Tequila remains one of the most sought-after spirits worldwide, driven in part by the margarita’s popularity as the top-selling cocktail in the U.S. To start 2025 with a twist, award-winning bartender Christine Wiseman has shared a selection of innovative tequila and margarita recipes that enhance these classic beverages.
Recognized as the 2023 Bartender of the Year by Tales of the Cocktail and named North America’s Best Bartender by 50 Best Bars, Wiseman is a renowned expert in the field. Her tequila cocktails are straightforward yet flavorful, especially when using high-quality ingredients. Some of the cocktails feature Ghost Tequila, a variety infused with ghost pepper, designed to add a spicy kick without overwhelming flavors associated with traditional pepper.
Here are Christine Wiseman’s favorite tequila cocktails for you to try:
1. Marigold Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Ghost Tequila
- 0.5 oz Alma Finca
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz marigold infused agave
- 0.5 oz blood orange juice
- Dried marigold salt rim
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with a marigold salt rim. Add fresh ice and garnish with a fresh marigold.
2. Key Lime & Mace
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz key lime agave
- 0.25 oz condensed milk
- 1.5 oz Patron Blanco
- 0.25 oz Grand Marnier
- 0.25 oz Myris
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a rocks glass with a salt rim. Garnish with key lime zest and half a finger lime.
3. Mish Mish
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz Blanco Tequila
- 0.75 oz Ojo de tigre mezcal
- 0.25 oz Grand Marnier
- 1.5 oz apricot agave
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz kefir
- Fennel salt rim for the glass
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass with a large ice rock, and garnish with a square of lime peel.
4. Perfectly Spicy Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Ghost Tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz agave
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a rocks glass with either regular or spicy salt rim. Garnish with a lime wheel.
5. Lush Life
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Altos Blanco
- 0.5 oz chinola
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz li hing mui and palo santo syrup
Instructions: Shake all ingredients together and pour into a glass.
By incorporating these creative recipes into your cocktail repertoire, you can elevate your tequila experience throughout 2025.