Sure, you can cool off by the pool with a plain old margarita, but tequila is such a versatile spirit. It pairs so well with citrus and tropical fruits that you can make many other cocktails with the agave-based spirit. Here are a couple of margarita alternatives:
Papíto Royale
1 oz. Tequila Don Julio Añejo
1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
1/2 oz. Pineau de Charentes Aperitif Wine
Champagne to top
Combine Tequila Don Julio Añejo, dry vermouth and Pineau de Charentes Aperitif Wine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to temperature.
Strain contents into a coupe glass.
Top with Champagne.
Jalapaloma
1 1/2 oz. Blue Nectar Silver Tequila, infused with jalapeño (see below)
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
1 jalapeño
1/2 oz. lime juice
3/4 oz. agave nectar
2 oz. grapefruit juice
Crushed orange slice
Chop jalapeño and infuse using Blue Nectar’s method. Add infused tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave nectar and grapefruit juice to a shaker. Shake well. Garnish with an orange slice.
Jalapeño Infusion
Thinly slice a jalapeño without discarding the seeds. Place the pieces into an empty mason jar with tequila.
Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place, shaking it up once a day to help the flavors blend together. The spiciness of a jalapeño infusion should need only two days to infuse.
— Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House in Dallas
