The Blue Margarita is a colorful, citrus-forward twist on the traditional Margarita—bold in both flavor and appearance. It swaps out the usual orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec) for blue curaçao, giving the drink a stunning electric blue hue and a slightly sweeter, more playful orange note. The result is just as refreshing and tart as the original but with a tropical edge and a showstopping presentation.

This cocktail is perfect when you want to bring some flair to your Margarita game. It’s equally at home poolside, at a summer soirée, or as a dazzling signature drink at a party. The Blue Margarita proves that sometimes, looks really do matter—especially when they taste this good.

I first encountered a Blue Margarita at a beachfront bar in Cozumel. It was served in a salt-rimmed coupe with the sun glinting off its azure surface. One sip of that tart-sweet-lively combo of lime, tequila, and orange liqueur, and I realized it was more than just a pretty face—it was a Margarita with attitude.

Quick Facts: Blue Margarita

Method: shaken
Flavor profile: citrusy, tart, lightly sweet
How to serve it: up or on the rocks
Glassware: Margarita glass or coupe
Alcohol content: ~15–18% ABV, ~16–19 grams of alcohol per serving

Ingredients

2 oz blanco tequila
1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional, depending on how sweet you want it)
Garnish: lime wheel or wedge
Optional: salt or sugar for rimming
Ice (for shaking or serving on the rocks)

Ingredient Notes:

Blanco Tequila:
Use a clean, high-quality 100% agave blanco tequila for the best flavor balance with the citrus and liqueur. Try:

Espolòn Blanco
Cimarrón Blanco
Olmeca Altos Plata
Tequila Ocho Plata

Blue Curaçao:
This orange-flavored liqueur gets its bright blue color from food-grade dye, but the flavor is orange citrus with a tropical twist. Brands to look for:

Bols Blue Curaçao (classic and vibrant)
Giffard Curaçao Bleu (higher-end, more natural)
Drillaud Blue Curaçao (budget-friendly)

Lime Juice:
Only freshly squeezed lime juice delivers the crisp acidity this drink needs. Don’t use bottled unless you’re absolutely in a pinch.

Simple Syrup:
Optional, but helpful if your limes are particularly sour or your curaçao is dry. Adjust to taste.

Rim Salt or Sugar:
Salted rim is classic, but sugar rim works wonderfully with this sweeter variation.

Equipment Needed

Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Jigger
Citrus press
Margarita or coupe glass
Small plate (for rimming salt/sugar)
Ice (for shaking and serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your glass.
Chill your Margarita or coupe glass. If rimming, rub a lime wedge around the edge and dip the glass into coarse salt or sugar, depending on your preference. Set aside.

2. Shake the cocktail.
In a shaker filled with ice, add:

2 oz blanco tequila
1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional)

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain and serve.
Strain into your prepared glass, either straight up or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

4. Garnish.
Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. For extra flair, float a thin orange wheel or edible flower.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Blue Margarita is zesty, citrusy, and visually vibrant, with a balanced interplay between tequila’s agave bite, the sweet orange of curaçao, and the sharp tang of lime.

Tasting notes include:

Sweet orange peel and tart lime on the nose
Bright citrus and smooth tequila on the palate
A clean, crisp finish with slight sweetness
A subtle tropical character from the curaçao

Pairs well with:

Spicy grilled shrimp or fish tacos
Salsa fresca and guacamole
Grilled pineapple skewers
Tangy ceviche or mango-chili salads
Light appetizers with citrus or chile heat

Garnishing and Presentation

This drink is all about visual appeal, so lean into its oceanic, tropical vibe.

Glassware:

A Margarita glass is classic and festive
A coupe offers elegance and a modern look
A rocks glass with ice gives it a chill, casual vibe

Garnish ideas:

Lime wheel or wedge for freshness
Sugar rim for a sweet pop
Dehydrated citrus wheel for style
Edible flower or mint sprig for tropical flair
Colored salt rim (add blue salt or Tajín for extra drama)

Pro tip:
If you’re serving outdoors or at night, this cocktail looks amazing under string lights or candlelight—the color glows like neon.

Pairing Suggestions

The Blue Margarita plays nicely with dishes that highlight spice, citrus, or fruit.

Savory pairings:

Tacos with mango salsa or chipotle slaw
Ceviche with citrus and jalapeño
Queso fundido with warm tortillas
Grilled chicken with lime and garlic
Fish tacos with avocado crema

Sweet pairings:

Key lime pie
Mango sorbet
Citrus shortbread cookies
Pineapple upside-down cake
Coconut-lime panna cotta

Also great as a signature cocktail at themed parties—especially tropical, poolside, or ocean-inspired events.

Cocktail History and Trivia

The Blue Margarita is a modern variation of the classic Margarita, inspired by the popularity of blue curaçao in the 1970s and ‘80s, when bright-colored cocktails were trending in bars and resorts worldwide.

Blue curaçao, originally from the island of Curaçao, is a colorful variant of traditional curaçao liqueur, made from the peels of the Laraha citrus fruit. While the electric hue is purely cosmetic, it quickly became iconic—used in everything from Blue Hawaiians to Blue Lagoons.

Though the Blue Margarita might not have the pedigree of its classic ancestor, it’s earned a loyal following for being fun, tropical, and visually unforgettable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Blue Margarita:

Poolside, as the ultimate beachy cocktail
At summer parties, especially with tropical themes
As a welcome drink for vibrant, colorful events
At cocktail hours, as a signature drink or blue-themed option
In batches, for crowd-pleasing color and refreshment

Batching tip (for 4 servings):

8 oz blanco tequila
4 oz blue curaçao
4 oz lime juice
2 oz simple syrup (optional)
Mix and chill before serving. Shake each portion with ice or serve over rocks. Garnish individually.

Alcohol Content and Alternatives

At ~15–18% ABV, the Blue Margarita is slightly less potent than a classic Margarita due to the lower proof of blue curaçao, but still packs a solid punch.

To reduce strength:

Use 1½ oz tequila
Add extra lime juice or splash of soda
Serve over ice to increase dilution

Mocktail version:

¾ oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic) or orange syrup with blue coloring
½ oz agave or simple syrup
3 oz soda water or lemonade
Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish as usual.

Fun variations:

Spicy Blue Margarita: Add muddled jalapeño or a chili salt rim
Frozen Blue Margarita: Blend with ice for a slushy version
Blue Coconut Margarita: Add ½ oz cream of coconut for tropical flair
Blue Mezcalita: Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky twist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is blue curaçao just for color?
No—while its bright blue hue is cosmetic, it also has a distinct orange flavor, similar to triple sec.

Can I use triple sec instead?
Not in this version—blue curaçao is the twist. But you can substitute with other colored liqueurs for creative riffs.

Can I make this a frozen Margarita?
Absolutely. Just blend with 1½ cups of ice for a slushy-style drink.

Does it matter what tequila I use?
Yes. Use a 100% agave blanco tequila for the cleanest taste. Reposado adds complexity but may clash with the bright flavors.

Why is my drink too sweet/tart?
Adjust with simple syrup or more lime juice, depending on your taste. Some curaçaos are sweeter than others.