Love margaritas? Follow these 6 quirky recipes to be innovative with the classic cocktail

(L-R) Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita, Merlin`s Margarita, Frozen Raspberry Margarita, Orange Spicy Margarita

For those fond of tequila, Margarita has been a crowd pleaser for decades. While the iconic cocktail is a staple on bar menus across the world, mixologists have been experimenting with playful twists using a wide range of ingredients.

Every year, February 22 is celebrated as Margarita Day in the US, but the cocktail is enjoyed throughout the year because of its classic status. Whether you like citrusy, or fruity, we got mixologists to share different flavour combinations for you that will elevate your cocktail hour.

You can easily get creative behind the bar and whip up some quirky yet easy recipes and excite your taste buds, especially during the summer.

Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita

Spicy and tangy? Sounds like the perfect Margarita. This smoky cocktail is worth trying out. "The Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita is a bold fusion of warmth and tang - where the deep, spiced notes of cinnamon meet the rich, tangy depth of tamarind. This cocktail is a balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavours, crafted to awaken the palate with every sip," says chef Noah Louis Barnes of Miss Margarita.

Ingredients
Tequila 45 ml
Triple sec 15 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Tamarind 45 gm
Cinnamon syrup 30 ml

Method
1. Blend all ingredients: tequila, lime juice, triple sec, tamarind, cinnamon syrup and ice to a large blender.
2. Pour the vibrant concoction into a classic Margarita glass, its iconic shape enhancing the drinking experience.
3. Garnish your creation with a carefully charred cinnamon stick, infusing each sip with a hint of aromatic complexity and visual allure.

Smoked Jamun Masala Margarita

For those who wish to experiment with Indian flavours, this smoky cocktail uses black salt, and jamun. "Tattva is known for its fusion of local flavors with craft cocktails. This Margarita embraces the tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy notes, making it a bold and intriguing drink," poses Prasid Shetty, brand manager at Tattva Bar and Café in Andheri.

Ingredients
Reposado tequila 60 ml
Fresh jamun puree 30 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Triple sec 10 ml
Honey or agave syrup 10 ml
A pinch of black salt
A pinch of Kashmiri chili powder
Ice cubes
Smoked salt and black sesame seeds for rimming
Burnt orange peel and jamun slice for garnish

Method
1. Blend fresh jamun (deseeded) with a little water and strain to get a smooth jamun puree.
2. Rim a rocks glass with a mix of smoked salt and black sesame seeds.
3. In a shaker, combine tequila, jamun puree, lime juice, triple sec, honey/agave syrup, black salt, and chili powder.
4. Add ice and shake vigorously.
5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a burnt orange peel (for smoky aroma) and a fresh jamun slice.

Merlin's Margarita

A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this elegantly balanced cocktail can be whipped in no time. "Cucumber and tequila make a surprisingly perfect pair - fresh, crisp, and just the right amount of smooth. Merlin's Margarita is a go-to for when you want something light, refreshing, and a little bit different," shares Prathamesh Kotian, bar executive at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai. He also recommends adding a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a slightly sweeter margarita, and experimenting with flavoured salt rims (for example, chilli salt) for an extra kick.

Ingredients:
Tequila (Silver/Blanco for a cleaner taste) 45 ml
Fresh cucumber slices (preferably peeled for a smoother texture) 5-6 nos
Triple Sec 15 ml
Fresh lime juice 10 ml
Ice cubes

Method:
1. Take a margarita glass and run a lime wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into coarse salt to create a classic margarita salt rim. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add 4 to 5 fresh cucumber slices and 10 ml of fresh lime juice. Use a muddler to gently press the cucumber, releasing its fresh juices and flavours.
3. Pour 15 ml of Triple Sec and 45 ml of tequila into the shaker. The triple sec adds a subtle sweetness and citrusy balance to the drink.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. This chills the drink while mixing the flavours perfectly.
5. Using a fine strainer, double strain the cocktail into the prepared margarita glass. This removes any pulp or cucumber bits, giving a smooth finish.
6. Garnish with a thin cucumber slice on the rim or float it on top of the drink. Serve immediately and enjoy the cool, crisp flavours of Merlin's Margarita!

Frozen Raspberry Margarita

This cocktail is a tropical twist on the classic margarita with sweet and tangy raspberry flavours. "A little sweet, a little tangy, and just the right amount of kick - our Frozen Raspberry Margarita is sunshine in a glass. Perfect for when you need a mini getaway without leaving your seat," shares Rahul Gurav, bar manager at Lyla.

Ingredients
Tequila (Blanco or Reposado) 60 ml
Raspberry juice (fresh or canned) 30 ml
Lime juice (freshly squeezed) 22 ml
Triple sec (Cointreau or any orange liqueur) 15 ml
Agave syrup (or simple syrup, optional) 15 ml
Ice cubes
Tajín or salt for rim
Grapefruit wedge and lime wheel for garnish

Method
1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip it into Tajín or salt. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, raspberry juice, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
4. Add a grapefruit wedge and a lime wheel for a decorative touch.

Saffron Sunset Margarita

Balancing bold and delicate flavours of saffron, rose water, and coconut cream, this Margarita is meant to be enjoyed by the beach. "This Margarita is a bold and exotic take on the classic cocktail. It brings together the luxurious flavours of saffron and rose, balanced by citrus and a creamy touch of coconut perfect for Goa's tropical yet glamorous vibe," explains Shashank Shetty, founder of Tipsy Tiger Shayari Bar in Goa.

Ingredients:
Tequila blanco 60 ml
Freshly squeezed orange juice 30 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Saffron-infused honey syrup 15 ml
Rose water 5 ml
Coconut cream 10 ml
Ice cubes
Saffron strands and rose petals for garnish
Salt and crushed dried rose petals for rimming

Method:
1. To make saffron-infused honey syrup: Steep a few saffron strands in 2 tbsp of warm honey for 10 minutes. Stir well.
2. Rim a rocks glass with a mix of salt and crushed dried rose petals.
3. In a shaker, add tequila, orange juice, lime juice, saffron-infused honey syrup, rose water, and coconut cream.
4. Shake well with ice until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with saffron strands and rose petals.

Orange Spicy Margarita

Refreshing and citrusy, if that is what you crave for in a Margarita, then this orange spicy version will leave you wanting for more. "A good margarita is all about balance - zesty, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spice. This one packs a refreshing citrus punch with a kick of heat," shares Amaresh Sasmal, food and beverage manager at Ira by Orchid in Bhubaneswar.

Ingredients
Tequila 45 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Triple sec 15 ml
Fresh orange juice 2 tbsp
Ice 350 gm
Salt for rimming glass
Lime wedges, for rimming glass and garnishing

Method
1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of glasses. Dip the edges of the glasses in salt with some green chilli.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, orange juice and ice to a large blender. Blend until slushy consistence is achieved.
3. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
4. Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediately.