By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 11, 2023 | Last Updated on November 4, 2023
Applebee’s Perfect Margarita is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests! All it takes is a few simple ingredients, some shaking, and you have a truly unique drink on your hands.
It has just the right balance of sweet and tart flavors, plus the added smokiness from the tequila. Whether you’re having a casual night with friends or a special occasion, this margarita is sure to be a hit!
Here I have the perfect guide for a refreshing Applebee’s margarita, complete with step-by-step instructions. There are also some great tips and nutrition information so you can make an informed decision about what to serve. Get the taste of the restaurant at home tonight with this easy and delicious cocktail!
What is Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
Applebee’s Perfect Margarita is a classic cocktail that has been served in Applebee’s restaurants for many years. This margarita combines tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to create a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors.
The addition of smoky tequila adds an extra depth of flavor that makes this drink truly unique.
This margarita is perfect for a night in with friends or to make for special occasions. It’s easy to make, and you can even customize it to your taste.
Try adding some muddled jalapeno or other spices for some extra heat, or try using flavored simple syrup like coconut or strawberry for an extra zing.
What does it taste like?
Applebee’s Perfect Margarita has a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors. The smoky tequila gives it an extra depth of flavor that really sets this drink apart from other margaritas.
The tartness of the fresh lime juice is complemented by the sweetness of both Cointreau and Grand Marnier, as well as the light sweetness of the simple syrup.
The sweet and sour mix also adds a bit of acidity to the drink, giving it its distinct flavor. It’s refreshing and complex, making it an ideal summer cocktail for any occasion!
How did I first get introduced to Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
I was first introduced to Applebee’s Perfect Margarita when I visited an Applebee restaurant with some friends. We were immediately taken by the delicious aroma coming from the drinks in the bar area, and I decided to try one. As soon as I took my first sip, I knew it had to be something special.
The combination of sweet and sour flavors was balanced perfectly, and the smoky tequila added an extra depth of flavor that made it even more enjoyable. I knew then that I had to learn how to make this drink at home.
Since then, Applebee’s Perfect Margarita has been a staple in my home bar. Whenever my friends come over for a casual night or for a special occasion, I always make sure to whip up a batch of this delicious cocktail. It’s always a hit, and it never fails to bring out smiles on everyone’s faces.
The best part about making this drink at home is that I can customize it however I want. I often add muddled jalapenos or play around with different simple syrups for a unique twist.
No matter how I make it, Applebee’s Perfect Margarita is always delicious and refreshing. It’s become my go-to summer cocktail and I’m sure it will become yours too!
How to Make Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
Making Applebee’s Perfect Margarita at home is surprisingly easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients & follow the steps below:
You May Also Like These Drink Recipes:
- Bob Chinn’s Mai Tai Copycat Recipe
- Recipe of Chili’s Tito’s Punch
- Apple Cyser Mead Copycat Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake
Ingredients
- Reposado tequila: This adds a nice smoky flavor to the drink.
- Cointreau: This is an orange-flavored liqueur that adds sweetness and complexity.
- Grand Marnier: Another orange liqueur, this one has a more intense flavor than Cointreau.
- Simple syrup: This helps balance out the tartness of the lime juice with its light sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice: The tart taste of fresh lime juice is essential to this recipe.
- Sweet and sour mix: This adds a bit of sweetness and acidity, giving the drink its distinct flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice cubes.
Step 2
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to combine all ingredients.
Step 3
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
Tips
– If you don’t have a shaker, use a large Mason jar and lid to mix the ingredients.
– This recipe makes one margarita, but can easily be multiplied for larger groups!
– For a non-alcoholic version of this drink, just omit the tequila and Grand Marnier.
– Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Applebee’s Perfect Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cup
- Shaker
Ingredients
- 3 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice extracted from handpicked limes for a tangy and refreshing flavor
- 1 ounce of exquisite Contreau imparting a vibrant and citrusy note to the cocktail
- 8 ounces of a meticulously prepared sweet and sour mix expertly blending the sweetness of fine sugar with the tang of citrus for a harmonious taste sensation
- 3 ounces of meticulously crafted 1800 Reposado tequila aged to perfection for a smooth and refined taste
- 1 ounce of premium Grand Marnier adding a luxurious and velvety touch to the drink
- 1 ounce of homemade simple syrup lovingly crafted with fine sugar and pristine water for a perfect balance of sweetness
Instructions
- Gather all components into a shaker filled with chilled ice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds so that everything is combined.
- Pour the concoction through a strainer into a rocks glass containing fresh ice cubes, and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Notes
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
Applebee’s Perfect Margarita is a great drink for any occasion! It pairs well with:
- Mexican dishes: Try serving it with tacos, enchiladas, or burritos for a delicious and refreshing meal.
- Grilled meats: The smoky flavors of the tequila pair nicely with grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
- Salads: A light salad is the perfect accompaniment to this margarita.
- Seafood: Seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp make a great match for this drink.
- Fruit: Serve it with your favorite summer fruits for a balanced and refreshing meal.
- Sweets: The sweetness of the cocktail is a great contrast to dessert dishes like flan or tres leches cake.
How to store leftover Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
Though I would suggest having it all in one go, it’s possible to store the leftover Applebee’s Perfect Margarita for later.
Pour the drink into a tightly sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Shake vigorously before serving again!
Can pregnant women eat this?
No, pregnant women should not consume alcohol. Therefore, they should avoid this drink. Because this drink contains alcohol, it is not suitable for pregnant women.
Also, it is not suitable for children and individuals with alcohol sensitivity. It should only be consumed by those over the legal drinking age in their country. Always drink responsibly.
FAQs
What is the best way to enjoy Applebee’s Perfect Margarita?
The best way to enjoy Applebee’s Perfect Margarita is by savoring it slowly and appreciating the complexity of its flavors. Make sure to take in the smoky aroma of the tequila, as well as the balanced sweetness and sourness from the other ingredients.
Can I use different types of tequila for this?
Yes! You can experiment with different types of tequila to achieve different flavors. Reposado will give you a nice smoky flavor, while blanco or silver tequilas will add a bit of bright flavor and aromas.
Can I use frozen lime juice for this?
No, it is not recommended to use frozen lime juice as the flavor will be drastically different than using fresh lime juice. Frozen lime juices tend to have added sugars and preservatives, which can alter the taste significantly. It’s best to always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the aroma best results.
Wrapping Up
Making your own cocktails is a great way to save money and get creative with flavors. With Applebee’s Perfect Margarita, you can make one of the most popular drinks from the restaurant right at home.
All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you can enjoy this delicious cocktail in no time! Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope that it has been helpful and informative! Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it useful.
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Mexene Chili Powder Copycat Recipe
- Straubs Chicken Salad Recipe (Copycat Version)
- Recipe of Mario Batali Sunday Gravy
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
