A Pandan Margarita Cocktail
The Bandoeng’22 Pandan Margarita is a tropical reinterpretation of the classic Margarita cocktail, one of the most popular tequila drinks in the world. Traditionally made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and sometimes simple syrup, the Margarita is loved for its refreshing balance of citrus, sweetness and a hint of salt.
This version is inspired by the Margarita’s ancestor, the Picador cocktail (1937), which combines tequila, Cointreau and lime juice without added sugar. By introducing Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur, the drink gains soft aromatic notes of vanilla, almond and cinnamon, followed by a subtle hint of pandan.
The result is a bright and refreshing cocktail where citrus, tequila and pandan come together in a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour drink.
The Bandoeng’22 pandan Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 60 ml (2 oz) tequila blanco
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) Cointreau
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur
- 30 ml (1 oz) Lime juice
- Lime wedge
- Kosher salt
Preparation
method: Shake & strain
Glassware: Tumbler or Margarita glass with salt rim
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Rim the glass with kosher salt.
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add the tequila blanco, Cointreau, Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur and lime juice.
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Shake well until the cocktail is properly chilled.
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Strain into a tumbler glass filled with fresh ice.
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Garnish with a lime wedge.
A Pandan Twist on the Classic Margarita
The Margarita is one of the most iconic tequila cocktails in the world. Its simple structure of tequila, orange liqueur and lime creates a refreshing balance between citrus acidity and sweetness.
The Bandoeng’22 Pandan Margarita introduces pandan as an aromatic twist to this classic formula. Pandan is often described as the “vanilla of Asia” because of its warm, slightly sweet aroma with hints of coconut and gentle spices.
These flavors complement the bright citrus notes of lime and the crisp character of tequila, creating a cocktail that feels both familiar and exotic.
Tequila Cocktails with Pandan
Tequila cocktails often rely on the balance between citrus, sweetness and the earthy character of agave. Pandan works beautifully in this structure because its soft aromatic sweetness rounds out the sharp edges of lime and enhances the warmth of tequila.
In the Bandoeng’22 Pandan Margarita, pandan introduces a subtle tropical layer that elevates the classic Margarita profile while keeping the drink refreshing and approachable.
For bartenders and home mixologists exploring pandan cocktail recipes, this cocktail is a perfect gateway to combining tequila with Southeast Asian flavors.
Discover More Pandan Cocktails
Pandan is becoming increasingly popular in cocktail bars around the world thanks to its unique aroma and vibrant green color. With Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur, bartenders can easily introduce this iconic Southeast Asian flavor into both modern and classic cocktails.
Discover more bartender recipes and inspiration on the Bandoeng’22 US Classic cocktails page, where pandan is used in a variety of refreshing, tropical and creative drinks.
