Margarita Flight Recipe

Prepare and Rim

Pour the coarse salt into a small shallow dish. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the tasting glass and dip the rim into the salt to coat. Set the glass aside.

Shake

In a cocktail shaker, combine 3 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz triple sec and 0.25 oz simple syrup (if using). Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.

Strain and Garnish

Double-strain into the prepared tasting glass over fresh ice (or neat if preferred). Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately as one part of the flight.

Muddle Basil and Build

Place 4 torn basil leaves and 1 oz strawberry puree in the shaker. Gently muddle 6–8 times to release basil aroma without overworking it (avoid shredding into bits). Add 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice and 0.25 oz agave nectar.

Shake

Add about 1/2 cup ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.

Strain and Garnish

Fine-strain into a small tasting glass over fresh ice (or neat). Garnish with a thin slice of strawberry and a small basil leaf. Serve as the second pour in the flight.

Rim Preparation

Pour tajín into a small shallow dish for rimming. Moisten the rim of the tasting glass with a lime wedge and dip into the tajín to coat. Set aside.

Muddle Jalapeño (and Cilantro)

In the shaker, place 2 jalapeño slices (adjust to taste) and 4 cilantro leaves if using. Gently muddle 4–6 times to release oils—do not over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

Build and Shake

Add 1.5 oz reposado tequila, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz mango puree and 0.25 oz agave nectar to the shaker. Add about 1/2 cup ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until chilled.

Strain and Garnish

Double-strain into the tajín-rimmed tasting glass over fresh ice or neat. Garnish with a lime wheel or a thin jalapeño slice for an extra visual cue of heat. Serve as the third pour of the flight.

Arrange the three prepared tasting glasses on a small wood board or tray in an order that moves from mild to bold (Classic, Strawberry-Basil, Spicy Mango). Label or place a small garnish by each (lime wedge, strawberry, lime wheel/jalapeño) so guests can distinguish. Serve immediately while chilled.

Notes: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute tequila and triple sec with an alcohol-free spirit and orange extract or orange juice in proportion, keeping acid and sweetness balanced. Adjust jalapeño quantity to taste for the spicy margarita.