Celebrate National Tequila Day
July 24 is National Tequila Day. I’m sure everyone is looking for creative ways to celebrate. A margarita is an obvious choice, especially delicious in slushee form on a hot summer day. But don’t stop there! Since you already have tequila on hand, make some grilled margarita shrimp. Yes, there is such a thing and it’s delish! Also very simple.
How to make these Shrimp Skewers

To start, marinate the shrimp in a mix of tequila and lime juice (sounds like a margarita to me!) as well as some Mexican-y spices.
This step needs at least 30 minutes but can be left up to 3 hours. Very convenient when you feel like having a drink there are other dishes to prepare.
To cook, the shrimp are threaded onto skewers and placed on a hot grill.
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so grill only 2-3 minutes per side to produce delicious, perfectly cooked crustaceans on a stick.
These grilled margarita shrimp can be served with rice or a salad to make a light and satisfying meal.
Grilled Margarita Shrimp
Equipment
- 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 TB olive oil
- 2 TB chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 TB tequila
- 2 TB lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate to marinade for 30 minutes.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water while shrimp is marinating.
- Preheat grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Discard marinade.
- Cook on the preheated grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Try this grilled margarita shrimp for your next cookout!
If you love shrimp, you should also try Chili Lime Shrimp or Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad .
If you love grilling food on skewers, you should give these Sweet and Sour Pork Kabobs a try!
Did you know? According to cocktail historian David Wondrich, the margarita is merely a popular Mexican and American drink, the Daisy (margarita is Spanish for "daisy"), remade with tequila instead of brandy. It became popular during Prohibition as people drifted over the border for alcohol. There is an account from 1936 of Iowa newspaper editor James Graham finding such a cocktail in Tijuana, years before any of the other margarita "creation myths". (source: Wikipedia)
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
Margarita shrimp skewers? Yes please! I am totally going to make these at the cottage next weekend! It'll be a nice change to burgers and hot dogs!
Sula
Oh yes its a definite step up!
Giangi Townsend
Devine! You got me at Margarita! Love this quick and easy recipe any time of the year. Thank you for sharing,
Sula
You're so welcome, I hope you enjoy them soon!
Audrey
These were super easy and perfect for summer
Sula
I'm so glad you liked them Audrey!
Leslie
You had me at margarita! This looks like the perfect, summer recipe for any seafood lover!
Sula
LOL yes, its like that for me too. 🙂
Lathiya
Perfect for this grilling season.
Sula
Yes, and probably one of the healthier choices for grilling!
Chef Dennis
Yum! This Grilled Margarita Shrimp is making me crave! I really love seafoods.
Sula
Me too!
Amy
You had me at Tequila! This was super yum! Family loved it.
Sula
So glad you enjoyed it!
Christie
These look fantastic! Can't wait to try!!
Sula
You will love!
Debra
Margarita Day? I'm in!!!! What a perfect dish to celebrate too.
Sula
Enjoy 🙂
Sabine
I always love a good tequila and lime and adding this combination to a grilled shrimp skewer is a real delight.
Sula
For sure!
Emily
We always get fresh shrimp every year and I need new recipes. I can't wait to make these!!
Sula
You won't be sorry!
Andréa Janssen
I love shrimp and tequila, so I'm sure I'm going to love this recipe. Great for our next bbq!
Sula
Isn't it great to be able to add some variety?
Michele
Easy and delicious way to prepare shrimp - perfect for summer barbecue parties!
Saif
I never tried this recipe but I love anything about shrimp. This is one of my favorite seafood.
Marina
Fantastic shrimp recipe, love it!
Sula
Thank you!
Elly
This is perfect for summer grilling! I love margaritas and sounds like a yummy marinade for shrimp.
Sula
There's nothing better than summer grilling!
Texasgirl
Easy and sounds so good!! Will be making this soon
Sula
Don't forget to make a margarita to go with!