Spring is in full swing, with summer quickly approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about the warm-weather cocktails that will help carry us through the changing seasons. After surviving a frigid winter subsisting on hot toddies, eggnog, and Irish coffee, we’re ready to break out the tequila, triple sec, and lime.
That’s right—we’re talking about the margarita.
Here, five Florida-based bartenders—who had the privilege of spending “winter” in the Sunshine State—have been generous enough to share their takes on this classic cocktail.
Tamarindo Margarita
Christopher Hudnall The Drawing Room at Shelborne South Beach Miami, Florida- 2 ounces Alipus Mezcal
- 1/2 ounce tamarind paste
- 1/2 ounce canela-infused agave syrup
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Garnish: lime wheel, double strength ginger hard candy
Coat the rim of a rocks glass with salt, fill with ice, and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients to a shaker and fill with fresh ice. Shake and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and ginger candy.
Spicy Rita
Liliam Ma Cocktails at the Lincoln Eatery Miami, Florida- Agave syrup
- Tajín (Mexican seasoning)
- 1 jalapeño
- 4 ounces Bloody Mary mix
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
Dragon Margarita
Jessica Allen Casa Sensei Fort Lauderdale, Florida- Salt and sugar
- 1 ounce Avion Tequila
- 1 ounce spiced rum
- 2 ounces blood orange puree
- 1 ounce yuzu juice
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Garnish: lime wedge, Thai chili pepper
Dockside Margarita
Greg Jackson Shooters Waterfront Fort Lauderdale, Florida- 1/2 ounce Olmeca Altos Tequila
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce mango purée
- 2 dashes Hellfire bitters
Blackberry Ginger Margarita
Anna Orton-Pujol Mastro’s Ocean Club Fort Lauderdale, Florida- 3 blackberries
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 ounce Tres Agaves Agave Nectar
- 1 1/2 ounces Casamigos Reposado Tequila
- 1/2 ounce Shrub & Co. Spicy Ginger shrub
- Garnish: 1 blackberry, thyme sprig