5 Cold-Weather Margaritas To Spice Up Your Winter

The margarita is one of America’s favorite cocktails, not only because of how tasty it is but because of how it epitomizes summer refreshment. “They’re a poolside, kickback, ‘feel-like-you-are-on-vacation’ kind of drink,” says Charlotte Voisey, a career mixologist and host of The Proper Pour With Charlotte Voisey. It’s why it just feels wrong to drink tequila, lime, and triple sec when the temperature dips below 70 degrees.

But Voisey says there is no wrong time for a marg. The secret? Give the classic recipe a twist to accommodate the occasion, the season and the colder weather.

Here are five of her recommendations for fall and winter margaritas. Turning up the heat and putting on your swimsuit is optional.

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Ancho Chile Margarita

Ancho Chile Marg

Whip this one up for a party or dinner. The warming spice brings full flavor to this fall, food-friendly marg, Voisey says.

Recipe:

  • 1 1/2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
  • 1/2 part Ancho Reyes
  • 1/2 part agave nectar
  • 1 part fresh lime juice

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
  • Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Marg

Blood orange season is short and sweet, so don’t miss out! Try this recipe, which uses Solerno to bring the classic winter ingredient front and center.

Recipe:

  • 1 1/2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
  • 3/4 part Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
  • 1/4 part simple syrup
  • 1 part fresh lime juice

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
  • Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a blood orange wheel (if in season) or a lime wheel.

Pineapple and Nutmeg Margarita

Pineapple Nutmeg Marg

An easy way to bring tropical, summer flavors into autumn is to pair them with a classic fall spice. In this margarita, nutmeg highlights the spice in the Reposado Tequila in this drink, Voisey says. She recommends always freshly grating the nutmeg rather than using ground for the best aromatics.

Recipe:

  • 2 parts Milagro Reposado Tequila
  • 1 part fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 part fresh-squeezed pineapple juice
  • 1/2 part agave nectar

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
  • Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a pineapple leaf and freshly grated nutmeg.

Cold Brew Margarita

Cold Brew Marg

Coffee is enjoying a resurgence in cocktails this year, Voisey notes, so it seems natural to give it a shot in a margarita. “The deep, robust notes of a great cold brew add a rich layer perfect for fall and winter,” she says.

Recipe:

  • 2 parts Milagro Añejo Tequila
  • 1/2 part Cold Brew Concentrate
  • 1 bar spoon grenadine
  • 1 part fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 part agave nectar

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
  • Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

Smoked Pear Margarita

Pear Marg

Adding tequila’s trendy cousin, mezcal, to a marg is a great way to add a smoky profile that’s oh-so-appealing in sweater weather, Voisey says.

Recipe:

  • 1 1/2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
  • 3/4 part Montelobos Mezcal
  • 1 part fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 part agave nectar
  • 1/2 part fresh pear juice (muddle from ripe fruit)
  • 2 dashes apple bitters

Instructions:

  • Muddle a ripe pear to get enough juice for your cocktail.
  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
  • Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a dehydrated pear slice and a sprinkle of sea salt.