Love margaritas? Follow these 6 quirky recipes to be innovative with the classic cocktail

For those fond of tequila Margarita has been a crowd pleaser for decades While the iconic cocktail is a staple on bar menus across the world mixologists have been experimenting with playful twists using a wide range of ingredientsEvery year February 22 is celebrated as Margarita Day in the US but the cocktail is enjoyed throughout the year because of its classic status Whether you like citrusy or fruity we got mixologists to share different flavour combinations for you that will elevate your cocktail hourYou can easily get creative behind the bar and whip up some quirky yet easy recipes and excite your taste buds especially during the summerCinnamon Tamarind MargaritaSpicy and tangy Sounds like the perfect Margarita This smoky cocktail is worth trying out ldquoThe Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita is a bold fusion of warmth and tangmdashwhere the deep spiced notes of cinnamon meet the rich tangy depth of tamarind This cocktail is a balance of sweet sour and smoky flavours crafted to awaken the palate with every siprdquo says chef Noah Louis Barnes of Miss MargaritaIngredientsTequila 45 mlTriple sec 15 mlLime juice 15 mlTamarind 45 gmCinnamon syrup 30 mlMethod1 Blend all ingredients tequila lime juice triple sec tamarind cinnamon syrup and ice to a large blender2 Pour the vibrant concoction into a classic Margarita glass its iconic shape enhancing the drinking experience3 Garnish your creation with a carefully charred cinnamon stick infusing each sip with a hint of aromatic complexity and visual allureSmoked Jamun Masala MargaritaFor those who wish to experiment with Indian flavours this smoky cocktail uses black salt and jamun ldquoTattva is known for its fusion of local flavors with craft cocktails This Margarita embraces the tangy smoky and slightly spicy notes making it a bold and intriguing drinkrdquo poses Prasid Shetty brand manager at Tattva Bar and Cafeacute in AndheriIngredientsReposado tequila 60 mlFresh jamun puree 30 mlLime juice 15 mlTriple sec 10 mlHoney or agave syrup 10 mlA pinch of black saltA pinch of Kashmiri chili powderIce cubesSmoked salt and black sesame seeds for rimmingBurnt orange peel and jamun slice for garnishMethod1 Blend fresh jamun deseeded with a little water and strain to get a smooth jamun puree2 Rim a rocks glass with a mix of smoked salt and black sesame seeds3 In a shaker combine tequila jamun puree lime juice triple sec honeyagave syrup black salt and chili powder4 Add ice and shake vigorously5 Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice6 Garnish with a burnt orange peel for smoky aroma and a fresh jamun sliceMerlinrsquos MargaritaA refreshing twist on the classic margarita this elegantly balanced cocktail can be whipped in no time Cucumber and tequila make a surprisingly perfect pairmdashfresh crisp and just the right amount of smooth Merlinrsquos Margarita is a goto for when you want something light refreshing and a little bit differentrdquo shares Prathamesh Kotian bar executive at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai He also recommends adding a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a slightly sweeter margarita and experimenting with flavoured salt rims for example chilli salt for an extra kickIngredientsTequila SilverBlanco for a cleaner taste 45 mlFresh cucumber slices preferably peeled for a smoother texture 56 nosTriple Sec 15 mlFresh lime juice 10 mlIce cubesMethod1 Take a margarita glass and run a lime wedge around the rim Dip the rim into coarse salt to create a classic margarita salt rim Set aside2 In a cocktail shaker add 4 to 5 fresh cucumber slices and 10 ml of fresh lime juice Use a muddler to gently press the cucumber releasing its fresh juices and flavours3 Pour 15 ml of Triple Sec and 45 ml of tequila into the shaker The triple sec adds a subtle sweetness and citrusy balance to the drink4 Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds This chills the drink while mixing the flavours perfectly5 Using a fine strainer double strain the cocktail into the prepared margarita glass This removes any pulp or cucumber bits giving a smooth finish6 Garnish with a thin cucumber slice on the rim or float it on top of the drink Serve immediately and enjoy the cool crisp flavours of Merlinrsquos MargaritaFrozen Raspberry MargaritaThis cocktail is a tropical twist on the classic margarita with sweet and tangy raspberry flavours A little sweet a little tangy and just the right amount of kickmdashour Frozen Raspberry Margarita is sunshine in a glass Perfect for when you need a mini getaway without leaving your seatrdquo shares Rahul Gurav bar manager at LylaIngredientsTequila Blanco or Reposado 60 mlRaspberry juice fresh or canned 30 mlLime juice freshly squeezed 22 mlTriple sec Cointreau or any orange liqueur 15 mlAgave syrup or simple syrup optional 15 mlIce cubesTajiacuten or salt for rimGrapefruit wedge and lime wheel for garnishMethod1 Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass then dip it into Tajiacuten or salt Set aside2 In a cocktail shaker add tequila raspberry juice lime juice triple sec and agave syrup Fill with ice and shake well for about 10ndash15 seconds3 Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice4 Add a grapefruit wedge and a lime wheel for a decorative touchSaffron Sunset MargaritaBalancing bold and delicate flavours of saffron rose water and coconut cream this Margarita is meant to be enjoyed by the beach ldquoThis Margarita is a bold and exotic take on the classic cocktail It brings together the luxurious flavours of saffron and rose balanced by citrus and a creamy touch of coconut perfect for Goarsquos tropical yet glamorous viberdquo explains Shashank Shetty founder of Tipsy Tiger Shayari Bar in GoaIngredientsTequila blanco 60 mlFreshly squeezed orange juice 30 mlLime juice 15 mlSaffroninfused honey syrup 15 mlRose water 5 mlCoconut cream 10 mlIce cubesSaffron strands and rose petals for garnishSalt and crushed dried rose petals for rimmingMethod1 To make saffroninfused honey syrup Steep a few saffron strands in 2 tbsp of warm honey for 10 minutes Stir well2 Rim a rocks glass with a mix of salt and crushed dried rose petals3 In a shaker add tequila orange juice lime juice saffroninfused honey syrup rose water and coconut cream4 Shake well with ice until chilled5 Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice6 Garnish with saffron strands and rose petalsOrange Spicy MargaritaRefreshing and citrusy if that is what you crave for in a Margarita then this orange spicy version will leave you wanting for more A good margarita is all about balancemdashzesty a little sweet and just the right amount of spice This one packs a refreshing citrus punch with a kick of heatrdquo shares Amaresh Sasmal food and beverage manager at Ira by Orchid in BhubaneswarIngredientsTequila 45 mlLime juice 15 mlTriple sec 15 mlFresh orange juice 2 tbspIce 350 gmSalt for rimming glassLime wedges for rimming glass and garnishingMethod1 Run a lime wedge around the rim of glasses Dip the edges of the glasses in salt with some green chilli2 Add tequila lime juice triple sec orange juice and ice to a large blender Blend until slushy consistence is achieved3 Taste and add more sweetener if desired4 Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediatelyatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params