Spooky Devil’s Margarita
The Devil’s Margarita adds a devilish twist to the classic margarita. A rich red wine layer floats on top of the margarita base, creating a cool visual effect (similar to my New York Sour), while adding interest and depth of flavor. It’s a sinfully delicious drink that is sure to wow all your ghoulish guests!
The Devil’s Margarita recipe is just in time for all those Halloween parties you’ve been invited to.
The combination of Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and simple syrup pairs perfectly with a top layer of dry red wine.
This is NOT your ordinary classic margarita! No way, the depth of flavor here will bring pure joy!
Ingredients (With Substitutions)
- Blanco Tequila – showcasing the true essence of the agave plant, Blanco tequila is the purest form of tequila out there. You can substitute with Ghost Pepper Tequila or whatever tequila you can find. To see if your tequila is vegan, check out Barnivore.
- Lime Juice – fresh lime juice is my choice, however, if unavailable, bottled lime juice will be fine.
- Simple Syrup – I use this to sweeten the drink a bit so it’s not so tart. You can substitute with agave syrup.
- Red Wine – I recommend using a dry red wine to ensure the wine layer floats to the top. Malbec is a good choice, or whichever you prefer.
- Garnishes (optional) – dehydrated lime slices and a sprig of rosemary are what I use, but any combination of dried citrus and fresh herbs will work.
- Ice – using ice cubes instead of crushed ice works best.
For exact ingredient measurements, check out the recipe card below!
How to Make a Devil’s Margarita
Step 1: add ice, tequila, lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
Step 2: strain with a cocktail strainer and pour into coupe glasses.
Step 3: hold the back of a bar spoon over the glass and very slowly, pour 1 ounce of red wine over each drink.
Step 4: garnish with dehydrated lime slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately!
Variations
- Add 3-4 ounces of triple sec – otherwise known as orange liqueur – to your cocktail shaker if you want a more traditional margarita. It helps balance the cocktail’s acidity.
- Add a salt rim – if you prefer a salt rim, run a wedge of lime around the rim of your cocktail glass and dip in a shallow bowl of salt prior to pouring contents of your cocktail shaker into a glass.
- Add a sugar rim – to add a sugar rim instead, add a thin line of agave nectar around the rim of the glass and dip it into a shallow bowl of sugar.
Expert Tips
- Dry Red Wine – it’s super important to use dry red wine in this recipe to ensure the wine layer floats to the top.
- Prepare in Advance – this drink can be made in advance by mixing the tequila and simple syrup together putting it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, add lime juice and pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and follow the instructions as noted above to finish the drinks.
- If you love layered cocktails, try my New York Sour and my Red, White and Blue Cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although the layering may not turn out as pretty as the regular version, you can absolutely make it frozen. Prior to layering, put all ingredients except red wine in a blender with some ice. Pour into glasses and top with red wine.
For best results, use a dry red wine to ensure that the wine layer floats to the top. Malbec is a great choice, but any dry red wine will do.
Yes, you can. However, salt combined with red wine may not be a flavor you enjoy. To add a sugar rim which may work better, gently dip the rim of your wine glass into a shallow dish containing agave nectar. Then, dip your rim into a shallow bowl of organic sugar.
Although I love to serve cocktails in their complimentary glasses – in this case a margarita glass – any coupe glass or cocktail glass will work.
Yep, you can. Simply add 14 ounces of tequila, 7 ounces of lime juice and 7 ounces of simple syrup to a pitcher and stir with a long spoon. Pour into glasses. You can either add ice at this point, or fill your glasses with ice and pour the cocktail into them.
What to Serve with Devil’s Margarita
My Halloween Spaghetti is my choice for a main dish for Halloween Night. Pair it with my Vegan Garlic Bread and a side salad and you have a filling meal that’s fun to serve and eat on this very spooky night.
More Seasonal Cocktail Recipes
Have you tried this? Why not leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!
Spooky Devil’s Margarita Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- jigger
- Margarita glasses
Ingredients
- 6 oz Blanco tequila
- 4 oz lime juice
- 2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz dry red wine
- ice
Garnishes
- dehydrated lime slices
- fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Add ice, tequila, lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain with a cocktail strainer and pour into coupe glasses.
- Hold the back of a spoon over the glass and very slowly, pour 1 ounce of red wine over each drink.
- Garnish with dehydrated lime slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Dry Red Wine – it’s super important to use dry red wine in this recipe to ensure the wine layer floats to the top.
- Prepare in Advance – this drink can be made in advance by mixing the tequila and simple syrup together putting it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, add lime juice and pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and follow the instructions as noted above to finish the drinks.
- If you love layered cocktails, try my New York Sour and my Red, White and Blue Cocktail.
- Nutrition information is only an estimate!
Made this one myself and it’s a spooky, fun twist on the classic! Perfect for Halloween vibes.
Glad to hear. Thank you Claudia.
Spooky devil’s maragarita is so yummy and spooky, I am going to try it.
You will love it, thanks Swathi.
I tried the Devil’s Margarita, and it’s such a fun take on the classic! The layered red wine adds this beautiful, deep color, and the flavor combo is surprisingly delicious.
I was surprised too! Thanks Oscar.
You did it again. Another great recipe! I never used red wine in a margarita before. What a genius idea! It turned out amazing. Thank you!
Good news, thank you Juyali.
This margarita was so much fun!! Made them for my halloween party and the guests loved them.
Spooky devil Margarita is so refreshing. I am going to make it again.
Just tried this Spooky Devil’s Margarita, and it’s amazing! Perfectly balanced with a spooky twist. A must-have for Halloween parties!
Thanks so much, Criss.
What a great recipe and here I was hitnking I had tried every versio of magaritas out there!
I know, me too. Thank you Amy!