Come the dog days of summer, there are three things Southerners need to survive: good AC (nothing quite like that expensive air!), a watering hole, and an ice-cold drink to sip beneath a whirring ceiling fan on the back porch. While lemonade or tea always hits the spot, there’s something to be said for cutting the heat with a frosty cocktail, and given that Ranch Waters are a perennial summer favorite of our readers, it’s little wonder that our most saved cocktail recipe of July on MyRecipes also has some Western flair: the Cowboy Margarita.
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Why We Love A Cowboy Margarita
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Though it requires a few more items than our three-ingredient Ranch Water, this jalapeño-kissed twist on a classic margarita is still super easy to make, coming together in minutes with just a handful of bar essentials—most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it bursts with flavor that belies the short ingredient list.
The popular cocktail starts with jalapeño slices, which are muddled and then shaken with orange juice, lime juice, tequila, simple syrup and ice. (Fresh juices will give you the best flavor here, but we won’t tattle if you go for convenience instead. Sometimes, it’s just too hot to take the extra step.) Once everything’s combined and well chilled, pour your concoction over ice, top with a light beer—we prefer a Mexican lager like Modelo—and garnish with orange and jalapeño slices.
Of course, if heat’s not your thing, you can skip the peppers. As far as we’re concerned, the splash of beer keeps the cowboy in Cowboy Margarita, so we won’t revoke your hat if you forgo the spice… just your spurs.
Give Another Margarita A Whirl
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The Cowboy Margarita may be our current go-to thanks to its sweet heat, but we haven’t met a margarita we don’t like. From frozen and fruity to herby and on the rocks, these variations on the traditional tequila cocktail are sure to cool you down and quench your thirst.
Dining and Cooking