Citrus Adobo Margarita Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 serving.

• 2 lime wedges
• 1 teaspoon chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajin)
• 2 cups ice, or as needed
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces silver tequila
• 1 fluid ounce triple sec or other orange liqueur
• 1 fluid ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 fluid ounce fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
• 1 teaspoon agave syrup

Directions

1. Sprinkle chili-lime seasoning onto a plate.
2. Moisten the rim of a glass with a lime wedge, then press the moistened rim into the seasoning.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Fill a cocktail shaker with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice, adobo sauce, and agave syrup.
5. Add 1 cup ice to the shaker, seal it, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted, about 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Strain the margarita into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 276
• Total Fat: 1g (1% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 0g (1% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 792mg (34% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 33g (12% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 2g (3% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 66mg (73% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 105mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 295mg (6% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind the Citrus Adobo Margarita

The Citrus Adobo Margarita is a contemporary twist on the classic Mexican cocktail, combining the traditional flavors of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur with the smoky, spicy essence of adobo sauce. While margaritas date back to the 1930s and 1940s in Mexico and the southwestern United States, this modern variation reflects the growing trend of infusing cocktails with bold, unconventional flavors. Inspired by both Mexican cuisine and innovative mixology, the Citrus Adobo Margarita brings a savory complexity to a drink that is usually sweet and tangy.

Regional Variations and Influences

This cocktail reflects regional Mexican influences, particularly from areas where adobo seasoning and chipotle peppers are popular, such as Oaxaca and Puebla. In these regions, smoky adobo sauces are commonly used in meats and sauces, and their inclusion in a cocktail represents a culinary bridge between traditional cooking and modern beverage culture. Some bartenders in coastal Mexico prefer using fresh local citrus fruits like Valencia oranges or Meyer lemons for a more nuanced flavor, while others may balance the spice with a hint of agave nectar, emphasizing the natural sweetness of tequila.

What Sets It Apart from Other Margaritas

Unlike classic margaritas, which focus on a simple blend of lime, orange liqueur, and tequila, the Citrus Adobo Margarita introduces a smoky, umami dimension. The adobo sauce adds a subtle heat that lingers on the palate, creating a layered experience. This cocktail is also distinguished by its use of chili-lime seasoning on the rim, which enhances the interplay between spicy, citrusy, and sweet flavors. Compared to a traditional margarita or even a smoky mezcal margarita, this drink offers a more complex and savory profile without losing its refreshing quality.

Typical Occasions and Serving Traditions

The Citrus Adobo Margarita is most often served in upscale cocktail bars, Mexican restaurants, and during festive gatherings. Its vibrant flavors make it ideal for summer parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or any event where guests are seeking something both familiar and adventurous. The drink is traditionally presented in a salt- or chili-lime-rimmed glass over ice, garnished with a wedge of fresh lime, emphasizing both aesthetics and taste. Some bartenders even pair it with small bites like grilled shrimp or spiced nuts to complement the smoky and citrus notes.

Interesting Facts and Insights

• The combination of adobo sauce and citrus is inspired by Mexican marinades used for meats, highlighting the cocktails culinary roots.
• Mixologists often experiment by substituting half of the tequila with mezcal to increase the smoky complexity.
• Chili-lime seasoning like Tajn not only enhances flavor but also creates a visually appealing rim for presentation.
• The drink demonstrates a growing trend in modern mixology to incorporate savory and spicy elements into traditionally sweet cocktails.
• Despite its complex taste, the cocktail is quick to prepare, taking just 5 minutes from start to finish, making it accessible for home bartenders.

FAQ about Citrus Adobo Margarita Recipe