Stranahan’s Whiskey Margarita Recipe with a Colorado Twist

Founded in Denver in 2004, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey doesn’t just make whiskey; it helped put Colorado on the map for it. As the state’s first legal distillery since Prohibition and an early force behind the American single malt movement, the brand has always leaned into a distinctly local identity, from Rocky Mountain water to 100 percent malted barley and a hands-on, small-batch approach that still defines every bottle.

But what makes Stranahan’s feel especially of-the-moment is how that legacy shows up in the glass today, bright, layered, and unexpectedly versatile. We sat down with head mixologist Devin Ershow and bar lead Rob Souza to talk about how that Colorado-driven spirit translates behind the bar, and how it led to “Rita Likes Whiskey,” a margarita reimagined through a whiskey lens that feels both familiar and entirely new.

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Colorado in a Glass: “Colorado is at the core of everything we do. From the Rocky Mountain water in our whiskey to the ingredients we choose, it all reflects a sense of place. We prioritize local and seasonal ingredients, like Palisade peaches, green chilis, and collaborations with other Colorado producers. At the same time, we let the whiskey lead. You don’t want to hide something crafted this well. It’s about building around those natural notes and letting them shine.”

A New Frontier for Whiskey: “American single malt is the first new standardized whiskey category in more than 60 years, which makes it an exciting time to be working with it. It’s layered, versatile, and gives us a much broader palette. At Stranahan’s, especially with our cask finishes, we can move between styles easily, from bright and citrus-driven to spirit-forward or even dessert- leaning. There is a real sense that we are helping define what these cocktails can be.”

Reimagining a Margarita: “Rita Likes Whiskey came from guests looking for something tequila-driven, even in a whiskey-focused space. We wanted to meet that demand in a way that still felt true to who we are. It became a whiskey-forward take on a margarita that delivers a bright, refreshing experience while introducing people to something new.”

Building Balance: “The pepper adds subtle heat that highlights the whiskey’s warmth, the citrus lifts the profile, and the honey rounds everything out, creating a cocktail that feels balanced but still complex.”

The Finishing Touch: “The egg white changes everything. It softens the spice, adds a smooth texture, and gives the cocktail a frothy top. The fresh lime zest over the foam adds a pop of color and brings the whole drink together.”

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