Turn up the heat and the fun with this Spicy Summer Ale Margarita! This refreshing cocktail brings together the zest of a classic margarita with the crisp, bubbly charm of a summer ale, all finished with a fiery kick. It’s the ultimate drink for sunny BBQs, poolside lounging, or simply spicing up your happy hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Refreshing and unique: Combines a classic margarita with the crispness of beer.
- Balanced spice: Just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
- Easy to make: Minimal effort with maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties or a solo treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to shake up this cocktail:
- Tequila
- Fresh lime juice
- Orange liqueur
- Agave syrup or simple syrup
- Spicy summer ale or a beer with a hint of heat
- Optional: Jalapeño slices for garnish
Full ingredient details and quantities are in the recipe card below!
Directions
- Rim your glass with chili-lime salt for an extra kick.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass over ice.
- Top with spicy summer ale and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or a slice of jalapeño.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra spice, muddle a slice or two of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your beer and glass ahead of time to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace tequila with sparkling water and use a non-alcoholic beer.
- Beer options: Not into spicy ales? Try a fruity wheat beer or a citrus-forward IPA.
- Sweetness adjustment: Add more or less agave syrup depending on your taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this margarita with classic summer favorites like grilled shrimp tacos, chips and guacamole, or a fresh watermelon salad. For dessert, it pairs wonderfully with churros or citrus sorbet.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best made fresh to preserve its fizzy and zesty nature. However, you can mix the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the beer just before serving.
FAQs
1. What’s the best beer for this cocktail?
A spicy summer ale works perfectly, but you can also try a citrusy IPA or a crisp lager for a milder option.
2. How do I make the drink less spicy?
Skip the jalapeño garnish and use a mild beer instead of a spicy ale.
3. Can I make a pitcher version of this cocktail?
Absolutely! Scale up the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher, leaving out the beer. Add the beer to each glass just before serving to keep it bubbly.
4. Can I skip the orange liqueur?
You can substitute with fresh orange juice for a natural sweetness and citrus flavor.
Conclusion
The Spicy Summer Ale Margarita is the ultimate summer cocktail with a spicy twist. Its vibrant mix of zesty lime, sweet orange, and bold tequila, topped off with a refreshing beer, makes it a must-try for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, turn on some summer tunes, and sip your way to sunshine! Cheers!
PrintSpicy Summer Ale Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beers
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
The Spicy Summer Ale Margarita is a bold and refreshing fusion of a classic margarita and a crisp summer ale, with an added kick of spice. This drink is perfect for those who love a little heat in their cocktails, making it an ideal choice for summer hangouts, BBQs, or any spicy food pairing. The combination of tangy lime, tequila, refreshing beer, and a hint of spice makes this margarita a standout drink for the season.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
- 1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 bottle (12 oz) summer ale (such as Blue Moon or Sam Adams Summer Ale)
- 1–2 slices of fresh jalapeño (for spice)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass:
Rim your glass with lime and dip it into Tajín seasoning or chili powder to create a spicy edge. - Mix the Margarita Base:
In a shaker, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, agave syrup, and 1-2 jalapeño slices (adjust for desired spiciness). Add ice and shake well. - Pour and Top with Beer:
Strain the margarita mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with the summer ale, stirring gently to combine. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with a lime wedge and an extra slice of jalapeño if desired for added spice.
Notes
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices.
- The summer ale adds a light, crisp finish to the drink, balancing out the heat from the jalapeño.
- For a less spicy version, skip the jalapeño in the margarita mix and simply garnish with a slice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 margarita
- Calories: 220 (varies based on beer and tequila used)
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg