A MARGARITA BRIGHT AND BOLD AS THESE FINAL SUMMER DAYS!
So, here’s the scoop: I’ve never been a fan of frozen margaritas. Why? Well, for the longest time, they were either overly sweet, too syrupy, or did not have enough tequila in them. Yes, I understand how that sounds but I am a big believer that the right drinks are all about balance. I’ve always felt that if a margarita isn’t made right, it’s really disheartening because a frozen margarita (when done right) definitely curates the right vibes in any situation!
But that's where I come in. :) During my extensive "market research" (in other words, hanging out at bars and soaking up cocktail wisdom from expert bartenders while enjoying delicious beverages), I found a bar that did frozen margaritas right—balanced, refreshing, and with a texture that was nothing short of perfection. And guess what? The bartender was kind enough to tell me that the secret ingredient to get exactly the right texture: xanthan gum. Yes, xanthan gum! A total game-changer. When used in a frozen margarita, it delivers a silky, almost velvety texture that elevates the whole drink. Simple and genius, right? Food science is so cool.
As my Instagram feed is flooded with all things fall (pumpkin spice everything, I am looking at you) - I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. I’m giving you the perfect transitional drink to bid farewell to the sunny days with one last cheers. We’re using frozen mangoes—since mango season is over where I live sadly—but with those gorgeous hues of orange and the deep red from the chipotle rim, this drink BEAUTIFULLY bridges the gap between summer and fall. And while we are at it, there are still 18 days until it is officially fall so yes...drinking these mango chipotle frozen margaritas is not only completely acceptable but also comes highly recommended!
And while we are on the topic, I'd be remiss to not highlight the addition of chipotle in our margaritas. It is such an awesome compliment to the mango and helps us get the balance just right for this cocktail. The addition of the chipotle en adobo sauce gives us a subtle smoky depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango and the bright tanginess of the freshly squeezed lime juice. So with that, let’s raise our glasses to the end of summer with this Mango Chipotle Frozen Margarita. Enjoy!
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INGREDIENTS
4 ounces tequila blanco
2 cups frozen mango chunks
2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
1.5 oz agave nectar
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, optional but highly recommended**
1 1/2 teaspoon sauce from canned chipotle en adobo (less or more to taste)
1/2 cup ice cubes (crushed ice works best and is highly recommended)
1 tablespoon sea salt and 1 tablespoon dried crushed chipotle chili to rim the glass, optional
Frozen mango chunks, slightly thawed, for garnish, optional
DIRECTIONS
If you’re using salt and chipotle chili for the rim, mix them together on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glasses and then dip the glasses into the salt and chipotle mix. Pop the glasses in to the freezer while you blend.
In your blender, combine the frozen mango chunks, tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, chipotle sauce, and ice cubes. If you’re using xanthan gum, add it in now too. Blend until you have a smooth, frosty concoction. This usually takes about 40-50 seconds.
Pour your frozen margarita into the chilled glasses. Garnish with a slice or two of slightly thawed reserved mango chunks on a cocktail pick if desired. Serve immediately!
~ Serves 2
Notes
**Let's talk about the xanthan gum. This magical ingredient is optional but highly recommended. Xanthan gum helps thicken the margarita and gives it a creamy, smooth texture that clings perfectly to your glass. And remember - a tiny bit goes a LONG way! If you don't have it on hand, don’t stress—your margarita will still be deliciously refreshing! I promise.
The chipotle sauce can be pretty potent, so start with the suggested amount and add more if you like it spicier. You can always add but you can never remove, so do you!
I mentioned this in the ingredients list as well...but crushed ice gives the best texture for frozen margs and is one of the best tricks of the trade for delicious margaritas at home. If you don’t have crushed ice, regular ice will most definitely work. Just be sure to blend a bit longer to ensure that the ice is fully incorporated.
To keep your drink icy cold, chilling your glasses before serving is a game-changer. I do this now for most cocktails, but especially when serving frozen drinks. They stay colder longer which means they stay delicious for longer. :)
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