Thanksgiving Margarita

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Cocktail History

The Thanksgiving Margarita is an autumn cocktail that was created by bartender Naren Young at Dante in New York City, New York.

This seasonal version of the recipe stays true to its roots with tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and a salted rim, but it incorporates festive flavors to match the cozy vibes of the fall season. A spoonful of creamy pumpkin purée adds a subtle richness and earthy sweetness, while a ground ginger rim introduces a warm, spiced kick. These thoughtful additions elevate the iconic Margarita template, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or as a creative prelude to a holiday feast.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Tequila Reposado: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then briefly aged to develop a balanced, slightly oaky flavor.

Pumpkin Purée: This is a spread made with pumpkin pulp, which is blended and cooked down into a smooth, earthy condiment.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Agave Syrup: This is a sweetener made with agave plant sap that’s extracted, filtered, and heated to convert its sugars into a syrup with a mild, honey-like sweetness.

Allspice Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with allspice berries, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended, infused, and sometimes aged to develop a warm, spiced flavor.

Amaretto Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with almonds or apricot kernels, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, nutty flavor.

Ground Ginger: This is a fine, dried powder made with dried ginger root.

Salt: This is a mineral composed of sodium chloride that has a granulated, crystal texture and savory flavor.

Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Roasted Pumpkin Slice: This is a slice of pumpkin that has been roasted and cut into a moon shape.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Arette Tequila Reposado
• 🔗 Farmer’s Market Organic Canned Pumpkin Purée
• 🔗 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Light Agave Nectar
• 🔗 St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram
• 🔗 Di Amore Amaretto Liqueur
• 🔗 Simply Organic Ground Ginger
• 🔗 Morton Coarse Kosher Salt

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker made with a large metal tin and a second tin or mixing glass that’s used for shaking and chilling cocktail ingredients.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is a flat metal strainer with a handle and a coiled spring around the edge that’s used for straining shaken cocktails from a shaker while holding back ice and solids.

Cutting Board: This is a flat, durable kitchen surface made from materials like wood or plastic that’s used for slicing ingredients and preparing garnishes.

Paring Knife: This is a small kitchen knife with a narrow, sharp blade that’s used for peeling fruit and trimming garnishes.

Electric Citrus Juicer: This is a kitchen appliance with a motorized reamer that’s used for quickly extracting juice from citrus fruits.

Fine Mesh Strainer: This is a mesh metal strainer with a tightly woven bowl and handle that’s used for straining out small ice shards and other solids while pouring cocktails from a shaker or mixing glass.

Measuring Cup: This is a kitchen tool with a handled cup and marked volume measurements that’s used for accurately measuring and pouring liquid ingredients.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Boston Shaker
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Hawthorne Strainer
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife
• 🔗 BLACK+DECKER 32 oz Electric Citrus Juicer
• 🔗 Barfly Silver Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Angled Measuring Cup
• 🔗 Anchor Hocking Manchester Rocks Glass

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Warm orange color

• Aroma: Ginger, agave, and pumpkin

• Taste: Salt and ginger followed by a pumpkin-forward flavor accented with tequila, nuttiness, and baking spices

• Finish: Tangy lime and pumpkin notes

Kendall’s Take
“This is a fun fall spin on a classic Margarita. It manages to keep that bright lime backbone intact while layering in pumpkin for a seasonal twist that still feels true to the original template. Meanwhile, the pumpkin purée gives it a slightly thicker, almost velvety texture, which makes it feel richer and more autumnal than your standard version. If you want a Thanksgiving cocktail that still nods to tequila tradition, the Thanksgiving Margarita absolutely fits the bill.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was found in the publication Liquor.com.