The Devil’s margarita is a riff on a tequila sour, swapping in a ruby red wine float instead of the classic egg white foam. The flavors of the base drink, though, are a classic margarita combo of tequila, lime, and a little sweetness. I love to serve it for Halloween because of the color, but it’s great year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A stunning presentation. The dramatic red wine float creates a beautiful layered cocktail that’s sure to impress
- Bold, balanced flavor. Bright citrus, smooth tequila, and rich red wine come together in every sip to delight your taste buds
- A fun twist on a classic. It’s everything you love about a margarita with an elegant wine-inspired upgrade
- Perfect for entertaining. This eye-catching cocktail is always a conversation starter at parties and happy hours
- Easy to make. Despite its impressive appearance, it comes together with just a handful of ingredients
- Simple to customize. Experiment with different tequilas or red wines to create your favorite flavor combination!
- Great year-round. It’s refreshing enough for summer, spooky for Halloween, but sophisticated enough for fall and winter gatherings
- Restaurant-quality at home. Enjoy a cocktail that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite bar
- Perfect for margarita lovers. The wine float adds depth without overpowering the classic margarita flavors
- Ideal for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, date night, or hosting friends, or just kicking back tonight, this Devil’s Margarita is guaranteed to make an impression!
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar (or to taste)
- ½ ounce red wine, or more to taste (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Fresh lime juice is truly best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch
- Feel free to add ½ ounce of triple sec (or another orange liqueur) or orange juice if you like for a more “classic” margarita vibe, but it isn’t traditional to this recipe
- Use a vibrant red wine of choice to show off the beautiful color. Cabernet Sauvignon is a common choice, but a Pinot Noir or other full-bodied and fruity red can work as well
- Instead of agave you can use simple syrup, honey, or a similar sweetener of choice
Step By Step Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the tequila, lime juice, and agave, along with a handful of ice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into an ice-filled glass (cubes or crushed)
- Pour the red wine slowly over the back of a spoon to layer it across the top of the drink
- Garnish with a red chili pepper or mini bell pepper, halved to look like horns, or just a slice of lime. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
A Devil’s Margarita is bright, citrusy, and slightly fruity with a rich red wine float, making it an excellent match for bold Mexican flavors, grilled dishes, and appetizers with a little spice.
Mexican Favorites
- Chicken or steak fajitas: Smoky grilled flavors complement the tequila and red wine
- Carne asada tacos: A classic pairing with fresh lime and cilantro
- Chicken enchiladas: Rich, cheesy, and satisfying alongside the crisp cocktail
- Carnitas: Tender, slow-cooked pork balances the drink’s acidity
- Shrimp tacos: Light seafood and citrus are a natural combination
Appetizers
- Chips and guacamole: Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the bright citrus
- Fresh salsa and tortilla chips: A simple, crowd-pleasing starter
- Queso dip: Rich cheese balances the cocktail’s tartness. Try my Air Fryer Queso!
- Stuffed jalapeños: A spicy bite that’s cooled by the refreshing margarita
- Elote (Mexican street corn): Sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors are a perfect match. My Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn is a great option!
Grilled Favorites
- Grilled skirt steak: Bold beef flavors stand up well to the wine float
- Barbecue chicken: Sweet and smoky notes complement the cocktail. Try some Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters!
- Grilled shrimp skewers: Fresh and flavorful without being too heavy
- Pork tenderloin: A juicy, savory pairing
- Steak kebabs: Colorful, hearty, and great for entertaining
Simple Sides
- Mexican rice: A classic side that rounds out the meal
- Cilantro lime rice: Bright flavors echo the cocktail
- Black bean salad: Fresh, hearty, and full of texture
- Watermelon salad: Sweet fruit and salty cheese create a refreshing contrast
- Southwest chopped salad: Crisp vegetables with a tangy dressing
Desserts
- Churros: Warm cinnamon sugar is always a margarita favorite
- Tres leches cake: Light, creamy, and not overly sweet
- Dark chocolate brownies: Rich chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the red wine float
- Chocolate-covered strawberries: Elegant and perfect for date night. For a Halloween theme, try my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Skulls!
- Lime bars: Bright citrus flavors complement the margarita beautifully!
When to Serve
A Devil’s Margarita is perfect for Halloween, Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, dinner parties, date nights, backyard cookouts, and happy hour. Its striking presentation and bold flavor make it just as fitting for casual gatherings as it is for special occasions!
Recipe FAQs
What Is A Devil’s Margarita?
A Devil’s Margarita is a twist on a classic margarita that’s topped with a float of red wine. The wine adds a bold flavor, beautiful layered appearance, and a touch of richness that complements the tequila and fresh lime juice.
What’s The History Of This Drink?
The exact origin of the Devil’s Margarita isn’t clear, but it gained popularity as a modern twist on the traditional margarita. Bartenders began adding a red wine float to create a cocktail with more depth, a dramatic presentation, and a unique balance of citrus and fruit flavors.
How Do You Drink A Devil’s Margarita?
Sip it without stirring at first to enjoy the contrast between the rich red wine float and the bright margarita beneath. As you continue drinking, the layers naturally blend together, creating a smooth, balanced cocktail with every sip.
Tips For the Best Devil’s Margarita
- If desired, you can add a traditional margarita rim to the glass. Either sugar or salt works, or you can use Tajin too for a spicy, red-hued option
- For a frozen version of this margarita, blend the base with about 1 cup of ice (you can add more if desired for a thicker consistency) and then finish with the wine float
- Glassware is very versatile for this drink (though make sure to use a clear option to show off the coloring)! A coupe glass, margarita glass, or rocks glass are great choices
Serving and Make Ahead
Serving Tips
- Serve immediately. A Devil’s Margarita is at its best when the margarita is ice cold and the red wine float is freshly poured
- Choose a dry red wine. Wines like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo complement the citrus without making the drink overly sweet
- Serve with plenty of ice. Fresh ice keeps the cocktail cold while maintaining the layered presentation
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the margarita base ahead of time. Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (if using), and any sweetener up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve
- Wait to add the ice and wine float. These should be added just before serving for the best flavor and presentation
- Prep your garnishes early. Slice lime wedges or wheels, or peppers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated
- Hosting a party? Batch the margarita base in a pitcher so you can quickly pour individual drinks and top each one with a fresh red wine float
Pro Tip
For the most dramatic layered effect, make sure both the margarita mixture and the red wine are well chilled. Cold liquids help the wine float more cleanly on top, giving your Devil’s Margarita its signature look!
- Candy Corn Margarita
Final Thoughts
This Devil’s Margarita is such a fun twist on the classic cocktail, featuring a fruity, vibrant red wine float that adds a whole new depth of flavor! It’s incredibly easy to make, with just 4 ingredients, yet wows for both visual appeal and flavor.
I love to serve it as a Halloween cocktail (with some red pepper horns for added fun), but it’s equally great for Cinco de Mayo or year round. Just swap up your garnish to a lime wheel or add a salt or Tajin rim instead.
Katie’s tip
If you are serving this up for spooky season, check out all of my Halloween Tequila Cocktails for other great options to add to your drink table!
Easy Devil’s Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Rocks glass (or similar)
- Spoon (cutlery; for layering)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar (or to taste)
- ½ ounce red wine, or more to taste (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Ice
- Red peppers or lime wheel garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the tequila, lime juice, and agave, along with a handful of ice1 ½ ounces blanco tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, ½ ounce agave nectar, Ice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into an ice-filled glass (cubes or crushed)Ice
- Pour the red wine slowly over the back of a spoon to layer it across the top of the drink½ ounce red wine, or more to taste
- Garnish with a red chili pepper or mini bell pepper halved to look like horns, or just a slice of lime. Enjoy!Red peppers or lime wheel garnish
Notes
- Fresh lime juice is truly best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch
- You can add ½ ounce of triple sec (or another orange liqueur) or orange juice if you like for a more “classic” margarita vibe, but it isn’t traditional to this recipe
- Use a vibrant red wine of choice to show off the beautiful color. Cabernet Sauvignon is a common choice, but a Pinot Noir or other full-bodied and fruity red can work as well
- Instead of agave you can use simple syrup, honey, or a similar sweetener of choice
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
