doesn’t have as deep of a flavor as añejo, but you may find that you enjoy a reposado margarita even better.
Opt for mezcal for maximum smokiness
If you really want to amp up the smoky flavor to a whole new level, replace tequila with a quality mezcal. Tequila is a type of mezcal, so you’ll still experience the agave flavor, but the smokiness will bring a unique flavor profile.
Shop mezcal & tequila
Get in the mix
Love this recipe? Shaking up cocktails at your next soiree? We'd love to see it. Follow us on Instagram and tag @thebardotcom to show us your serve.