Crafting the Perfect Margarona: A Festive Beer-rita Recipe for Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, the air buzzes with excitement for vibrant celebrations and, of course, delicious Mexican cuisine. This year, the #SundaySupper crew is diving headfirst into the festive spirit, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to participate. Mexican food holds a special place in my heart; it’s hands down my favorite cuisine in the entire world, bursting with flavors that always bring a smile to my face. This week’s celebratory event is graciously hosted by the wonderful Jen from Juanita’s Cocina, a true authority on all things delicious and Mexican.

Jen is an absolute gem, and she’s the ideal host for such a lively event. If you haven’t yet discovered Jen or her incredible website, I highly recommend you pay her a visit and get acquainted. You absolutely won’t regret it! Her dedication to authentic and flavorful Mexican food is truly inspiring, and the results are consistently amazing. Just take her Mesquite Chicken Tacos with Creamy Corn Salsa, for instance – pure culinary bliss! I’ve made them at least five times, and I usually find myself happily devouring three in a single sitting. Her passion for Mexican gastronomy shines through in every recipe, making her the perfect guide for our Cinco de Mayo festivities.

What’s a Cinco de Mayo party without a fantastic cocktail to toast the occasion? As a devoted lover of all things mixology, I decided to blend two of my absolute favorite boozy beverages into one spectacular creation: the classic margarita and a refreshing Corona beer. The result? The “Margarona.” It’s a fun, catchy name, and the drink itself is even better! While I can’t claim credit for the original concept – that honor goes to a brilliant local discovery – I’m thrilled to share my perfected recipe with you. My first unforgettable introduction to this creative combination happened during a vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia, back in April. My travel companion, Squirrel, and I were looking for a memorable dining experience, and after taking advice from several friendly locals, we found ourselves at Plaza Azteca on the very last night of our trip. Looking back, I honestly wish we had discovered it sooner, as we would have happily eaten there every single night. Yes, it was *that* good!

At Plaza Azteca, the “beergaritas” or “margaronas,” as the locals affectionately called them, were truly all the rage. Every single person we spoke to insisted that we *had* to try them. And when we finally arrived at the bustling restaurant, it became immediately clear why. Everyone – and I mean *everyone* – seemed to have a Margarona in hand. They were everywhere the eye could see, glimmering like sparkling green stars across every table, creating an irresistible spectacle. How could anyone possibly resist such a tempting display of refreshing ingenuity?

Of course, I simply had to order a Margarona! And oh, were they magnificent. The moment that first tangy, bubbly, and utterly refreshing sip hit my tongue, I knew with absolute certainty that I would be recreating this masterpiece at home. It was a flavor revelation – the zesty lime of the margarita perfectly complemented by the crisp, light notes of the Corona. The experience was so delightful and unique that it quickly climbed to the top of my favorite cocktail list, securing its spot as a must-have for any festive occasion, especially Cinco de Mayo.

So, the second I learned that this week’s #SundaySupper theme was Cinco de Mayo, there was no doubt in my mind. The Margarona was the obvious choice to share with all of you. This isn’t just any drink; it’s a statement, a celebration in a glass, and an experience that perfectly encapsulates the joyful spirit of Mexican festivities. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this truly unique and utterly delicious concoction!

When preparing your Margaronas, there are a few crucial tips to ensure optimal flavor and consistency. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your margarita mixture is thoroughly chilled before you even think about blending it with ice. This step is non-negotiable! If you neglect to properly chill your mixture, you run the very real risk of the ice diluting your beautiful Margarona as it melts too quickly. Trust me, you absolutely do not want a watered-down, less flavorful cocktail. What you’re aiming for is a potent, full-bodied beverage that truly delivers on taste and refreshment.

Another common mistake I’ve personally made and learned from: don’t fill your glass to the brim with the frozen margarita mixture and then attempt to nestle your mini Corona bottle into the icy concoction. That’s a surefire recipe for an immediate overflow, leading to delicious liquid spilling over the sides and compelling you (or me!) to quickly chug the excess. Instead, for the perfect pour, fill your glass about halfway with the blended frozen margarita. Then, carefully invert and place your mini Corona bottle into the mixture, allowing its neck to reach the bottom of the glass. The Corona will begin to flow out, slowly mingling with the frozen margarita mixture. Don’t worry, it will naturally stop flowing after a bit, creating a fascinating visual and a perfectly balanced drink.

What’s truly ingenious about this serving method is that the Corona bottle forms a sort of suction seal. This means the beer will only continue to empty into your glass as you drink the cocktail, preferably with a straw. As you sip, the Corona slowly integrates with the margarita, ensuring a consistent and delightful flavor profile from start to finish. It’s a dynamic and interactive drinking experience that I absolutely adore! You’ll enjoy a continuous, evolving fusion of tangy lime and crisp beer, with playful bubbles tickling your tongue while the vibrant lime makes your lips pucker in delightful satisfaction. This unique blend has quickly become my all-time favorite margarita variation. So, here’s to a fantastic and flavorful Cinco de Mayo!

Beyond this fantastic Margarona, the #SundaySupper community has put together an incredible collection of Cinco de Mayo-themed recipes. From appetizers and main courses to desserts and other refreshing drinks, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud and make your celebration truly unforgettable. Dive into these culinary delights and discover new favorites for your fiesta!

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:

• Chili Lime Crab on Watermelon Salad from A Stack of Dishes
• Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas from Home Cooking Memories
• Cinco de Mayo Tuna Pepper Poppers from Shockingly Delicious
• Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) from Magnolia Days
• Esquites or Mexican Corn Salad from Kimchi Mom
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime-Cayenne Butter from Healthy. Delicious.
• Guacamole Rice from Foxes Love Lemons
• Healthy Mexican Ceviche from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Loaded Cheesy Nachos from Gotta Get Baked
• Lobster Guacamole from I Run For Wine
• Roasted Garlic and Bacon Guacamole from Ruffles & Truffles
• Slow Cooker Chicken Con Queso from Daily Dish Recipes

Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:

• Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Chicken Fajita Feta-ccine from Chocolate Moosey
• Chicken Fajita Salad w/Home made Easy Salsa from Momma’s Meals
• Chicken Mole Potato Skins from Noshing with the Nolands
• Chorizo Fajitas with Sweet Potato and Poblano Pepper from The Urban Mrs.
• Corona Beer-Battered Fish Tacos from Pescetarian Journal
• Duck Carnitas from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
• Japanese Mexican Tacos from Ninja Baking
• Lightened Up Taco Salad from Kudos Kitchen
• Mexican Pizza with Chipotle Orange Sauce from Family Foodie
• Oven Baked Beef, Bean, and Cheese Chimichangas from In The Kitchen With KP
• Pork Carnitas from From the Bookshelf
• Red Chile Jam + Tequila Chicken Quesadillas from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Roasted Poblano and Corn Lasagna from Juanita’s Cocina
• Shrimp Soft Tacos with Lime Dressing and Crunchy Vegetables from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Slow Cooked Carne Asadas from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Soft Shell Tacos from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Spicy Shredded Beef Chimichangas from Supper for a Steal
• Spicy Steak Fajitas from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Country Girl in the Village
• Tequila Lime Chicken from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing from The Weekend Gourmet
• Tofu Tacos from Hip Foodie Mom
• Yucatan Pollo Pibil and Corn Tortillas from MarocMama

Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:

• Dairy-free Flan from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Dark and Spicy Chocolate Pots de Creme from Happy Baking Days
• Fried Ice Cream for a Crowd from Growing Up Gabel
• Luxuriously Healthy Chocolate Frosting from What Smells So Good?
• Mexican Brownies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Paletas de Tamarindo (Tamarind Popsicles) from La Cocina de Leslie
• Peanut Mazapanes from Pies and Plots

Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:

• Fresh & Fruity Sangria from Webicurean
• Frozen Jalapeno Daiquiri from Blueberries and Blessings
• Fruity Aguas Frescas from The Foodie Patootie
• Mango Aqua Fresca With Chia Seeds from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Margarona from The Messy Baker
• Mexaratini from Gourmet Drizzles
• Tamarindo Drink (Agua de Tamarindo) from Basic N Delicious

Don’t miss out on the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter! Join us on Sunday, May 5th, as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a flurry of tweets and shared recipes from around the globe. Our weekly chat kicks off at 7:00 pm EST. Be sure to follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and include it in your tweets to jump into the lively discussion. For even more delicious recipes and mouth-watering food photos, explore our dedicated #SundaySupper Pinterest board. We look forward to celebrating with you!