Margaritas, and a classic one at that, are hands down one of my favourite cocktails. But in the middle of winter, or when the weather still calls for an evening jumper (sweater), a traditional margarita can feel a little out of place. I did not let this small fact stop me though. We need a margarita for all seasons, right?
Well, I think so, and this Brown Sugar Margarita makes a couple of small but gratifying changes to take the classic into the colder months. Some of the lime is swapped for bright winter mandarins, while the usual sugar syrup makes way for a richer brown sugar syrup. Nothing drastic – it still tastes unmistakably like a margarita – but those small changes give it a little more warmth and depth while keeping the citrus sharp and fresh.
I still prefer mine served on the rocks with a salted glass. However, it would be just as welcome without ice or salt in a coupe, or with a light cinnamon-sugar dusting on the rim to lean a little further into those colder-weather flavours.
If you’re after more cocktails for cooler evenings, try my Spiced Apple and Tequila Cocktail, Brown Butter Rum Sour or Gin and Grapefruit Sour. Apparently, cold weather isn’t going to stop me making cocktails – it’s just going to change what I put in them.
Worth Making?
- Yes – if you enjoy a margarita but want something that feels at home on a cold winter evening.
- Yes – because the brown sugar adds warmth and depth without turning the cocktail overly sweet.
- Yes – if you prefer cocktails that let the spirit shine instead of hiding it behind a multitude of mixers.
- Skip it – if you don’t like traditional margaritas. This is still very close to the original with a twist.
- Skip it – if you’re looking for a tequila cocktail with tropical flavours.
Brown Sugar Margarita
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 70 ml tequila
- 20 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml 15ml mandarin juice
- 15 ml brown sugar syrup Heat equal parts brown sugar and water in a small saucepan and cook until sugar is fully dissolved. Cool completely before using.
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 pinch flaky salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and serve either with or without ice in a tumbler glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Make it your own way
- Swap the brown sugar syrup for maple syrup for a richer finish.
- Replace the mandarin juice with freshly squeezed orange juice for less sweetness.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the shaker for a gentle warmth that lingers after each sip.
- Use smoked salt on half the rim or if you want to elevate the sweet, brown sugar flavour.
- Make it alcohol-free by using a quality non-alcoholic tequila alternative and replacing the orange bitters with a few drops of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters.
