Sooz’s Margaritas (Made With Beer)

The first time I had a beer margarita, it was at a backyard barbecue in Austin, Texas. The sun was setting, cicadas were buzzing, and the air was thick with the smell of mesquite smoke. I’d been skeptical – beer in a margarita? – but one sip and I was hooked. It was surprisingly refreshing, a little bit tangy, and dangerously easy to drink. These margaritas have been a staple in my summer repertoire ever since, and I’m thrilled to share this slightly unconventional, incredibly delicious recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: About 72 ounces
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 12 ounces frozen limeade concentrate (do not thaw)
• 4 ounces Grand Marnier (or other orange flavored liqueur)
• 12 ounces Cuervo tequila, gold 1800 (or Cazadores tequila)
• 8 ounces water
• 12 ounces light beer (Corona recommended)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Equipment Needed

• Large pitcher
• Stirring spoon
• Margarita glasses
• Optional: Salt for rimming the glasses

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the limeade concentrate, Grand Marnier, tequila, water, and beer.
2. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is well-blended and the limeade concentrate has melted. This might take a few minutes of vigorous stirring. Make sure there are no more frozen chunks.
3. Add plenty of ice to the pitcher. The ice will help chill the margaritas and dilute them slightly.
4. If desired, rim your margarita glasses with salt. To do this, run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into a plate of salt.
5. Pour the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses.
6. Garnish each margarita with a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tequila Choice: While the recipe calls for Cuervo Gold 1800, don’t be afraid to experiment with different tequilas. A reposado tequila will add a slightly oakier flavor, while a blanco tequila will result in a cleaner, brighter margarita. I have also found that Cazadores works well.
• Limeade Tip: To speed up the melting process of the frozen limeade, you can microwave it for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it get too hot. Or just plan ahead and let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so before mixing.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet margarita, you can reduce the amount of limeade concentrate and add a little more water or tequila to balance the flavors.
• Beer Selection: Sticking with a light beer like Corona is key. Using a darker or more flavorful beer can overpower the other ingredients. However, for a slightly different twist, consider a Mexican lager like Pacifico.
• Orange Liqueur Alternatives: If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can substitute other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Triple Sec. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the results will still be delicious.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these margaritas immediately after preparation for the best taste and chill. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

While these margaritas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the beer will lose some of its fizz over time. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a few more ice cubes to refresh it. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture and flavors will be compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	100.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	23.6g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.2g	0%
Sugars	21.6g	86%
Protein	0.1g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Margarita: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the pitcher for a spicy kick. Remove the seeds for less heat.
• Fruity Margarita: Blend in some fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, or mangoes for a fruity twist.
• Skinny Margarita: Use a sugar-free limeade concentrate and a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia or Erythritol to reduce the calorie count.
• Frozen Margarita: Combine all ingredients in a blender with plenty of ice and blend until smooth.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute the tequila and Grand Marnier with orange juice or a non-alcoholic orange liqueur for a family-friendly version.
• Agave Nectar: If you want to enhance the sweetness and add a subtle flavor, incorporate a small amount of agave nectar. Start with about a tablespoon and adjust to your preference.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of beer?
A: While a light beer like Corona is recommended to avoid overpowering the other flavors, you can experiment with other Mexican lagers or even a light pilsner. Just be mindful of the beer’s flavor profile and how it will complement the tequila and lime.

Q: How do I make a single serving of this margarita?
A: Simply divide all the ingredients by 10 to make a single serving. Be precise with your measurements to maintain the correct balance of flavors.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the margarita mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to add the beer just before serving to maintain its fizz. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have Grand Marnier?
A: You can substitute Grand Marnier with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the results will still be delicious.

Q: How do I make the salt stick to the rim of the glass?
A: The key is to use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of the glass before dipping it in the salt. This will help the salt adhere properly. You can also use a specialized rimming salt tray.

Final Thoughts

Sooz’s Margaritas (Made With Beer) are more than just a drink; they’re an invitation to relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. With their refreshing blend of tangy lime, smooth tequila, and crisp beer, these margaritas are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the good times roll! Feel free to tweak it to your liking, and I’d love to hear about your creations and any fun variations you come up with. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable moments!