If you’re anything like me, you love a good cocktail that not only tastes amazing but tells a story—and Chili’s Wicked Drinks do just that! Inspired by the enchanting world of the musical Wicked, these themed margaritas are the definition of magical indulgence.
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How to make Chili’s Wicked Drink
Chili’s Wicked Drink is a limited-edition themed margarita (or pair of margaritas) created by Chili’s Grill & Bar to celebrate the movie Wicked: For Good.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Lunazul® Blanco Tequila (or your favorite tequila)
- 1 ounce Blue Curaçao
- 1 ounce Monin® Granny Smith Apple Syrup (or substitute with apple-flavored syrup)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce sour mix (homemade or store-bought)
- Ice
- Festive garnish: Try a witch hat & broom swizzle stick or green apple slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: If desired, rim your glass with green sugar for added flair. Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar for a sparkly, spooky effect.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Blue Curaçao, Granny Smith Apple Syrup, lime juice, and sour mix. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass over fresh ice or serve straight up.
- Garnish: Add a festive garnish, such as green apple slices, a spooky swizzle stick, or even a touch of dry ice (if you’re feeling extra magical—but be cautious when using dry ice).
Pro Tips for Perfect Margaritas
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice instead of using bottled lime juice. It adds a zesty brightness to your cocktails.
- Make Your Own Sour Mix: Combine equal parts fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to make a homemade sour mix. It tastes fresher than store-bought and elevates your drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cocktails, add an extra splash of Monin syrup in either recipe. Conversely, if you like it more tart, reduce the syrup slightly.
- Garnish Goes a Long Way: The visual appeal of these cocktails is half the fun! Get creative with garnishes by using fun swizzle sticks, colored sugar rims, or even dry ice for a smoky, magical effect.
- Batch It for Parties: If you’re hosting, multiply the recipe to make a batch of margaritas ahead of time. Serve in a pitcher with garnishes on the side for guests to customize.
What to serve with
These drinks, both packed with bold flavours, shine even brighter when paired with complementary foods.
1. Nachos or Loaded Chips: Pair tacos or nachos topped with smoky proteins like beef, chili-seasoned chicken, or spicy black beans. Add melted cheese, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños for a burst of flavor that complements the tangy tequila base in both margaritas.
2. Street Tacos: Both margaritas pair well with Chili’s-style street tacos stuffed with citrus-marinated chicken, carnitas, or grilled shrimp. Top them with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a drizzle of lime crema for light, zesty flavors.
3. Spicy Buffalo Wings: Looking for heat? The sweetness of both Wicked Drinks tempers spicy Buffalo wings. Opt for a mild-to-medium heat sauce to maintain balance.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Chili’s Wicked Drinks at home is fun and flexible, even if some of the original ingredients aren’t readily available. Thankfully, you can work around missing components by using substitutes while still maintaining the signature look and flavor of these magical margaritas.
1. Lunazul® Blanco Tequila Substitute
Lunazul® Blanco is known for its smooth flavor, but you can easily swap it out for other quality blanco (silver) tequila brands.
- Best Substitute: Brands like Espolòn Blanco, Casamigos Blanco, or Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver work well.
- Budget Option: Herradura Blanco or Patrón (if you prefer a premium choice) will fit perfectly.
2. Blue Curaçao Substitute
Blue Curaçao gives the drink its vibrant blue-green color and orange flavor, but there are alternatives if you don’t have it handy.
- Triple Sec: Clear Triple Sec offers a similar orange flavor but won’t provide the blue color.
- DIY Solution: Mix orange juice with a small amount of food-safe blue coloring to achieve the same flavor and hue.
- Other Colorful Liqueurs: Use peach schnapps with blue coloring for a fruity twist.
3. Monin® Granny Smith Apple Syrup Substitute
Monin® Granny Smith Apple Syrup adds the refreshing green apple sweetness.
- Apple Juice or Cider: Use unsweetened apple juice or cider for a subtler apple flavor.
- Homemade Apple Syrup: Simmer apple juice with sugar to create your own syrup. Add a drop of green food coloring for authenticity.
- Other Fruit Syrups: Pear syrup or green melon syrup can be used, though they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
4. Sour Mix Substitute
Sour mix is an essential margarita component, combining tart citrus flavors with sweetness.
- DIY Sour Mix: Make your own by mixing equal parts fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup (2:1 ratio of sugar to water).
- Store-Bought Lemonade: Diluted lemonade can work in a pinch for a sweeter alternative.
5. Lime Juice Substitute
If you don’t have fresh lime juice, use the following:
- Bottled Lime Juice: While it’s not as fresh, it works for quick fixes.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can replace lime juice, though it will alter the citrus profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
Chili’s Wicked Drinks are all about fun, flavor, and festive vibes, so let those characteristics carry into your food pairings.
More Chili’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Lunazul® Blanco Tequila
- 1 ounce Blue Curaçao
- 1 ounce Monin® Granny Smith Apple Syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce sour mix
- Ice
- Festive garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: If desired, rim your glass with green sugar for added flair. Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar for a sparkly, spooky effect.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Blue Curaçao, Granny Smith Apple Syrup, lime juice, and sour mix. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass over fresh ice or serve straight up.
- Garnish: Add a festive garnish, such as green apple slices, a spooky swizzle stick, or even a touch of dry ice (if you’re feeling extra magical—but be cautious when using dry ice).
