There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of tangy margaritas and bold Mexican flavours. Whether it’s the refreshing citrus notes of a margarita perfectly complementing the spicy kick of tacos, or a rich, smoky mezcal margarita pairing beautifully with slow-cooked beef, margaritas and Mexican food are made for each other. In Australia, where Mexican cuisine has taken a firm hold among food lovers, finding a place that serves this dynamic duo is easy. Let’s explore some of the best Mexican dishes and margarita pairings, and discover where to find them across Australia.
Why Margaritas and Mexican Food Are a Perfect Match?
Margaritas enhance the vibrant, spicy flavors of Mexican food, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates both the food and the drink to new heights. Let’s dive in below.
- Balance of Flavours: Mexican food is known for its bold, vibrant tastes, including spicy, tangy, savoury, and smoky elements.
- Complexity of Mexican Dishes: Dishes like tacos, guacamole, and mole have complex flavours that complement the refreshing margarita.
- Margarita Profile: Margaritas balance sweetness, sourness, and salt, which enhances the savoury and spicy notes in Mexican cuisine.
- Margarita Variations: Whether it’s a classic lime margarita, smoky mezcal version, or a fruity twist, there’s a margarita to complement and elevate any Mexican dish.
Classic Mexican Dishes and Margarita Pairings
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Tacos + Classic Lime Margarita
Tacos are one of the most iconic Mexican dishes, and they pair beautifully with a classic lime margarita. The bright acidity of lime in the margarita cuts through the richness of taco fillings, like grilled meats or spicy seafood. A classic lime margarita, with its balance of tangy lime juice, tequila, and salted rim, refreshes your palate between bites of tacos, making it the ideal pairing.
Tip: Whether you’re having a taco al pastor, grilled fish taco, or a vegetarian mushroom taco, the simple, tart lime margarita is your best friend.
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Burritos + Smoky Mezcal Margarita
Burritos are hearty, packed with bold flavours—often including beans, cheese, rice, meats, and guacamole. To match these rich, savoury ingredients, try pairing your burrito with a smoky mezcal margarita. Mezcal’s earthy, smoky flavour enhances the savoury profile of burritos, particularly those with beef, chicken, or barbacoa making this dish the best Mexican fast food in Australia.
Tip: Opt for a mezcal margarita infused with a hint of chilli or smoked paprika to really amp up the pairing.
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Quesadillas + Fruit-flavoured Margarita
Cheese quesadillas are rich and comforting, making them perfect for pairing with a fruit-flavoured margarita. Fruity margaritas, like mango or strawberry, offer a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese and tortilla, creating a balanced and refreshing combination. The margarita’s sweetness complements the creamy cheese, while the lime’s acidity contrasts the richness.
Tip: If you’re enjoying a quesadilla with guacamole or a spicy salsa, a strawberry or mango margarita will bring out the flavours even more.
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Enchiladas + Spicy Margarita
Enchiladas, with their spicy sauce (red or green), are bold and packed with flavour, making them the perfect partner for a spicy margarita. A margarita with a kick—infused with jalapeño or chilli—will elevate the heat in the enchiladas, creating a flavour explosion. The sweetness of the margarita balances the spice, while the tequila adds a smooth finish.
Tip: Try a margarita made with fresh jalapeños or a spiced chilli margarita for the ultimate pairing with enchiladas.
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Churros + Dessert Margarita
Churros, the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated Mexican treat, are best enjoyed with something sweet. A dessert-style margarita, perhaps flavoured with chocolate or vanilla, enhances the sugary richness of the churros. A chocolate margarita with a pinch of cinnamon is a delicious way to round out your meal, offering a sweet, creamy finish that complements the churros perfectly.
Tip: Don’t forget the salted rim for that extra kick—it’s an unexpected yet delightful contrast to the sweetness of the churros.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Australia to Enjoy These Pairings
Now that we’ve covered the best pairings, let’s take a look at some of the top Mexican Restaurants in Australia where you can enjoy these mouthwatering combinations.
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Sydney
- Mexico (Bondi): A casual yet stylish spot serving up delicious tacos and margaritas. The classic lime margarita pairs perfectly with their fresh fish tacos or spicy grilled meats.
- El Loco (Surry Hills): Known for its lively atmosphere and amazing margaritas, El Loco serves everything from crispy tacos to indulgent burritos, all accompanied by creative margarita flavours.
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Melbourne
- Mamasita (CBD): For a more upscale Mexican experience, Mamasita offers innovative takes on classic dishes and serves incredible margaritas. Pair their tacos with a classic margarita or try their smoky mezcal option.
- La Tortilleria (Fitzroy): For authentic Mexican food, La Tortilleria offers handmade tortillas and a wide range of margarita options. Their beef barbacoa tacos and spicy margaritas are a must-try!
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Brisbane
- El Camino Cantina (Fortitude Valley): This colourful spot offers a fantastic range of margaritas paired with hearty Mexican fare. The classic lime margarita is perfect with tacos or their famous nachos.
- La Mexicana (New Farm): La Mexicana is known for its vibrant dishes and refreshing margaritas. Don’t miss out on their fruity margaritas, which go perfectly with their rich and cheesy quesadillas.
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Adelaide
- Agave (CBD): A cosy and inviting space, Agave serves up incredible margaritas and Mexican dishes. Their slow-cooked beef burritos with a mezcal margarita are a winning combination.
- La Cholita (Glenelg): A popular choice for delicious tacos, burritos, and margaritas. Try their jalapeño margarita with a plate of spicy enchiladas.
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Perth
- Chicho Gelato (Leederville): Although known for gelato, this trendy spot also serves great Mexican-inspired dishes and margaritas. Their mezcal margarita is perfect for pairing with their fresh tacos.
- La Cholita (Northbridge): A lively spot with fantastic margaritas and modern Mexican dishes. The spicy margarita and taco pairing here are always a hit!
Creative and Unique Margarita Pairings
While classic margaritas are always a solid choice, there are plenty of innovative flavours worth trying.
- Fruity Margaritas: Experiment with tropical fruits like watermelon, passionfruit, or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. For the perfect pairing, try these margaritas with tacos, seafood, or grilled meats.
- Mezcal Margaritas: For something smoky, a mezcal margarita adds a bold flavour. It’s perfect for pairing with hearty, smoky dishes like barbecued meats or slow-cooked pork.
- Spicy Margaritas: Infused with jalapeños, chillies, or chipotle, spicy margaritas are ideal for dishes with a kick—think spicy salsas, tacos al pastor, or fiery enchiladas.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Margarita at Home
Want to craft your own margaritas? Here’s a simple guide:
Classic Margarita Recipe:
- 50ml tequila
- 25ml lime juice
- 15ml agave syrup
- Salt for the rim
- Ice
Shake with ice, strain into a glass with a salted rim, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Creative Variations:
- Mango Margarita: Blend fresh mango with lime juice for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Margarita: Muddle a few jalapeño slices with the other ingredients for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Mexican food and margaritas are a match made in heaven, and Australia is home to some fantastic spots where you can enjoy these delightful pairings. From crispy tacos to creamy quesadillas, each dish has a margarita that enhances its flavours. Whether you’re sipping a classic lime margarita or trying a smoky mezcal version, the right drink can elevate your Mexican dining experience.
