Ingredients
— The Cocktail —
2 oz (60ml) silver tequila (blanco)
1 oz (30ml) triple sec or Cointreau
1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice
1/2 cup ice (for shaking)
— The ‘Magic’ & Garnish —
1 large handful of Cotton Candy (Pink or Blue)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar or colorful sprinkles (for the rim)
Lime wedge (to wet the rim)
Instructions
1. **Rim the Glass:** Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass or coupe glass. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of sugar or sprinkles to coat.
2. **Shake:** In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty cold.
3. **Prep the Candy:** Take a large, fluffy handful of cotton candy and gently place it inside the prepared glass. It should fill most of the glass volume. **Do not add ice to the glass yet**, or the candy will melt prematurely.
4. **The Magic Pour:** Strain the cold margarita mixture from the shaker directly over the cotton candy. Watch as the candy dissolves instantly, sweetening the drink and changing its color.
5. **Serve:** Add a few fresh ice cubes if desired (though it’s usually served ‘up’) and garnish with an extra tuft of cotton candy on the rim. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sweetness Level: Because the cotton candy is pure sugar, you do not need to add simple syrup/agave to the shaker mixture. The dissolving candy provides all the sweetness you need.
Color Choice: Pink cotton candy will turn the drink pink; blue cotton candy will turn it a cool aqua color. Avoid mixing colors (like rainbow) unless you want a muddy-colored drink.
Virgin Option: Substitute the tequila and triple sec with lemon-lime soda (Sprite) or sparkling water for a kid-friendly mocktail version.
Make Ahead: You can mix the liquids in a pitcher ahead of time, but do not place the cotton candy in the glasses until the very last second before serving.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shake
- Cuisine: American / Party
- Diet: Vegan