Key Lime Beergarita Recipe: How to Make Tart & Fizzy Cocktails

I made these for your tacos!

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Perfect for a big, fun Super Bowl party or any weekend gathering. These are the best of both worlds: a margarita plus beer. Tequila with beer can be a little dangerous if you’re not careful, but the flavor is totally worth it.

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Key limes bring a bright, tangy note to the pitcher that really makes these special. Fresh key lime juice is tart and aromatic, and it balances the tequila and beer beautifully.

These tiny limes are so cute and intense in flavor. Sweet, tart and bright all at once — I may have tested one for quality control. It was a rough day.

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I tried not to pile crushed ice into the photos, but I couldn’t help it. Drinks always look more appealing surrounded by frosty ice, and crushed ice is my current favorite.

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I’ve made beergaritas before using ginger beer, but this version uses actual beer. I hesitated at first because many recipes rely on frozen limeade or overly sweet sour mixes, and I’m not a fan of that chemical, college-drink flavor. I love tequila, though, so I wanted a fresher, brighter beergarita.

So I made one. For us. In the name of cocktail research.

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What beer should you use? I used Corona and think Tecate or a similar light lager would work well. The beer should be something you enjoy on its own — a beer you like plus a good margarita base will make this shine. Below is a pitcher recipe for game day, but taste and adjust as you go.

When scaling up for a pitcher, I don’t simply multiply the tequila by the number of servings because the drink can quickly become overwhelmingly boozy. Start with the pitcher proportions below, taste, then add more tequila or simple syrup to suit your preferences.

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Taste as you mix — it’s okay to tweak. Weekend eve calls for a little indulgence.

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Key Lime Beergaritas

Yield:
1 single or a pitcher!
Total Time:
15 minutes
Print Recipe
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Ingredients

for a single:

  • 2 ounces key lime juice
  • 2 ounces beer such as Corona
  • 1 ½ ounces silver tequila
  • 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier liqueur or triple sec
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • fresh key limes for garnish
  • coarse salt for the rim

for a pitcher: serves about 4

  • 1 cup key lime juice
  • 1 cup beer
  • 1/3 to ½ cup silver tequila
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur or triple sec
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup
  • fresh key limes for garnish
  • coarse salt for the rim

Instructions

  • Chill your glasses a few hours or overnight in the freezer for the best, frosty presentation. I recommend making a single serving first to taste and adjust tequila or syrup to your preference.
  • Rim the glass with a lime slice, then dip in coarse salt. Fill the glass with a few ice cubes or crushed ice.
  • In a shaker, combine key lime juice, beer, tequila, Grand Marnier and simple syrup. Shake well for about 30 seconds, then pour over crushed ice. Garnish with extra key limes and serve.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

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Eeeep! Those adorable little green gems.