Blue Margarita Cocktail Recipe

A Blue Margarita is a colorful spin on the classic margarita, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to whip up at home. It combines tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and a bit of sweetness for a drink that’s as refreshing as it looks.

That bright blue? It’s all thanks to blue curaçao, which also sneaks in a hint of orange flavor.

I’ll make this cocktail when I want something familiar but with a fun visual punch. The taste is crisp, a little tart, and balanced—not too sweet, not too sour.

No fancy bartending skills required—just grab the right ingredients and a couple of basic tools.

Blue Margarita Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving a bright, citrusy drink with a little sweetness, a Blue Margarita is my go-to. That bold blue comes from blue curaçao, which adds a light orange note that plays nicely with tequila and fresh lime.

Equipment

I keep my tools simple—no need to overcomplicate things.

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling the drink.
• Jigger – to measure each ingredient accurately.
• Citrus juicer – for fresh lime juice.
• Strainer – to keep ice out of the final pour.
• Rocks glass or margarita glass – for serving.
• Small plate – to hold salt for rimming the glass.
• Bar spoon – for stirring if needed.
• Ice – for shaking and serving.

A shaker with a good seal makes life easier—you can really shake it up without worrying about leaks. I like a sturdy glass too; it helps keep everything nice and cold.

Ingredients

Fresh, quality ingredients really do make a difference here.

• 2 oz blanco tequila (or mezcal for a smoky twist)
• 1 oz blue curaçao (blue curacao liqueur)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz triple sec (or other orange liqueur)
• 0.25–0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Salt (optional, for rim)
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Fresh lime juice just tastes brighter than the bottled stuff. Sometimes I’ll swap triple sec with Cointreau if I’m feeling fancy and want a richer orange flavor.

Instructions

Here’s how I mix up a Blue Margarita that actually tastes balanced.

• Rim the glass with lime juice and dip it in salt if you’re into that.
• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Add blanco tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
• Shake it hard—about 15 seconds—until the shaker feels cold.
• Strain the drink into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

Shaking it well gets everything nice and frosty. Straining over fresh ice? That keeps the drink from getting watery right away.

Notes

Personally, I reach for blanco tequila because it’s clean and crisp, but mezcal is a solid choice if you want a smoky vibe. Blue curaçao is essential—it’s not just for color, it brings a subtle orange note that ties everything together.

If you like things on the sweeter side, add a little more simple syrup. Want it sharper? Use less. I stick with solid ice cubes instead of crushed, since crushed ice waters things down a bit too quickly for my taste.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of a Blue Margarita, I notice this smooth balance between sweet and tart. The blue curaçao brings in a gentle orange taste—lighter, honestly, than what you get with a classic margarita.

Lime juice jumps in with a crisp, fresh edge. It keeps things bright and stops the drink from getting too sugary, which I really appreciate.

Compared to, say, a berry margarita, this one’s way less fruity. It leans hard into citrus, and that blue color definitely makes it pop against other blue cocktails I’ve tried.

I can taste the tequila, clear as day, but it blends in nicely with everything else. It’s not overwhelming, just kind of smooth and steady all the way through.

Here’s how I’d break down the main flavor notes:

• Sweetness: mild, from blue curaçao
• Citrus: strong, thanks to the fresh lime juice
• Tequila: smooth, with a gentle warmth
• Finish: clean, with this light orange aftertaste

The bright blue color makes it fun to look at, honestly. Still, the taste keeps it classic enough for anyone who likes a margarita. I’d say it’s perfect for warm days or just hanging out with friends.