Easy Tangerine Margarita
My love for citrus runs deep. This Easy Tangerine Margarita is delicious and light. A few simple ingredients create this vibrant, refreshing cocktail that is sweet and spicy, with a touch of Tajin on the rim. This is a perfect cocktail to make by the pitcher to serve a crowd for a gathering.
Different citrus fruits for this cocktail
There is no question that most of the time, citrus makes the best Margaritas. Innately, the cocktail is a citrus-forward drink complimenting Tequila quite well. On occasion, other main ingredients, like my very popular Hibiscus Tequila Cocktail, also work perfectly with Tequila. For this thirst quenching version, Tangerine juice hits the spot. Tangerine juice is naturally sweet and less acidic that most citrus juices. So what’s the difference?
Clementine vs. Tangerine vs. Mandarin
Ah yes, the trio of short seasoned citrus fruits that look similar, but are they the same? In California, Mandarin season is from November to April. And yes, it’s one of my favorite seasons! I love to see and eat all the citrus varieties at their peak. So what is the difference anyway? Tangerines and Clementines are sweet varieties of Mandarin oranges. These varieties of mandarin oranges can be used for this Tangerine Margarita – note the emphasis on sweetness. I don’t add simple syrup because the juice is naturally sweet enough. In a standard Margarita, simple syrup balances the acidity of the lime juice.
Ingredients
This recipe makes two Tangerine Margaritas. To make more, use the recipe multiplier on the recipe card. (Upper right side, adjacent Ingredients)
- 4 ounces of Blanco or silver Tequila (for more on Tequila, check out my post where I dive deep into the differences)
- 1 ounce of Triple Sec
- 1 1/2 cups of Tangerine juice, freshly squeezed or a good quality like Natalies. See note below.
- 1 ripe lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons of Tajin seasoning (Tajin can be found in the Latin area of grocery stores, Latin markets, Bevmo, or Amazon) or substitute equal parts coarse ground sea salt and ground mild chile powder, well mixed.
- NOTE: if you cannot find Tangerine juice, use orange juice and add simple syrup to add sweetness to taste.
Equipment
- 1 small plate for rimming the glasses
- Cocktail shaker
- 2 cocktail glasses 8-12 ounces each
- Jigger or liquid measuring cup
- Juicer (optional for Tangerine and/or lime juice)
Is Cointreau or Triple Sec best for a margarita?
I’ve made this Tangerine Margarita with both, but I prefer Triple Sec for this particular cocktail. Cointreau is delicious, but it’s sweeter than Triple Sec. It’s a matter of taste, but the classic Margarita leans into Triple Sec for the perfect balance. And for those purists, some will argue that neither liqueur belongs in a Margarita. I’m a flavor advocate, so do what you love with this drink; life is short, so enjoy it!
How to make this Easy Tangerine Margarita
Add the Tajin seasoning to a small plate and spread evenly.
Using a cocktail shaker with ice, add the blanco or silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Tangerine juice, and lime juice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Feel free to add more Tequila if you like. I prefer the 2 ounces, but customize this fabulous Margarita as you wish!
How to serve
To rim the glass with Tajin, dip the rim into the cocktail mixture (you need the juice’s sugar to get a good rim) and then dip into the Tajin. Rotate the glass if necessary to get an even rim. Repeat the Tajin rim on the second glass and pour the Tangerine Margarita, (ice and cocktail) into the prepared glasses. Serve with a lime wheel or wedge.
To paint the Tajin onto the side of the glass, use a small kitchen brush and brush on some of the same cocktail mixture onto the glass. Then, dip the brushed side in the Tajin seasoning. Rotate the glass if necessary to coat evenly. Pour the Margarita mixture into the glass and sever with a lime wheel or wedge.
What to serve with this Tangerine Margarita
Okay, your excellent Tangerine Margarita is ready to go, but what should you serve with this? Hands down my favorite is tacos, and my Spicy Shrimp Tacos are exceptional with this cocktail. Second to that? My Spicy Chorizo Shrimp Pizza! Carne Asada or Al pastor tacos are perfect also. Two Ingredient Grilled Tri-Tip Roast is another winner. Enjoy!
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All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
Easy Tangerine Margaritas
August 21, 2024Equipment
- 1 small plate for rimming the cocktail glasses
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 2 cocktail glasses 8-12 ounces each
- 1 jigger or liquid measuring cup
- 1 juicer optional for tangerine and/or lime juice
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of Blanco or silver Tequila for more on Tequila, check out my post where I dive deep into the differences
- 1 ounce of Triple Sec
- 1 1/2 cups of Tangerine juice freshly squeezed or a good quality like Natalies. See note below.
- 1 ripe lime juiced
- 2 tablespoons of Tajin seasoning Or substitute equal parts coarse ground sea salt and ground mild chile powder, well mixed.
Instructions
How to make Tangerine Margaritas
- Add the Tajin seasoning to a small plate and spread evenly.
- Using a cocktail shaker with ice, add the blanco or silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Tangerine juice, and lime juice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
How to rim glasses
- To rim the glass with Tajin, dip the rim into the cocktail mixture (you need the juice’s sugar to get a good rim) and then dip into the Tajin. Rotate the glass if necessary to get an even rim. Repeat the Tajin rim on the second glass and pour the Tangerine Margarita, (ice and cocktail) into the prepared glasses. Serve with a lime wheel or wedge.
- To paint the Tajin onto the side of the glass, use a small kitchen brush and brush on some of the same cocktail mixture onto the glass. Then, dip the brushed side in the Tajin seasoning. Rotate the glass if necessary to coat evenly. Pour the cocktail mixture into the glass and sever with a lime wheel or wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
