Paul Kushner
Looking for something fun and easy to serve at your next backyard hangout or game-day gathering? The Gatorade Margarita is a playful twist on a classic, packed with citrus flavor, a punch of tequila, and a bright pop of color. The chilled Blue Gatorade gives this drink a nostalgic vibe while also adding electrolytes so you can almost say it’s doing you a favor. Balanced with frozen limeade, tequila, and a splash of blue curaçao, it’s simple, cool, and made to pour in batches or solo. Serve it with a salted-sugar rim and a slice of orange to brighten things up.
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Tasting Notes
The Gatorade Margarita is light, sweet, and a little salty with a strong citrus twist. You’ll taste lime first, followed by the familiar flavor of blue Gatorade, which adds a cool, refreshing note. Tequila brings a sharp kick, while the blue curaçao adds a hint of orange that softens the edges. The chilled limeade concentrate keeps things bright and tart, giving it a classic margarita feel. This drink is icy, smooth, and easy to sip, especially on a hot day. It’s sweet without being over the top, making it perfect for casual drinking and laid-back get-togethers.
Equipment and Glassware
To make this drink, you’ll need just a few tools. A cocktail shaker is helpful for mixing everything well, especially since you’re using frozen concentrate. A jigger or measuring cup will help with accuracy. A small plate or two is useful for prepping the rim with salt and blue sugar. You’ll also need a spoon or small spatula to help scoop the frozen limeade. Serve the Gatorade Margarita in a classic margarita glass or a wide-rimmed rocks glass. Choose something with a thick rim so your salt and sugar stick nicely. Keep your glass chilled for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz frozen limeade concentrate
- 3 oz Blue Gatorade, chilled
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao
- Kosher salt, for rimming
- Blue sanding sugar, for rimming
- Fresh orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Rim your serving glass with a mix of blue sanding sugar and kosher salt. Run a lime wedge (or water) around the edge of the glass, then dip it into the sugar-salt mix.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Blue Gatorade, frozen limeade concentrate, silver tequila, and blue curaçao.
- Add ice and shake until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Serve with fresh a orange slice as a garnish.
Pro Tips
- Use crushed ice for a slushier texture.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
- Add a splash of soda water if you want a lighter drink.
- Swap the orange slice with a lime wedge for a sharper citrus touch.
- Don’t skip the rim it really balances the sweetness.
- Taste your Gatorade before mixing. Some flavors vary slightly by brand.
- Blend the ingredients if you want a frozen margarita style.
- Use a metal shaker for faster chilling.
- Pre-scoop your limeade into ice cube trays for easier portioning.
- Serve immediately this one’s best fresh.
When to Serve
The Gatorade Margarita works best for outdoor parties, summer hangouts, or game day gatherings. It’s cold, colorful, and easy to sip without being too strong. Because it uses ingredients that are easy to find and mix quickly, it’s perfect when you want something fun but don’t want to spend too much time prepping. This drink fits right in at pool parties, tailgates, or beach trips. It’s also a good fit for casual backyard get-togethers or laid-back BBQs. If you’re hosting a themed event or just want a break from the usual margarita, this one adds a nice twist.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Tequila:
- Espolòn Blanco (good quality, affordable)
- Olmeca Altos Plata (smooth and citrusy)
- El Jimador Silver (widely available, solid choice)
Blue Curaçao:
- DeKuyper (budget-friendly)
- Bols Blue (rich color and flavor)
- Giffard Blue Curaçao (higher-end, if desired)
Gatorade:
- Cool Blue (slightly milder, still works well)
- Blue Glacier Freeze (most common pick)
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Shallow plate
- Bar Spoon optional
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz frozen limeade concentrate
- 3 oz Blue Gatorade chilled
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao
- Kosher salt for rimming
- Blue sanding sugar for rimming
- Fresh orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Rim your serving glass with a mix of blue sanding sugar and kosher salt. Run a lime wedge (or water) around the edge of the glass, then dip it into the sugar-salt mix.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Blue Gatorade, frozen limeade concentrate, silver tequila, and blue curaçao.
- Add ice and shake until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Serve with fresh orange slice as a garnish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chill your Gatorade ahead of time to avoid extra dilution from shaking.
- If you want it stronger, skip the ice in the shaker and stir directly over ice in the glass.
- Frozen limeade concentrate can be scooped straight from the can, no need to thaw.
- For a slushie-style version, blend all ingredients with ice.
