Jello shots are a staple at many social gatherings; after all, what makes drinking alcohol more fun than enjoying it in the form of a favorite childhood treat? But if you’re really looking to impress your guests at your next gathering, why not take things to the next level by creating some fun margarita jello shots that are not only delicious, but are pretty to look at as well?

Traditional Margarita Jello Shots

Give your traditional jello shots the sweet and sour flavor of a margarita with this fun and surprisingly simple recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to yield about 32 shots:

• one large box of jello mix
• about a cut of cold water
• two cups of boiling water
• a squeeze of fresh lime juice
• a quarter cup of Triple Sec
• 3/4 cup of your favorite tequila

Start by making the jello, which involves combining the pre-packed mix with the boiling water. Once mixed well, slowly incorporate the remainder of the ingredients before pouring into small cups or plastic shot cups. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least five hours, or until jello is firm and completely set. Bring out of the fridge and serve once your guests arrive!

Margarita Jello Shots With a Twist

What if you want to have a little more fun with the presentation of your margarita-flavored jello shots? We’ve got you covered! Take things to the next level by serving your guests lime-shaped margarita jello shots in real lime peels! Here’s all you need to make about 30 shots worth of these:

• 15 fresh limes
• a half cup of your favorite tequila
• a half cup orange liqueur
• one cup boiling water
• one packet of jello mix
• a mini muffin tin
• kosher salt (optional garnish)

Once again, start by making the jello by combining the packet with a cup of boiling water. Then, in a bowl, mix the jello with the orange liqueur and tequila. Next, slice the limes in half lengthwise, scooping out the insides so you’re just left with the skin of the lime wedges. Then, place the skins into a mini muffin tin to hold them in place before pouring the jello mixture into each wedge. Refrigerate for a few hours until the jello is firm, then serve them up!

Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

Another fun take on margarita shots is to serve them up in cored strawberries instead of cups or lime peels. You can use the same jello shot recipe as above. The only thing you’ll need to do differently that you’ll need as many strawberries as shots. Carefully using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the strawberry along with a small portion of the bottom (which will allow it to stand upright). Then, use a melon baller to scoop out the insides of the strawberry before pouring jello mixture into each one. Refrigerate for several hours, then wow your guests by serving them up.

These fun margarita jello shots make a great addition to your next party. In the mood for a full-fledged margarita? Macayo’s has you covered; from traditional margaritas and gourmet Mexican food to specialty margaritas (such as our cucumber cilantro margarita), stop in today to sample our new drink menu!

 

Bloody Mary’s are a popular breakfast-time staple, though we all know it doesn’t have to be breakfast-time to enjoy the savory taste of this yummy beverage. But what if you’re looking for a creative spin on your traditional Bloody Mary…maybe something that goes a little better with some popular Mexican foods and dishes? Well, we’ve got you covered with this wonderful Bloody Mary margarita recipe that’ll be a hit at your next gathering.

Bloody Mary Margarita Recipe

With this Bloody Mary Margarita recipe, you can enjoy the taste of a traditional Bloody Mary, but with the added acidity, flavor, and fun of a margarita! These make for a great addition to your next Mexican food night, or just to enjoy on its own. Start by gathering the following ingredients to create this unique and bold-flavored Bloody Mary margarita (keep in mind that these ingredients will make four servings):

• a quart mild salsa (blended)
• three quarts hot salsa
• two table spoons Worcestershire sauce
• a tablespoon black pepper
• a cup olive juice
• two teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• two jalapeños blended

We also recommend whipping up a delicious spiced salt that you can use to garnish the rims of your glasses, which requires:

• a teaspoon of ground celery seeds
• a tablespoon of chile powder
• two tablespoons of pepper
• two tablespoons of salt

Start by making the rim garnish, which is as simple as mixing the celery seeds, child powder, salt, and pepper into a small bowl. Then, use the lime wedge to wet the rim of each glass before dipping them in the spice mixture to garnish the glasses.

Now, it’s time to make the Bloody Mary margarita! It’s as easy as combining all of the remaining ingredients (except the jalepeños) into a blender and mixing until smooth. Pour the mix into rocks the garnished glasses and top them off with pickled jalepeños. Be prepared for a burst of flavor with your first sip of this amazing cocktail!

Other Variations on the Bloody Mary Margarita

There are other variations of this fun cocktail that you may also want to try out. For example, if you enjoy the look of a Bloody Mary but aren’t such a fan of the spiciness and savory taste, consider serving up a “Bloody Margarita,” which looks similar to a Bloody Mary but tastes like a fruity and sweet margarita. For this recipe, simply combine an ounce of a half of tequila, an ounce of orange juice, half an ounce of freshly squeeze lime juice, a quarter ounce of orange liqueur, and a dash of grenadine into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass.

Possible Food Pairings

The great thing about Bloody Mary margaritas is that they go well with anything you’d typically eat a regular Bloody Mary with, but they also go well with Mexican foods such as authentic tacos, chorizo, and just about anything else you’d enjoy on Mexican food night. Now, we know you’re ready to give this recipe a taste for yourself!

 

There’s nothing like a delicious margarita at the end of a long, hard day. But have you ever heard of a margarita cookie? Imagine all the best things about a margarita—the saltiness and the fresh lime flavor—but in a fun cookie form. Sounds great, right? Well, now you can make your very own margarita cookies at home. And the best part? They can be made into a family-friendly version that doesn’t incorporate alcohol. Of course, if you’re entertaining for adults, go ahead and add that splash of tequila for an extra kick.

What You Need

For your margarita cookies, you’ll need:

• two cups of flour
• 1.5 sticks of softened butter
• a pinch of salt
• green food coloring (optional, but good to have)
• a cup of granulated sugar
• a large egg
• one tablespoon of grated lime peel
• a teaspoon of orange extract
• half a cup of sanding sugar
• half a teaspoon of kosher salt

Furthermore, if you decide to make this with the optional tequila glaze (adults only), you’ll also want:

• a cup of confectioner’s sugar
• a tablespoon of water
• a tablespoon of tequila blanco/silver

Making and Baking

In a small bowl, start by mixing the flour and salt until well combined. Then, in a larger bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, food coloring, orange extract, and grated lime peel and mix well. Gradually fold in the flour while mixing until you have a ball of dough.

Next, split the dough in half and roll each ball into a long log, wrapping in wax paper and popping in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the dough to become firm. When the dough is ready, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating, combine the sanding sugar and salt, then roll each log of dough through the mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut each log of dough into slices and place on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to brown around the edges.

If you’re doing the tequila glaze, whip it up by mixing all three ingredients until smooth. While the cookies are cooling on a rack, drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Allow to harden and then enjoy. You can also make a nonalcoholic version of the tequila glaze by simply replacing the tablespoon of tequila with an additional tablespoon of water. It won’t be quite as flavorful, but it’s a family-friendly way to enjoy a glaze on these already-delicious cookies.

These margarita cookies are one of the best Mexican dessert ideas you’ll ever try!  And when it comes to Mexican dessert recipes, it really doesn’t get much easier than this. Be sure to check our blog for more great recipes and head to your local Macayo’s for traditional Mexican fare the whole family will love.

If you’ve ever had a churro from a local carnival, then you know they’re the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and delicious. Did you know that you can make your very own at home? It’s actually a pretty easy Mexican dessert, and you don’t need a deep fryer to do it. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have everything you need in your pantry right now.

Here’s What You Need

The ingredients you’ll need to whip up your own homemade churros are pretty simple. They are:

• half a cup plus 1.5 tablespoons of sugar (divided)
• a cup of water
• a cup of all-purpose flour
• two tablespoons and two quarts of vegetable oil (divided)
• a pinch of salt
• 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

And if you’d like to make an optional but yummy chocolate dipping sauce to go with your churros, you’ll also need:

• a bar of dark chocolate
• half a cup of heavy cream

Preparing for the Deep-Fry

Start by combining the sugar and cinnamon, then set it aside. Put a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove and use a whisk to mix together the water, salt, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring it to a boil before removing from heat and adding the cup of flour. Mix it all together carefully until it forms a ball of dough. Now, you’ll need to transfer the dough to a pastry bag with a large tip.

Frying the Dough

Time to get the oil ready for frying your churros. Add the remainder of your vegetable oil to a large pot and heat until the oil temperature reaches 375 degrees F. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy. Then, two or three at a time, pipe the churro dough into the oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the ends. When piping the dough into the hot oil, be careful not to splatter any of the oil onto yourself.

Let the churro dough fry until the churros are golden brown; then, carefully use tongs or a spatula to remove each churro and set onto a plate lined with lots of paper towels; this will help to soak up the oil and keep your churros from getting greasy. Once the churros have cooled off for a few minutes but are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat until your churros are all fried.

To create a chocolate dipping sauce, place a small glass bowl over a small saucepan filled about 1/4 of the way with boiling water. Then, add small pieces of the dark chocolate to the bowl and whisk as it melts. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the entire mixture is well blended and you have a yummy, smooth chocolate sauce to serve up with your freshly made and golden brown churros! This is just one of many simple Mexican dessert recipes we share on the Macayo’s blog, alongside many other traditional Mexican recipes we love, such as the perfect chimichanga or a delicious Pico de Gallo.

If you love the new street tacos at our Macayo’s location at Scottsdale and Shea, then this recipe is for you. We know that replicating street tacos can be difficult, but with right easy to make Mexican recipe, you can recreate the taste of a delicious Mexican street taco right on your own grill. Take a look at our tips:

What You’ll Need

The key to making your homemade tacos perfect is to use your spices and seasonings correctly. Specifically, whatever meat you’re using will need to be marinated for a little while, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make the marinade and prepare this recipe. The really nice thing about this recipe, too, is that you can use this marinade on any meat of your choosing! Carne asada meat is probably your best bet if you want the traditional experience, but you can just as easily use it on pork, chicken, or regular ground beef if you’d like.

So, here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious street-inspired tacos:

• about three pounds of meat (whatever you prefer)
• a large white onion
• an orange
• cilantro
• lime juice (fresh-squeezed is preferable)
• ground cumin seed
• salt and pepper
• corn tortillas (flour tortillas are not authentic!)

Of course, you’ll also need a grill on which to cook.

Preparing the Meat

Start by creating the marinade, which involves mixing about three cups of orange juice with a tablespoon of lime juice, a tablespoon of ground cumin seed, a tablespoon of minced garlic, a tablespoon of chopped cilantro, and salt/pepper to taste. In a large freezer bag, add the meat and then cover with the marinade, then let sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor the meat will soak up. Meanwhile, dice up some cilantro and white onion for a topping.

Firing Up the Grill

When the meat is ready to be cooked, fire up the grill to medium or medium-high heat (depending on the meat you’re cooking). When cooked, chop the meat into small pieces, place on corn tortillas, and top with the mixture of onion and cilantro. Be sure to warm your tortillas before serving. Cook with an great Mexican side, such as grilled corn, for a delicious meal that the entire family will love.

The next time you’re craving street tacos,  give this recipe a try or come enjoy our new street tacos at our Macayo’s at Shea and Scottsdale Road!

Looking to try something a little different this summer? If so, then you may want to consider ditching traditional cocktails in favor of some more unique Mexican alcoholic drinks at your next gathering. After all, there are so many fun ways to spruce up a margarita! Read on to explore five unique frozen margaritas you simply need to try this summer.

Skinny Frozen Margaritas

Looking for a flavorful margarita that’s low in calories? This is the one for you. For this skinny frozen margarita recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon of light agave nectar
• A lime wedge for garnish
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh orange juice
• Salt for the rim

Start by salting the rim of a margarita glass. Then, fill a blender most of the way with ice before adding all the remaining ingredients besides the lime wedge. Pour into your margarita glass and garnish with a fresh-cut lime wedge.

Watermelon Frozen Margaritas

What better flavor for a summer margarita than watermelon? To whip up this light and refreshing margarita, you just need:

• 1/2 cup of cubed watermelon
• 1 ounce of tequila
• 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur
• 1/2 ounce of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of confectioner’s sugar
• A pinch of salt
• Sugar for the rim (optional)

Combine all ingredients with ice in a blender and blend until incorporated well. Serve in a margarita glass with sugar on the rim, if desired.

Pineapple Margaritas

When it comes to Mexican fruit drinks, you really can’t go wrong with this delicious pineapple margarita recipe. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 1 teaspoon or less of honey or agave (your choice)
• Juice of one lime
• 1/2 ounce of Triple Sec
• Lime or pineapple wedge and sugar for garnish

Mix ingredients (aside from garnish) in a blender with a cup or so of ice. Sugar the rim of a margarita glass, pour the mixture in, and garnish with a lime wedge or a pineapple wedge, whichever you prefer.

Ginger Peach Margaritas

You might surprised at how well the flavors of ginger and peach work together! Grab these ingredients to get started:

• Salt
• A lime wedge
• A small, very ripe peach (pitted)
• 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger root
• 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
• 1/4 ounce of agave nectar

Salt the rim of the glass using the juice from the lime wedge to help the salt stick. Then, blend the remaining ingredients along with a half cup of ice. Serve and enjoy.

It’s crazy hot, and these unique margarita recipes are all worth giving a try this summer. Want to try a few of our favorites? We serve an array of excellent margaritas at your local Macayo’s. Come on by and give one a try!

Traditional Mexican food recipes can sometimes be difficult to come across; all too often, these recipes change over the years. If you’re looking for a no-compromise, traditional Mexican side to serve up with your next taco, fajita, or quesadilla night, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for traditional Mexican grilled corn is sure to become a favorite in no time at all.

What You Need

• four fresh ears of corn, peeled and husked
• two whole limes
• some shish-kabob skewers (five inches or longer)
• four tablespoons of mayonnaise
• two cups of grated cotija cheese
• four teaspoons of chile pequin

Grilling it Up

Once you have obtained all the ingredients needed, it’s time to get grilling! Start by putting the fresh corn directly on the grill over medium-high heat, turning regularly until the kernels have begun to char and pop. Remove the corn from the grill at this point and let them cool down for a minute before you put a skewer through each of the corn cobs, creating a handle of sorts.

Now, mix together the juice of one lime and the mayonnaise, then use a grill brush to evenly apply the mixture onto each ear of corn. Next, sprinkle the cojita cheese onto the corn and top with a little bit of the chile pequin powder. Be sure to do all of these while the corn is still hot so that the cheese will melt. You can add as much or as little of the chile pequin as you’d like; we recommend tasting it first to figure out how much you enjoy on your corn. Serve garnished with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Serve as a Side With…

Mexican grilled corn can definitely be enjoyed on its own, but it also makes for a great side dish with your traditional Mexican dinner night. Whether you’re grilling meat and veggies for fajitas, making grilled fish tacos, or anything in between, traditional Mexican grilled corn is sure to make the perfect side dish. Not to mention, it’s a lot healthier and lower in calories than many other Mexican sides.

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to transform your typical corn on the cob, this is a recipe that’s definitely worth trying! Not wanting to grill up this dish? Stop by the Macayo’s at Scottsdale Road and Shea to try our delicious Mexican corn.

Getting a little bored of your traditional grilled food? Are your grilled burgers, chicken, steaks, and fish tasking a little dull and lackluster in flavor? If so, then it’s time to turn to your spice rack to take things to the next level. More than likely, you’ve got some simple spices on hand that, when used properly, can transform your typical grilled dishes so that they’re absolutely bursting with flavor.

Cayenne Pepper

If you enjoy spicy foods, cayenne pepper is about to become your new best friend. A lot of people are afraid of using cayenne pepper in their cooking because it’s easy to use too much. A little bit goes a long way with cayenne pepper, and when used correctly, it can add a nice little kick to your traditional grilled meats without being too much. For instance, you can sprinkle a small amount of cayenne pepper onto chicken breasts before grilling them to add a little heat, or add them to your burgers before tossing them on a grill.

Chile Powder

Of course, cayenne pepper isn’t for everybody; it’s definitely a strong spice, and some people prefer something a little more subtle in flavor. This is where chile powder comes in. Chile powder can be used in a number of dishes and is actually somewhat common in Sonoran cuisine (one of many Mexican food types). You can use it in your grilled dishes to add a small amount of heat without overwhelming your dinner guests. The next time you make fajitas on the grill, whip up a delicious seasoning using chile powder, cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.

Cinnamon

When most people think of cinnamon, they tend to think of dessert dishes. However, did you know that you can use cinnamon in your grilling to create some delicious dishes? For instance, the next time you’re grilling corn on the cob, instead of using sugar, consider cinnamon or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Of course, you can also top grilled fruit with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar as well.

Garlic Powder

Much like with cayenne pepper, a little bit of garlic powder can go a long way in seasoning your grilled side dishes. For instance, if you’re grilling vegetables or potatoes, try sprinkling them with a little bit of garlic powder and parsley for a delicious flavor that will have everybody eating their veggies—and maybe even asking for seconds! Garlic powder can also be combined with onion powder and is great for seasoning turkey burgers.

Paprika

Finally, be sure to try incorporating some smoked paprika into your Mexican-inspired dishes. It brings a nice, smoky flavor to your grilled fish tacos, fajita meat, and even grilled chicken without using one of those store-bought Mexican seasonings. Be sure to give these spices a try the next time you decide to fire up the grill, and have some fun with it!

For more grilling and food tips, follow the Macayo’s blog, and for fresh, traditional Mexican food, stop by your closest Macayo’s to try our new happy hour menu!