Black Margarita Recipe

Salt the glass

Rub the lime wedge around the outer rim of a chilled rocks or coupe glass (or the entire rim if preferred for a margarita). Spread the coarse salt or black salt on a small plate and gently press the rim into the salt to coat. Set the glass aside.

Place 3 fresh blackberries in the bottom of a shaker and muddle gently until broken down but not completely puréed (about 6–8 light presses). This releases fresh blackberry juice and texture for the cocktail.

Add the tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, blackberry liqueur, and agave nectar to the shaker with the muddled blackberries.

Fill the shaker with ice (enough to chill well but leave space to shake). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

If you prefer a slightly textured cocktail, double-strain the contents into the prepared glass over crushed or cubed ice using a Hawthorne strainer (and a fine-mesh strainer if you want to remove seeds and pulp). For a smoother presentation, fine-strain only.

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim and skewer one or two fresh blackberries onto a pick and rest on the glass. Serve immediately.