Gather your amigos as you all have a big decision to make: Salt or no salt?

With National Margarita Day on Friday, this is a serious question that needs answering. 

And deciding on that is probably the hardest part of this tasty beerita recipe that puts a hoppy twist on that famous tequila cocktail. 

But there’s no need to break out the blender or shaker. A pitcher – along with five ingredients – is all that’s needed to mix up this tangy concoction that comes together in minutes.

Limeade, water, lemon-lime soda, tequila and your favorite Mexican beer are combined in a pitcher and poured over ice – and here’s where that big decision comes into play – into a salted, or saltless, rimmed glass and garnished with a wedge of lime. 

It’s a refreshing, limey and sweet cocktail that definitely doesn’t lack bite. So I don’t recommend finishing a pitcher off on your own, unless you’re really trying to join Jimmy in Margaritaville. 

Now, I found the mixture a little on the tart side while my hubby said it wasn’t at all – so I guess it all depends on your taste. If you happen to agree with me, just add in a bit more water or beer as they’ll balance it out. And, if you prefer fruity margaritas, swap out the lemon-lime soda for a fruit-flavored one, like strawberry or mango. Also, you can muddle in flavors, like basil, cucumbers, berries or jalapeños. 

Now that you’ve got the beerita basics down, better get a taste test batch going so you’re fully ready to celebrate the upcoming “holiday”! 

Now, where did that salt shaker go?

BEERITA

INGREDIENTS:

1 12 ounce can frozen limeade concentrate 
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup lemon-lime soda
1 1/2 cups tequila
1 1/2 cups beer
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
Ice

DIRECTIONS:

Pour limeade, water, soda, tequila and beer into a large pitcher. Stir to blend and until limeade has melted. Taste and adjust with extra water if needed. To serve, rub rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip into a small shallow bowl of kosher salt. Then fill glass with ice, pour in beerita mixture, and serve with a wedge of lime.

Adapted from genuiskitchen.com