The Magna Carta is a short, but powerful deal: Blanco Tequila and Triple Sec are stirred with lime, then chilled sparkling wine is added. The sugar rim slows down the acidity, the Tequila gives backbone, and the sparkling wine makes the drink feather-light. No shaking, no fuss – just clean lines and a finish that begs for more. Perfect for that moment when you’ve had enough, but not quite enough.
And this is what you’ll need for the Magna Carta
4 cl Blanco Tequila
2 cl Triple Sec
2 cl lime juice (freshly squeezed)
10 cl chilled sparkling wine (dry)
1 tsp fine sugar (for the rim)
1 lime wheel (for the rim)
What matters here
The sugar on the rim is not decoration, but a buffer. When the guest takes the first sip, the sugar dissolves in the mouth and mutes the acidity of the lime. Important: the sparkling wine must be ice-cold – otherwise it loses its fizz and tastes flat. If no dry sparkling wine is available, use semi-dry and reduce the Triple Sec by 0.5 cl. The Tequila should be at least 40% vol., otherwise the drink will taste watery.
Variations
- Magna Carta Royal — Replace the sparkling wine with 8 cl Champagne and add 1 cl Crème de Cassis. Stir the Cassis briefly with the other ingredients before straining. The drink becomes fruitier and less tart.
- Magna Carta Picante — Add 2 slices of fresh jalapeño (with seeds) to the mixing glass and let them steep for 10 seconds with the other ingredients before stirring. Remove the slices before straining. For more heat: add 1 cl agave syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Reposado instead of Blanco Tequila?
Yes, but the drink loses freshness and becomes a bit heavier. Reposado has vanilla and caramel notes that compete with the sparkling wine. If you use it, reduce the Triple Sec by 0.5 cl to balance the sweetness.
Why stir instead of shaking?
Sparkling wine doesn’t tolerate shaking – it loses its carbonation and tastes flat. Stirring preserves the texture, and the drink is evenly chilled without diluting.
Can I skip the sugar?
Theoretically yes, but then the acidity of the lime will dominate. The sugar is not a luxury, but a flavour balance. If you skip it, increase the Triple Sec by 0.5 cl.
