Wine Margarita
When tequila meets terroir: the most brilliantly unexpected summer romance
Right then, darlings—let's talk about the most gloriously scandalous cocktail pairing since champagne met orange juice. The Wine Margarita is what happens when your sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc decides to slip into something more comfortable and dance barefoot with a shot of tequila. C'est magnifique, it's a bit cheeky, and it's absolutely smashing for warm weather sipping.
Now, before the purists start clutching their pearls, hear me out. This isn't some bonkers idea I dreamed up after too many tastings (though I've certainly had those moments). The wine margarita—or "winerita" as some Americans charmingly call it—is a legitimate evolution of the classic cocktail that brings refreshing acidity, lovely fruit notes, and a touch more sophistication to your fiesta.
Think of it this way: if a traditional margarita is the fun-loving friend who shows up in flip-flops, the wine margarita is her slightly more elegant cousin who arrives in designer sandals but still knows how to have a proper laugh.
What You'll Need
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- • 6 oz crisp white wine or dry rosé (chilled)
- • 3 oz blanco tequila (quality matters, loves)
- • 2 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- • 1 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
- • Ice (plenty of it)
- • Salt or Tajín for rimming (optional but très recommandé)
The Method (Dead Simple, I Promise)
Step 1: Prep Your Glass
Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass—margarita glass if you're feeling fancy, tumbler if you're keeping it casual. Dip into coarse salt (or my personal favorite: chile-lime salt for a bit of spice). This step is non-negotiable unless you're one of those anti-salt rebels, in which case, you do you.
Step 2: Shake It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add your wine, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Now here's the important bit: shake it like you mean it. We want this properly chilled and well-integrated. About 15-20 seconds of vigorous shaking should do the trick.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel because we're not animals. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before diving in.
Choosing Your Wine (This Matters, Darlings)
The wine you choose is absolutely crucial here. You want something crisp, zippy, and bone-dry—this is not the moment for your oaky Chardonnay or sweet Riesling. Think bright, think acidic, think refreshing.
Top Wine Picks
Sauvignon Blanc ($12-18)
The absolute MVP for wine margaritas. New Zealand Sauv Blanc brings grapefruit and lime notes that play beautifully with tequila. Brands like Kim Crawford or Oyster Bay are spot on for this.
Dry Rosé ($10-16)
A Provence-style rosé adds a gorgeous blush color and subtle berry notes. Look for something crisp from the south of France or a Spanish rosado. La Vieille Ferme is brilliant and won't break the bank.
Pinot Grigio ($10-15)
Italian Pinot Grigio keeps things light and mineral-driven. Ecco Domani or Santa Margherita (if you're feeling flush) work beautifully here.
Whatever you choose, make absolutely certain it's properly chilled. Room temperature wine in a margarita is a crime against cocktails, and I simply won't have it.
Frozen or On the Rocks?
Ah, the eternal debate—like choosing between Paris and Bordeaux (though we all know the correct answer to that one).
On the rocks is my preferred method because it preserves the wine's character and keeps things sophisticated. Plus, it's faster to make and easier to sip slowly whilst actually tasting the components.
Frozen is absolutely acceptable when it's scorching hot and you need something slushy and refreshing immediately. Simply blend all ingredients with 2 cups of ice until smooth. It's more dessert-like, admittedly, but sometimes that's exactly what the moment calls for.
Delicious Variations (Because Why Not?)
Mango Wine Margarita: Add 2 oz fresh mango purée and use a tropical white wine like Albariño. Absolutely divine with fish tacos.
Jalapeño Kick: Muddle a few jalapeño slices in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Pairs brilliantly with the grassy notes in Sauvignon Blanc.
Watermelon Rosé Rita: Use rosé and add 2 oz fresh watermelon juice. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and fresh mint. It's Instagram gold, trust me.
Sparkling Version: Use 4 oz wine instead of 6, then top with 2 oz of Prosecco for a fizzy twist. Très festive!
What to Serve It With
The wine margarita is ridiculously versatile—it bridges the gap between wine-with-dinner and cocktail-party vibes. Here's what I'd pair it with:
- Fish tacos with cabbage slaw – The acidity cuts through the richness beautifully
- Fresh ceviche – Like minds think alike; both are citrus-forward and refreshing
- Grilled shrimp skewers – Especially with a mango variation
- Guacamole and chips – The salt-fat-acid balance is absolutely spot on
- Chicken quesadillas – The wine margarita's sophistication elevates this classic
Sophie's Pro Tips
- Always use fresh lime juice—bottled is an absolute travesty
- Don't cheap out on the tequila; blanco (silver) tequila is cleaner and brighter than gold
- Make a big batch for parties—just multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher
- If your wine is too sweet, reduce the agave nectar accordingly
- Tajín seasoning on the rim is a game-changer—salty, spicy, tangy perfection
So there you have it, my darlings—the wine margarita in all its cheeky, refreshing glory. It's proof that sometimes the best innovations come from unexpected pairings. Like running into an ex at a wine bar and realizing you're both dating the same sommelier (long story, involved a Barolo, don't ask).
Whether you're hosting a summer soirée, lounging by the pool, or simply treating yourself to something special on a Tuesday evening, this cocktail delivers sophistication with a playful twist. It's wine, but not as you know it—and that's precisely what makes it brilliant.
Now grab that wine, squeeze those limes, and get shaking, loves. Your summer cocktail awaits! Santé! 🍷🍋