On the scale of manly drinks, margaritas aren’t exactly on the same level as ordering a whiskey neat. Of course, they aren’t Bahama breezes or strawberry daiquiris either. Floating in this middle ground somewhere, they are open to a lot of experimentation. Here are some recipes for awesome ones that fall on the manlier side of the divide.
Spicy Margarita
Muddled peppers and cilantro give this cocktail its apt title. If you’re in the market for a margarita that’s got the heat of a Taco Bell Fire packet, this is it. (Recipe)
Tamarind Margarita
This drink is powered by tamarind puree and tequila. It’s tart and earthy like a bitter Sasquatch. (Recipe)
The Sweaty Hipster
With the chile salt lined rim and the serrano infused simple syrup, this has a lot that could make any mustache-clad hipster sweat through his tank top. The serrano chile protruding from the top alert all that this is no kiddie margarita (Warning: Kids should not drink margaritas). (Recipe)
Roasted Grape Margarita
Fruity flavors are usually reserved for screaming bachelorette parties, but this grape drink is perfectly suited for the man who eats raw steak with his bare hands. You get a bit of the savory with the grapes being roasted before they’re added to the drink and plenty of sweetness as well. Now go get drunk and chop down a tree! (Seriously, don’t do that.) (Recipe)
Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita
Outside of rimming our cup with pulled pork, we can’t think of a more masculine way than with hickory smoked salt. The drink is sweet and spicy and, thanks to the salt, smells like a campfire. Bottoms up. (Recipe)
Soho House Margarita
The remains of a red chili pepper protruding from this margarita is like a badge of courage. It alerts all party guests that what you’re drinking isn’t for the faint of heart. If you like your booze spiked with spice, this is the margarita for you. (Recipe)
Mezcal Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
Any drink recipe that starts at the grill is good by us. This muddled up margarita would be perfect for kicking back on the beach with while checking out the senoritas. (Recipe)
Blackberry Margarita
This fruity concoction might not sound like the most macho drink in the world, but it sure looks like it. The black and red appearance will have your friends guessing you’re drinking motor oil with a splash of cherry. You know, like a real man. (Recipe)
Flaming Strawberry Margarita
You know what’s manly? Fire. We don’t care if the actual drink doesn’t appear to be something Chuck Norris would down, the fact that it has a lit strawberry is pretty damn cool. We suggest lining the entire rim with them. Who’s going to make fun of you when you have flaming produce you can throw nearby? (Recipe)
Habanero Margarita
You want heat? You got heat. This bad boy features tequila that you infuse with habanero peppers. It’s not the hottest thing in the world, but feel free to load up on more peppers for extra eye-watering appeal. (Recipe)
