Coronarita Recipe: The Upside-Down Beer Margarita

Flip a mini Corona upside down into a margarita and you get the Coronarita: half margarita, half beer, and the whole thing looks like a bar trick even when you make it at home.

It is a margarita first. Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a little agave go into a shaker, get shaken hard, and go over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. The 7oz Corona bottle then goes in neck-down, wedged into the drink so it drains slowly while you sip. No blender needed, though a frozen version works too if you have one on hand.

This is a party drink more than a sipping drink. Make a pitcher of the margarita mix ahead of time and you can build four or five Coronaritas in the time it takes to rim the glasses.

StyleMargarita and beer hybrid
Base beerCorona Extra, 7oz bottle
ABV (approx)12-14% once mixed with the tequila
Serves1 (scales easily)
Coronarita Recipe: The Upside-Down Beer Margarita
Photo: Delicious Table

How to Make It

Coronarita Beer Cocktail Recipe

The Coronarita beer cocktail is a festive and lively drink that combines the refreshing flavors of a classic margarita with the crisp taste of Corona beer or a beer of your choice. This hybrid cocktail is visually striking, with an upside-down beer bottle nestled in a margarita glass, creating a unique presentation. The combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and a touch of salt on the rim provides a balanced and tangy flavor profile that's perfect for sipping on a warm day or enjoying with Mexican cuisine. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a special treat, the Coronarita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a twist on two beloved beverages.
7 minutes
Course: Beer
Cuisine: Beer Cocktails
Keyword: Coronarita
Servings: 1
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Dan Smullen

Equipment

  • Shaker: To mix the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup together for the margarita mix.
  • 3-Tier Margarita Glass Rimmer: To rim the glass with salt. If you don’t have one, you can also use a small plate and a damp sponge or paper towel to apply the salt to the rim.
  • Margarita Glass: A traditional glass used for serving margaritas, which will accommodate the upside-down beer bottle.
  • Citrus Juicer (optional): If you’re using fresh limes for the lime juice, a citrus juicer can be handy to extract the juice.
  • Knife: To cut the lime wedge for garnish.
  • Ice Scoop or Spoon: To handle the ice used in the shaker.

Ingredients

  • Margarita mix pre-made or homemade
  • Tequila
  • Triple sec
  • Lime juice
  • Agave syrup
  • Corona beer small 7 oz bottle
  • Salt
  • Lime wedge
  • Ice
  • Margarita glass

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preparing Your Margarita Mix
  • To start, create your margarita mix by combining tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker. Shake well to ensure all the flavors are nicely blended.
  • Step 2: Preparing the Beer Bottle
  • Take the small 7 oz Corona beer bottle and carefully tip it upside down, draining it into a margarita glass. You can also choose to use a different beer of your preference if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Step 3: Combining the Margarita and Beer
  • Once the beer bottle is empty, place it upside down inside the margarita glass, ensuring it fits snuggly into the neck of the beer bottle. This step is crucial as it creates the signature look of the Coronarita.
  • Step 4: Garnishing Your Coronarita
  • To add the finishing touch, use a 3-tier margarita glass rimmer to rim the glass with salt. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall taste experience by providing a perfect balance between the saltiness and sweetness of the drink. Finally, garnish your Coronarita with a lime wedge, and it’s ready to serve!

Notes

1. Margarita Mix Options:
  • If you opt for a pre-made mix, make sure to choose one of good quality to achieve the best flavor.
  • If making your own margarita mix, adjust the proportions of lime juice, agave syrup, and alcohol to taste. For a classic taste, you might use 2 parts tequila, 1 part triple sec, 1 part lime juice, and a splash of agave syrup.
2. Beer Selection:
  • Corona is traditional, but you can experiment with other light and crisp beers to suit your preference.
3. Salt Rim:
  • Salting the rim is optional but recommended. For a different twist, you could try a mixture of salt and chili powder for a spicier edge.
4. Ice:
  • If you prefer your cocktail extra cold, consider serving it over ice.
5. Garnish Options:
  • Feel free to get creative with garnishes! Besides lime wedges, consider adding a small sprig of fresh mint or a colorful cocktail umbrella for visual appeal.
6. Serving Size:
  • This recipe is typically for one serving, but you can easily multiply the ingredients to serve a crowd.
7. Alcohol Content:
  • Keep in mind that this cocktail has a relatively high alcohol content. Serve and enjoy responsibly.
8. Making Non-Alcoholic Version:
  • For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic beer and omit the tequila and triple sec, replacing them with additional lime juice and agave syrup or a non-alcoholic margarita mix.
These notes offer a blend of traditional guidance and opportunities for personalization, helping you create a Coronarita that’s perfect for your tastes or your guests’ preferences. Enjoy crafting this unique and festive cocktail!

Want more beer picks for the summer? Check our best fruit beers, best summer beers for hot weather guides.

Coronarita beer cocktail in a stemmed glass with a mini Corona bottle inverted into the salted rim
The Coronarita: margarita meets Corona.

Beers Worth Trying in This One

Swipe through our full reviews of the beers that work best in this cocktail.

Gear That Helps

Making a batch for a crowd? A beverage dispenser from our shop keeps a pre-mixed pitcher cold and ready to pour.

FAQ

Does the Coronarita need to be a Corona?

No. The upside-down bottle trick works with any small 7oz or 12oz lager. Corona is traditional because the long neck sits neatly in a margarita glass, but Modelo Especial or Pacifico both work.

Can I make it frozen?

Yes. Blend the margarita mix with ice instead of shaking it over cubes, then push the beer bottle in the same way once it is poured.

What if I do not have a 7oz bottle?

A standard 12oz bottle works too, it just sits a little higher out of the glass. Pour off an inch or two first if you want it to sit flush.

More beer cocktails: see the full Beer Cocktails guide for every recipe in this collection.

About the author
Dan Smullen is a homebrewer of 10+ years who has tasted and toured breweries around the world. He founded Beer Is My Life to share honest, first-hand beer reviews. Read more about Dan or browse his full set of reviews.
Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.