Add Red Wine To A Margarita For A Party-Pleasing Aesthetic

How to float wine into the cocktail

Stick to a traditional margarita recipe featuring tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Choose a clear, unaged tequila blanco, as aged or extra-aged tequilas have a stronger flavor that may overpower the wine. The same applies to a smoky mezcal margarita. Additionally, skip the salted rim; if it seems too plain, consider adding garnishes (like those mentioned earlier) or opt for a sugared rim instead.

Red wine is less dense than the mixed drink, so it will naturally float on top. For a clean and even pour, turn a bar spoon upside down, hold it over the cocktail, and gently pour the wine over it—this technique is also used in a New York Sour, which features a red wine float. If you're unsure about which red wine to select, go for a full-bodied, earthy option that remains dry. Since a margarita is bold in both flavor and alcohol, a lighter red like Pinot Noir may be overwhelmed by the tequila and citrus. Aim for a wine with character but no sweetness, such as a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Have a partially finished bottle of wine on the counter? Use it for this cocktail. Alternatively, if you have leftover wine frozen as ice cubes, you can add them directly to the margarita or thaw them to float on top.