5 Great Eats to Pair with Your Margaritas

Whether you're relaxing in the hot Caribbean sand or having a few friends over for an impromptu weekend barbecue, there's nothing more refreshing than a perfect margarita. Cold, tasty and the right consistency, these frozen concoctions are the fuel that powers the party.

While margaritas may be a no-brainer at any get-together, it's important that you serve food that pairs perfectly to keep the party going. Try out some of these delicious dishes to go along with your fantastic cocktails.

1. Jerk chicken sticks
There's no beverage that exemplifies the pleasant mix of sweet and salty more than a margarita, but rather than sticking to the salt around the rim, try pairing your frozen concoction with a flavorful finger food. Jerk chicken sticks take between eight and 24 hours to be perfectly marinated in the tasty mixture that includes smashed garlic, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, mango juice and, of course, salt. Cook these sticks for about 20 minutes after your serve your margaritas and watch them disappear as your satisfied guests come back for seconds.

2. Key West shrimp cakes
The only thing that goes better with margaritas than salt is more lime. Key West shrimp cakes are a perfect, casual dining food that you can lay out on the table while you take everyone's drink orders. You start off these treats by boiling the shrimp in lime juice, water and lime rinds. Then you roll them in the spices, fry them and serve with cream sauce for a quick snack or appetizer. 

3. Tropical margarita dip
Don't forget the dip! When you're sipping on a beverage invented to be tasty for Mexican vacationers, it's critical to have the perfect dip for everyone to eat. The tropical margarita dip adds fruits such as mango and papaya to the traditional Mexican ingredients such as black beans, avocado, cilantro and jalapeno. It also has the option to include crab meat for a true seaside taste.

4. Easy enchiladas
If your guests are looking for a more substantial dish to eat while they enjoy their margaritas, check out these easy-to-make enchiladas. Simple and filling, just roll shredded, seasoned chicken into tortillas - wheat or corn, your choice - place in a baking sheet, top with red or green enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake for about 30 minutes. Feel free to add some extra peppers and spicy ingredients for a truly hot southwestern taste. 

5. Margarita pie
If you're willing to spare a few of your delicious margarita ingredients you can craft a unique take on key lime pie. You can take a bit of tequila, along with traditional key lime pie ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, lime juice, condensed milk and whipped cream to make an adult version of this tropical dessert. 

These are some of the tastiest food options to serve along with margaritas, but when you have your frozen concoction maker, your friends and the right attitude, you'll have a great time no matter what.

Your fellow Parrotheads at Margaritaville® Cargo remind you to enjoy your frozen concoctions responsibly and obey all drinking laws.