Margaritas aren’t just a drink—they’re an experience. That tangy hit of lime, the smooth tequila warmth, the slight sweetness that balances it all out… it’s a cocktail that feels like sunshine in a glass.
But here’s the thing: a margarita is only as good as the food you pair with it. You might have the perfect mix, the best-quality tequila, the freshest lime juice—but if your snack or meal isn’t complementing those flavors, you’re missing out.
So, what goes best with margaritas? Short answer: Anything salty, spicy, or rich. Some obvious choices? Tacos, guacamole, and ceviche. But you might be surprised by how well fried chicken, grilled cheese, and even dark chocolate can bring out the best in your margarita.
I’ve spent years (okay, more like a few really fun nights) testing food and margarita combinations, and now, I’m breaking it all down for you. If you’re sipping a margarita, here’s what you should be eating.
Classic Pairings: The Can’t-Miss Choices
Some food and drink combinations are so good they feel like fate. Margaritas have their own set of perfect partners—those foods that bring out the best in every sip.
Tacos: The #1 Margarita Match
It’s impossible to talk about margarita pairings without talking about tacos.
The flavors just work—whether it’s a bright and citrusy margarita cutting through the richness of slow-cooked meat or a spicy margarita adding heat to a smoky taco filling.
But not all tacos are created equal.
- Fish tacos – Crispy fish, creamy slaw, and a squeeze of lime make a margarita taste even fresher.
- Carne asada tacos – Grilled steak with a hint of char pairs perfectly with a strong, classic lime margarita.
- Al pastor tacos – The sweetness of pineapple balances the bold, marinated pork. Pair it with a margarita that has a splash of orange liqueur.
- Spicy shrimp tacos – A spicy jalapeño margarita brings out the best in shrimp with chili and lime.
Guacamole & Chips: The No-Fail Favorite
A creamy, well-seasoned guacamole with salty tortilla chips is the ultimate margarita sidekick.
The avocado’s richness softens the acidity of the drink, while the lime and cilantro in the guac highlight the margarita’s bright citrus notes. Want to upgrade your guac game?
- Adding mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast
- Mixing in roasted poblanos or jalapeños for smoky heat
- Sprinkling cotija cheese for an extra salty pop
Ceviche: A Refreshing, Light Option
Ceviche is basically seafood that’s been “cooked” in lime juice. That means it naturally pairs with the citrus-forward flavor of a margarita.
The chilled, fresh flavors keep the palate clean, making each sip taste even better. Serve it with crunchy tostadas for the perfect contrast in texture.
Unexpected Pairings: The Surprise Hits
Some food and drink pairings just make sense. Others seem unusual—until you try them and realize they’re genius. Here are some surprisingly great margarita companions:
Fried Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy, and Shockingly Good
Fried chicken and margaritas? Yes. The rich, crispy crunch of fried chicken meets the tart, refreshing burst of a margarita, and it just works.
The acidity cuts through the heaviness, and the salt in the chicken makes the tequila flavors pop.
- A spicy jalapeño margarita for extra heat
- A classic lime margarita to balance out the richness
- A pineapple margarita for a sweet-savory contrast
Sheet Pan Chicken: An Easy, Flavorful Pairing
For those nights when you want something hearty yet effortless, sheet pan chicken is a fantastic choice.
The combination of tender, roasted chicken with herbs and caramelized vegetables pairs beautifully with a margarita—especially if the dish has a hint of citrus or spice.
A light, citrus-infused margarita enhances the flavors, while a smoky mezcal version brings out the depth in roasted ingredients.
Cheese & Margaritas: An Underrated Duo
People think wine is the go-to drink for cheese, but margaritas hold their own. The key is picking cheeses that highlight the citrus and tequila flavors rather than overpower them.
- Cotija – Salty and crumbly, making the margarita taste even brighter
- Manchego – Nutty and slightly sweet, complementing the lime notes
- Pepper jack – A little spice that plays off the tequila’s smoothness
Add some fresh fruit (pineapple, mango, or watermelon) for a snack that feels gourmet but takes zero effort.
Grilled Shrimp: Sweet, Smoky, and Margarita-Approved
Shrimp and margaritas go together like a beach and a hammock.
Something about the way shrimp caramelizes on the grill and the way citrus cuts through the richness makes it the ideal pairing. Try a coconut margarita with grilled shrimp for a tropical dream combo.
Spicy & Bold: The Heat-Lovers’ Guide
Spicy food and margaritas were made for each other. The tequila cools down the heat, while the spice makes the citrus flavors even more vibrant.
Spicy Salsas That Take Margaritas to the Next Level
Not all salsa is created equal when pairing with margaritas.
- Roasted tomatillo salsa – Smoky and mild, amazing with classic lime margaritas
- Mango habanero salsa – Sweet heat, perfect for a frozen mango margarita
- Chipotle salsa – Bold and smoky, incredible with a mezcal margarita
Buffalo Wings & Margaritas: The Ultimate Flavor Contrast
Most people go for beer with hot wings, but margaritas do something better: they balance the spice instead of adding to the heaviness. A crisp lime margarita cuts through the vinegar-based sauce like magic.
Sweet Endings: Dessert & Margaritas
Margaritas aren’t just for salty and spicy food. Some desserts make for a surprisingly great pairing.
Churros: Cinnamon Sugar & Citrus Bliss
A warm, crispy churro coated in cinnamon sugar next to a margarita with a hint of orange?
Absolute perfection. The slight bitterness from the tequila balances the sweetness in the best way.
Mango Sticky Rice: Creamy, Tropical Heaven
Sticky rice drenched in coconut milk with fresh mango is already a masterpiece, but pair it with a coconut margarita? Next-level indulgence.
Dark Chocolate & Spicy Margaritas: A Bold Match
Dark chocolate and tequila are secretly amazing together. Pair a jalapeño margarita with a square of good-quality dark chocolate, and prepare to be amazed.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Margarita-Food Pairing
- Balance matters. If the food is rich and heavy, go for a bright, acidic margarita. If the dish is light, a fruitier margarita works best.
- Salt enhances tequila. Anything with a salty edge—cheese, chips, charred meats—brings out the best in the drink.
- Experiment! A classic lime margarita is always a safe bet, but spicy, smoky, or fruity variations can take things to a whole new level.
Final Sip: What’s Your Perfect Margarita Pairing?
Margaritas are the kind of drink that fit any occasion—casual taco nights, fancy dinners, or just kicking back on the porch. They also don’t require crazy bartending tools! And while they’re great on their own, the right food makes them even better.
So next time you’re sipping on a margarita, pair it with something exciting. Whether it’s a spicy taco, a crispy piece of fried chicken, or a bite of dark chocolate, there’s a world of flavor waiting to be discovered.
