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    Home / Recipes / Ingredient / Alcohol

    5 Apr 29, 2016 Alcohol  |   Jump to Recipe

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    With just a few simple ingredients, you can up your margarita game at the next backyard BBQ, fiesta with friends or late-night bonfire.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    First, let’s talk about the classic margarita recipe.  In its most basic form, a margarita is a mix of tequila, orange liquor and lime juice.  A margarita can be made on the rocks or blended with ice, and you have the option to add salt to the rim or not.

    With this Bonfire Margarita, I’ve kept flavors similar to a classic margarita while adding some smoky depth of flavor.  The base liquor is bourbon barrel-aged Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila.  Rich with notes of vanilla and oak, this amber tequila lends a robust complexity to the cocktail.  The reposado tequila is mixed with a little mezcal for smokiness, lime juice for freshness and simple syrup for balance.  Drops of orange bitters compliment the tequila while a smoked salt rim echoes the toasty notes of the mezcal.  This refreshing cocktail is finished with an aromatic strip of fresh orange zest.  Continue reading for the recipe.

    Bonfire Margarita Ingredients

    The ratio of 1.5 oz. tequila to .5 oz. mezcal  (thanks for the tip @justinbonnema!) creates a slight smoky flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the nuanced notes of the Reposado and orange bitters.  This cocktail can also be made with silver tequila, but you’ll lose a little complexity.

    Smoked sea salt is a fun ingredient to keep in your pantry.  It can add a slight smokiness to cocktails, salads, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables and even desserts! It can also be used as a finishing salt for grilled or roasted meats.  If your smoked sea salt is really coarse, crush it up a bit to achieve a finer texture for this cocktail.

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    This Bonfire Margarita would be a perfect addition to any Cinco de Mayo bash.  Prepare plenty of simple syrup in advance, and keep all ingredients well chilled.  Lime juice should be squeezed fresh.  Also, don’t forget ice!!

    Serves these margaritas with a recipe from each of the following categories:

    Appetizers: Queso Fundido, Salsa Verde, Bacon Tostilocos
    Mains: Pork & Hominy Stew, Crispy Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
    Desserts: Vanilla Mezcal Ice Cream, Pineapple Tequila Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Chile Ice Cream

    Enjoy!!

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    Bonfire Margarita Recipe

    by Brandon Matzek
    Inspired by this Atlos Paloma recipe.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 1/2 ounces Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila
    • 1/2 ounce mezcal
    • 1 ounce fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup*
    • 5 dashes orange bitters

    Smoked sea salt, for garnish**

      1 slice orange zest, for garnish

        Instructions
         

        • Start by preparing the glass. Moisten the edge of a glass with lime juice, then dip into smoked sea salt. The salt will stick to the rim of the glass.
        • Add ice to the prepared glass along with tequila, mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup and orange bitters, stirring to chill and combine. Garnish with a slice of orange zest.

        Notes

        * Simple syrup is made by warming up equal parts sugar and water, and stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Recently I’ve been making this in the microwave! But you can also easily prepare on the stovetop.
        ** If your smoked sea salt is on the coarse side, grind it up a bit in a mortar and pestle, or place in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
        Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

        This post was written in partnership with Olmeca Altos Tequila.  All thoughts, opinions and recipes are my own.  Connect with Olmeca Altos Tequila on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

        5
        Brandon and Federico
        Brandon

        I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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        Categories: Alcohol Tags: lime, mezcal, orange, orange bitters, simple syrup, smoked sea salt, tequila

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Aida Mollenkamp says

          April 29, 2016 at 12:47 pm

          This sounds delightful, Brandon! Salud!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:26 pm

            Thanks Aida!!

            Reply
        2. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

          April 29, 2016 at 1:18 pm

          Happy Cinco de Mayo (early)! But it doesn’t have to the that day for me to love a good margarita 🙂 These would be perfect for any celebration!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:27 pm

            Happy Cinco de Mayo to you too! We need to have a margarita date soon 🙂

            Reply
        3. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

          May 2, 2016 at 2:51 pm

          Bourbon barrel aged tequila? Sign me up! Love all the additions to your marg, especially that smoked sea salt.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:27 pm

            YAS! You would love this Brian. Thanks!!

            Reply
        4. Renee says

          May 2, 2016 at 6:42 pm

          Perfect timing!! My margarita game needs a little coaching before we get the pool going for the summer!!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:28 pm

            Haha thanks Renee!! This is a great way to switch things up.

            Reply
        5. Kaitie says

          May 2, 2016 at 7:02 pm

          These sound delicious!! It would be perfect to sip on this summer!!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:33 pm

            Thanks Kaitie!!

            Reply
        6. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says

          May 2, 2016 at 8:01 pm

          Um, I feel like this margarita is the only way to get through a Monday! Also, bookmarked to make on Thursday!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:34 pm

            Hahah YES!! I totally agree 🙂 Thanks Lauren. Let me know how you like the cocktail.

            Reply
        7. Ludmilla says

          May 2, 2016 at 8:25 pm

          I never had this tequila before!! Warm days calls for margaritas, right?! #delish

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:02 pm

            Olmeca Altos tequila is SO tasty. Definitely give it a try. Thanks!!

            Reply
        8. gerry @ foodness gracious says

          May 2, 2016 at 10:09 pm

          A hefty cheers is worthy here, totally my kind of booze option 🙂

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:35 pm

            Thanks Gerry!!

            Reply
        9. Brian Jones says

          May 3, 2016 at 3:16 am

          What a great sounding drink… Although my guess it is very moorish and I have lost more than a few hours thanks to my mate Tequila 😉

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:00 pm

            Thanks Brian!

            Reply
        10. Jennifer Farley says

          May 3, 2016 at 3:52 am

          I started making “real” margaritas (as opposed to the cheaper bar versions) recently and they’re a revelation. So refreshing! This looks wonderful. I have smoked sea salt and will definitely try adding some!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:36 pm

            Fresh lime juice makes all the difference. Really good tequila too. Thanks Jen!

            Reply
        11. Christie says

          May 3, 2016 at 5:22 am

          I love a margarita on the rocks especially in the summer. What a great idea to use smoked salt. I will definitely try that next tine.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:37 pm

            Me too. They’re just so refreshing on a hot day. Thanks Christie!

            Reply
        12. JenerousPlates says

          May 3, 2016 at 6:44 am

          This is so great and perfect for summer! I just spent so much time on your site loving your pictures. I have to try this out!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:59 pm

            Thanks so much! Glad you like my photos. Let me know if you enjoy the margarita 🙂

            Reply
        13. Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says

          May 3, 2016 at 6:48 am

          Wow! This sounds amazing!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:37 pm

            Thanks!

            Reply
        14. Willow | Will Cook For Friends says

          May 3, 2016 at 9:19 am

          4 stars
          Your description of this drink have my mouth watering! I love a good, from-scratch margarita (no thanks to the store-bought mixes), and this one sounds so complex and interesting. I’m not a huge fan of mezcal because I find it tends to overwhelm the other flavors, but using it in combination, just a little, with another alcohol might just solve that issue. I’ve never tried the Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila before, but now I’ll have to keep my eye out for it! Thanks for the tips!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:56 pm

            Haha thanks Willow! Yeah, Mezcal can be strong. I enjoy the flavor and even had it straight up when I was in Mexico City!! Here it’s very balanced with the lime juice.

            Reply
        15. Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says

          May 3, 2016 at 9:55 am

          My mouth is literally watering while I contemplate this recipe. Margaritas are my FAVE and while you can’t go wrong with a classic marg I definitely love to find new ways to spice it up, too!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:55 pm

            Agreed! I do love a classic marg from time to time. Thanks Bintu.

            Reply
        16. Derek @ Dad With A Pan says

          May 3, 2016 at 10:04 am

          These Margs are going on my list of drinks to have when our child goes to sleep. These pictures are top notch btw!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:54 pm

            Thanks so much Derek! Treat yo self 🙂

            Reply
        17. Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival says

          May 3, 2016 at 10:09 am

          Love the additions of both mezcal and smoked sea salt! It must really add such a beautiful depth of flavor!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:52 pm

            Thanks Beth!

            Reply
        18. Anne Murphy says

          May 3, 2016 at 10:16 am

          5 stars
          I’m fascinated by the idea of a smoky flavor in a margarita! I usually think of them as bright and fresh, because of the citrus, and this takes it in a different, complex direction. Interesting.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:52 pm

            It is interesting! This drink is both fresh and smoky 🙂 The lime juice keeps it from being too smoky.

            Reply
        19. Keith @ How's it Lookin? says

          May 3, 2016 at 12:12 pm

          I gotta try this. I’m always up to try a new drink, thanks for the idea

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:51 pm

            You should! Let me know how you like it. Thanks Keith!

            Reply
        20. Lisa Goldfinger says

          May 3, 2016 at 1:46 pm

          5 stars
          I love the smokiness. So perfect for a BBQ! I wish I could have one right now but first I need to stock up on some smoked sea salt, which I plan to do. Thanks for the great recipe Brandon.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:48 pm

            Smoked sea salt is a really fun item to have in your pantry. Not a necessity, but it can add a hit of smoke to a dish or cocktail without having to break out the grill!

            Reply
        21. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says

          May 3, 2016 at 2:06 pm

          The smoky and oak notes in this margarita sound deliciously intriguing.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:38 pm

            It’s a nice change from the typical silver tequila. Thanks Kristen!

            Reply
        22. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

          May 3, 2016 at 2:37 pm

          Brandon, I needed this cocktail recipe in my life and a recommendation on a new tequila, my favorite liquor. Pinning!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 3:47 pm

            Thanks Michelle!! You will definitely love this tequila. So good!

            Reply
        23. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

          May 3, 2016 at 3:29 pm

          This sounds amazing. Smoked sea salt…hello!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 3, 2016 at 4:39 pm

            Haha yes!!! Thanks Brenda 🙂

            Reply
        24. Lucy says

          May 3, 2016 at 5:31 pm

          I wrote an article on reposado tequila last year, and I got to sample a whole bunch of different ones. I totally fell in love! The smoky flavor is so amazing. This margarita sounds totally delish. Love the orange bitters!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 4, 2016 at 9:20 am

            I was mainly a silver tequila drinker in the past, but in my recent years, I’ve grown to appreciate the aged varietals. So I’m with ya there. Thanks Lucy!!

            Reply
        25. Healing Tomato says

          May 3, 2016 at 7:59 pm

          5 stars
          For me, a margarita always has to be on the rocks!! I would never have thought to use smoked sea salt in a Margarita recipe. This looks so amazing.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 4, 2016 at 9:21 am

            Thanks!! I mainly fine myself drinking them on the rocks, but sometimes blended is good 🙂

            Reply
        26. Sabrina says

          May 3, 2016 at 10:31 pm

          My mother-in-law loves margaritas! This is a perfect drink for her!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 4, 2016 at 9:17 am

            And you gotta keep that MIL happy 🙂 Cheers!

            Reply
        27. Trish says

          May 4, 2016 at 10:52 am

          Ooooh margaritas are the BEST! These look so delicious!

          Reply
        28. Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says

          May 5, 2016 at 6:58 am

          As a die hard salt lover I need to get my hands on some smoked sea salt – not sure I’ve ever seen that in stores! That is the perfect finishing touch to this smoky margarita! YUM!

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 6, 2016 at 10:11 am

            I know for sure they have it at Williams-Sonoma, and I think I’ve seen it at one of our local grocery stores in San Diego.

            Reply
        29. Alanna says

          May 5, 2016 at 9:34 am

          Ohhhhhh I want to drink all of these…

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 6, 2016 at 10:11 am

            Thanks Alanna! I’ll trade you for a Paloma 😉

            Reply
            • Alanna says

              May 7, 2016 at 5:49 pm

              Ummmmm DEAL

              Reply
        30. Molly Kumar says

          May 6, 2016 at 9:02 am

          5 stars
          OMG, this looks Perfect !!! Margarita’s is my favorite drink and your recipe looks amazing….I’ve never heard of ‘smoked sea salt’ and I’m gonna look for it next time I go shopping 🙂

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 6, 2016 at 10:22 am

            Thank Molly!!

            Reply
        31. [email protected] says

          May 6, 2016 at 10:55 am

          Beautiful boozy beverage! My husband will love this for sure.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            May 23, 2016 at 7:54 am

            Thanks so much!

            Reply
        32. Annie @ Annie's Noms says

          May 9, 2016 at 12:12 am

          This looks wonderful! LOVE the addition of smoked salt; it really adds something magical to everything!

          Reply
        33. Molly Leonard says

          May 28, 2016 at 7:53 am

          Oh wow!!! ???? This looks and sounds absolutely amazing! Such a fan of margaritas! This is going on my must-make list.

          Reply
        34. Kartheek Hegde says

          April 7, 2021 at 1:24 pm

          I am always looking for new recipes to try out! Especially cocktails as Im the one who makes the drinks for my group of friends. I can’t wait to try these out at the next party.

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            April 16, 2021 at 7:54 am

            Please let me know how you like them 🙂

            Reply

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        Brandon and Federico

        I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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