Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to gather with friends, enjoy vibrant flavors and celebrate the start of warmer days. With Mother’s Day arriving just after, it is also a lovely time to raise a glass to the women who make life sweeter, stronger and a lot more fun. Here in New Jersey, May signals the return of patio season, from backyard barbecues to breezy evenings down the Jersey Shore.
This Spicy Mango Margarita delivers the perfect balance of sweet citrus and heat. Fresh mango and lime bring brightness, while a chili-lime rim adds just enough kick to make every sip memorable. It is colorful, refreshing and festive enough for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, yet pretty enough to serve at a Mother’s Day brunch or backyard gathering. Pair it with tacos, grilled seafood or a simple bowl of chips and guacamole for an easy sip that feels like a little celebration of spring.
Ingredients
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2 ounces tequila (blanco works best)
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1 ounce fresh lime juice
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1 ounce orange liqueur (such as triple sec)
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2 ounces mango nectar or mango puree
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½ ounce agave syrup (optional)
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Tajín or chili-lime seasoning for rim
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Ice
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Fresh mango slices and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
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Run a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass and dip the rim into Tajín or chili-lime seasoning.
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, mango nectar and agave syrup.
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Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
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Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
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Garnish with a slice of mango and/or a lime wedge.
Make it a Mocktail
Skip the tequila and orange liqueur and replace with sparkling water or mango juice for a refreshing alcohol-free version. Shake the mango nectar, lime juice and agave with ice, pour into a Tajín-rimmed glass and top with sparkling water for a bright, citrusy sip everyone can enjoy.
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