Name: Cardamom Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1½ oz (45ml) tequila; 1 oz (30ml) Triple sec or Cointreau; 1 oz (30ml) cardamom simple syrup; ¾ oz (20ml) freshly-squeezed lime juice; Ice; lime wedge and coarse salt for rimming the glass; Orange peel or lime for garnish

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This pretty cardamom margarita is flavored with homemade cardamom simple syrup. This fun twist brings subtle spice and sweetness to the margarita.

close-up of cardamom margarita in an old fashioned glass with a twirl of orange peel on the rim.

A margarita is a great classic cocktail consisting of Tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and lime juice.

This cardamom version brings subtle extra flavor and color to a classic drink. It uses a homemade cardamom simple syrup, also used in this cardamom martini.

Ingredients

Find the ingredient amounts for this margarita written in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here is a rundown of what you will need.

Cardamom simple syrup. It’s very easy to make your own cardamom simple syrup. Just make it ahead of time so it has time to cool.
Tequila. Use your favorite variety.
Triple sec. This alcohol provides a sweet orange-flavor. This can be substituted with Cointreau.
Fresh Lime juice – Use fresh lime juice, not bottled if possible. A lime is added to cut the sweetness of the margarita.
Orange peel. Used for garnish. Traditionally, it might be garnished with a lime but orange ties in nicely with the triple sec and the cardamom syrup.
Ice cubes.
Salt.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

A cocktail shaker or a tall jar with a lid + a strainer
Old fashioned glass.

close-up view of cardamom simple syrup in a glass jar with cardamom pods around and cork for jar.

Instructions

Before you begin this cardamom margarita, make the simple syrup first so it is cooled to room temperature before use.

cardamom margarita being made by pouring cardamom simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.

To a cocktail shaker, add the Tequila, Triple sec, cardamom simple syrup, ice and lime juice.

Add on the lid and shake for 15 seconds until it is thoroughly chilled.

cardamom margarita being poured from a cocktail shaker into an old fashioned glass.

Rub a lime wedge or orange wedge along the edge of the glass and dip it into salt.

Fill the glass with ice and then strain over the drink.

Garnish with orange peel and serve.

birds eye view of cardamom margarita in an old fashioned glass with a twirl of orange peel on the rim.

Variations

Lemon instead of lime. Swap the lime juice for fresh lemon juice. Though they have similar flavor profiles, lemon will still bring different hints of citrus.
Other simple syrups. A margarita can be made using other simple syrups too.
Different glass. You could serve this in a traditional margarita cocktail glass if you prefer.
Frozen margarita. Blend the ingredients with extra ice to create a frozen margarita.

More cocktail recipes

For more delicious cocktails, try these recipes

Yield: 1