Thai Lemongrass Margaritas! Who’s ready for an easy-to-make-cocktail that’s refreshing and fun to serve all year long?! It fits right in with summer meals but can easily find a spot next to a spicy warm curry dish or stew.
Flavored with fresh lemongrass, ginger and cilantro (or Thai basil), this Thai-inspired cocktail is definitely a surprising departure from the flavors of a classic margarita. Nonetheless, it’s one that has become a regular in our house.
The ginger adds a spicy punch of flavor while the lemongrass is mildly herbaceous, and the cilantro, well cilantro is always good with tequila.
For most of my cocktails I like to naturally sweetened them (just a bit!) as often as I can. This lemongrass margarita does have a bit of orange liqueur but is mostly sweetened with natural agave nectar.
What’s agave nectar?
Agave nectar
is made from the agave plant. It’s poisonous raw but once baked or made into a syrup it can be used in a variety of applications such as cocktails, desserts and more. Additionally, agave is what tequila and mezcal are made from. You can find agave nectar in most grocery stores now next to the honey or maple syrup.
What is lemongrass and where can I find it?
What is lemongrass and where can I find it?Lemongrass is a classic herb used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It’s a long, thin stalk (looks like a reed) and is light grayish-green with a white, woody base. It has a mild lemony flavor that can best be described as sour-lemon and herbal.
Most grocery stores sell them in small 2-inch pieces in plastic clamshell herb containers but I prefer to stop by my local Asian (or Thai) market instead. The lemongrass offered at most Asian markets is much fresher and in their full-stalk form. However, whatever you can find will work for this recipe.
What to serve with this Lemongrass Margarita?
What to serve with this Lemongrass Margarita?Although these margaritas are Thai-inspired, they still go really well with all kinds of foods. From tacos (obviously) to salads, grilled fish and of course Thai food, these margaritas are very versatile.
A few things I like to serve with these Lemongrass Margaritas:
- ZK’s Secret Ingredient Guacamole
- Spicy Harissa Lamb Tacos
- Chipotle Tempeh Tacos
- Chinese Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- Herbed Kale & Sorghum Salad
- Triple Herb Chicken & Zucchini Skewers
That all being said, I did develop these with a menu in mind.
Check out my Curry Night Menu!
This curry dinner menu is great for busy weeknights as well as if you’re planning a dinner party!
Thai Lemongrass Margarita
Lightly sweetened, this flavorful margarita is a Thai-inspired take on the classic tequila cocktail. Flavored with fresh ginger, lemongrass and cilantro (or Thai basil), this marg is easy to make and fun to serve!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 margaritas 1x
- Category: Cocktails / Drinks
- Method: Shaker
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
For the rim:
2 tablespoon kosher salt
1½ teaspoon curry powder
Lime wedges
For the margarita:
½ ounce agave nectar
2 tablespoons chopped ginger
2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
1 sprig cilantro or Thai basil (regular sweet basil also works)
3 ounces lime juice
3 ounces tequila blanco
½ ounce orange liqueur
Instructions
For the rim:
Combine salt and curry powder in a shallow dish. Cut a small slice horizontally through flesh of lime wedge then run around rim of a rocks glass; lightly dip rim in salt mixture then fill with ice.
For the margarita:
Muddle agave, ginger, lemongrass and cilantro in a shaker until thoroughly smashed, about 1 minute.
Fill shaker halfway with ice, add lime juice, tequila, and liqueur secure lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled.
Strain margarita into prepared glasses, top with a splash of club soda and garnish with lime wedges, lemongrass and cilantro or Thai basil (optional).
Notes
Sweeten to your preference
- If you like sweeter cocktails, increase the agave to 1 ounce or add an additional ½ ounce of orange liqueur.
Equipment you’ll need:
- Shaker
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 margarita
- Calories: 124
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai Drinks, Naturally sweetened cocktail
Yum!! You had me at Lemongrass!
★★★★★
Cannot wait for the first summer day to make these beauties!
★★★★★
Yay! I hope you enjoy them! 🙂