Mexican Coffee Margarita

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(Note: this post was originally published on June 13, 2019. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

Sipping Coffee in Mexico City

A margarita inspired by a coffee?? It's happening! This unique cocktail is based on the coffee we recently fell in love with while we were in Mexico City. "Mexican Coffee" is steeped for hours with orange zest, brown sugar, and spices; it's a truly magical combination, somehow cozy and fresh at the same time.

When we got back from Mexico City, the first thing I made was these Mexican Coffee Waffles (shown in the photo below, alongside the margaritas!). They have all the same delightful flavors, but in a decadent waffle form. But those waffles really need a special brunch cocktail to go with them, don't you think?? Here, I'm recreating the flavors of Mexican Coffee in a margarita that will be perfect for your next brunch party.

Mexican Coffee Margaritas shown with waffles at brunch

Magical Flavors

Is this cocktail really a margarita? I guess I'll leave that up to you. If you define a margarita as tequila, flavored liquor (usually orange), citrus (usually lime), and sweetener (usually agave), then the answer is yes. It follows the same format, but with lots of flavor twists.

In this cocktail, I use a base of reposado tequila. I substitute coffee tequila for the orange liquor. Then I use a bit of cara cara orange juice instead of lime, and homemade cinnamon syrup instead of agave. So it's the same core elements as a margarita, but completely different flavors and feel. Check out my Cinnamon Cherry Paloma if you want to read more about cinnamon simple syrup, which is a surprisingly versatile mixology ingredient that I really adore.

The result of this (perhaps crazy??) combination is something completely unique and really complex. This drink is deep and rich because of the coffee tequila and cinnamon syrup, and still light and bright thanks to the orange.

Mexican Coffee Margarita from above, with mixology tools

Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Whole cinnamon sticks. You'll use whole sticks to make the simple syrup. Please don't try to do this with cinnamon powder, it will not go well!
  • Granulated white sugar
  • Reposado tequila. I prefer reposado (aged 2-12 months) in this cocktail since the flavors are a little bit deeper and go so beautifully with the coffee. It would also work well with an anejo tequila.
  • Coffee tequila. We brought this back from Mexico City, but it's widely available in the US as well. We love Patron XO! That said, if you can't find this, I'd suggest substituting the 1 oz of coffee tequila in the recipe with 0.5 oz coffee liqueur and 0.5 oz reposado tequila. You probably won't want a full 1 oz of coffee liqueur since it's so sweet.
  • Cara cara oranges. You'll use the juice for the cocktail, plus some additional slices for garnish. If you can't find cara cara, opt for something small and sweet like a tangerine, clementine, etc.

Pouring a Mexican Coffee Margarita

Closing Thoughts

These Mexican Coffee Margaritas would work beautifully at a brunch party, but would be equally wonderful accompanying "breakfast for dinner", or even as an after-dinner sip.

Wondering about those waffles shown in some of the photos above? Those are my Mexican Coffee Waffles! (Can you see how impactful that coffee was on my flavor combinations??). Pair them together for an out of this world brunch or dinner that will transport you instantly to street-side cafes in Mexico City.

Mexican Coffee Margaritas with tequila bottles

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Mexican Coffee Waffles

Wired Monkey Oat Flour Muffins

Nourishing Macadamia Orange Banana Bread

Flourless Coffee Macadamia Blondies

Boozy Nicecream (the Espresso Kahlua Chip flavor!)

Mexican Coffee Margarita

Bursting with seductive coffee, sweet orange, and cozy cinnamon, this is not your average margarita! It's inspired by the flavors in Mexican Coffee and definitely needs to be invited to your next brunch party.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup

  • 6 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 c water
  • 1 c granulated white sugar

For the Cocktail

  • 1 oz reposado tequila
  • 1 oz coffee tequila
  • 2 oz fresh-squeezed cara cara orange juice
  • 0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup
  • Cara cara orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make the cinnamon simple syrup, combine the cinnamon sticks with the water and sugar, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low boil. Boil until the mixture has reduced significantly and turned a light amber color. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on it and don't let it go too far.
  2. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any wayward cinnamon stick bits.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the two types of tequila, orange juice, and simple syrup. Shake well with ice.
  4. Strain into a serving glass filled with ice, then garnish with a cara cara orange slice.
  5. Store any additional simple syrup in the fridge for up to a couple weeks.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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Sara Tercero
June 2, 2022
Whoa this is certainly original! I must try it, it sounds perfect for a vacation brunch.