Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita

The Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita is a level up on a classic. The Honey and Sage Simple Syrup adds dimension to the tequila. Easy to make and well, just plain incredible.

Jump to Recipe

This Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita is well, incredible. I knew I wanted to pair the Easy Black bean Hummus and Sweet Potato Taquitos with a margarita. But, I also knew I wanted to add some more depth to the drink. I knew sage works really well with the flavors of sweet potato. I also realized that, often, I get notes of sage in tequila. So sage seemed like it would work well on both fronts. At first I thought I would make a sage infused tequila. But when I tried it, the longer the tequila sat the less the tequila tasted like tequila. It reduced the vibrancy, tequila characteristics and almost made it watery. So, I had to scrap this. But, I wasn’t about to give up on sage, so I made a simple syrup. But not just any simple syrup, honey, orange and sage simple syrup.

This only happened because I had some honey I wanted to use up. I figured why not add it to the syrup? I am so glad I did! It adds a new dimension to the cocktail that is just incredible! If you don’t eat honey, it’ll still work with sugar but the dimension will not be there. I was a little surprised with how many layers of flavor there were in this cocktail. It is almost as if the combination of honey and sage mimics notes in tequila. The honey with the fruitiness and the sage with the earthiness. The orange goes in place of the triple sec to add an additional citrus dimension. Everything just works so well together within the cocktail.

Then, paired with the Easy Black Bean Hummus and Sweet Potato Taquitos, makes a magical duo. Plus, make the simple syrup in the Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita the day you make the Simple Chili Spiced Black Bean Hummus and then just let it sit in the fridge until you pull out this recipe for dinner!

Recipe Notes & Substitutions

Tequila– Use whatever tequila you enjoy! I prefer the tequila blanco for margaritas and then repasado. But anejo would work too, it just is a bit more expensive. If you like mezcal try mezcal instead! It should still work with the Easy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Taquitos, the smokey notes would add a nice dimension. For more information on different types of tequila check out this post by Bon Appétit.

Lime Juice– Use Fresh lime juice, it is worth it! The fresher the better!

Honey, Orange & Sage Simple Syrup– At first I tried infusing the sage into the tequila. However, this took away the tequila flavor, and I did not want that to happen! So I made this simple syrup instead and it worked; in a lot less time. You can use cane sugar instead of honey, But, increase to 1/2 cup of sugar. If you prefer to use agave syrup in place of honey also feel free. I like the dimension the honey adds, but all these substitutes will work. Honey also makes this drink paleo (if you use a paleo friendly tequila).

Why this Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita pairing works.

Ok taquitos and a margarita is a classic pairing. The beautiful acidity of the tequila and robust flavors stand up to spice. Tequila also adds earthiness and bitter notes that balance the sweetness from corn tortillas. But the simple syrup addition is where this really pops with the Easy Black Bean Hummus and Sweet Potato Taquitos! Sweet potato and sage are an incredible flavor combination. The flavor of sage adds the herbal freshness and balances the sugar of the sweet potato. The sage also marries with the earthy black beans and pumpkin seeds in the hummus. Each adding to the depth of the pairing with layered earthy tones.

The reason I suggest using honey in this recipe is because it has more flavor than sugar or agave syrup. This extra flavor gives another dimension to this paring but balances the tequila beautifully. Honey almost brings out more fruitiness in the tequila. This fruitiness then pairs well with the richness of the hummus and sweet potato. Honey also pairs so well with the sweet potato. The two play off each other’s sweetness but honey is a little more floral and fruity whereas sweet potato is a bit more buttery, vanilla and darker sugar. The orange adds another dimension of flavor to the sweet potatoes and acts as triple sec in the cocktail.

Whenever I have tacos, I always squeeze lime on them, it is a MUST! This drink acts as the squeeze of lime since it is very lime forward and refreshing. The added acidity helps flavors pop! So with each sip of the drink and every bite of food, you get more intense flavors. Lime balances out the sweetness of the potatoes, honey and corn tortillas. Lime juice fills in some of the acidity gaps of the food. The food brings richness to balance the limes acidity and take away the edge. Give this Incredible Honey and Sage Margarita and Easy Black Bean Hummus & Sweet Potato Taquitos pairing a try on your next taco Tuesday!