Chili’s Is Testing the Limits of the Margarita
I popped in to try one.
Image Courtesy of Chili's
It’s not just you: Popping boba is no longer just for bubble tea. Starbucks added raspberry popping boba to some of its refreshers in 2024. And this month, McDonald’s launched its own refresher with strawberry popping boba, while Shake Shack is including a passionfruit version in one of its summer shakes.
And, starting today, Chili’s is embracing the trend in an exciting way.
What is Chili’s new Popping Boba Marg?
Rules are meant to be broken, and cocktails are meant to evolve, I suppose. That was the fun of salad dressing dirty martinis, at least (if you’re into that). And must a margarita be limited by the classic formula of lime, tequila, triple sec and simple syrup, anyway? I say no. I love additions like tamarind, strawberry and a Tajín rim. But Chili’s version goes beyond the basics.
The chain’s Popping Boba Marg is May’s Margarita of the Month flavor. It’s “made with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Monin Watermelon, house-made sour, and Dragonfruit Popping Boba,” according to a press release.
Why is Chili’s serving a Popping Boba Marg?
To some, it may be a headscratcher. But to Chili’s, it’s a no-brainer.
“Of course, Chili’s would put popping boba in a marg,” it says in the press release. “As the brand that sells more margaritas than any other restaurant in the U.S., Chili’s continues to push what a margarita can be — this time, with a playful, trend forward twist.”
Chili’s is also serving a non-alcoholic Popping Boba Lemonade. Both drinks are geared toward “younger guests” who are seeking “drinks that are fun, customizable and full of texture.”
Younger guests meaning me, I think. There's a lot of buzz right now about Gen Z craving interesting drinks and making beverages a part of their personality. I'm guilty. But even so, a popping boba margarita sounded a little extreme. So, I traveled to my nearest Chili’s to try it.
Sabrina Choudhary
My honest review of Chili’s new Popping Boba drinks:
I went in skeptical. But, honestly? I’m now on board.
I tried the lemonade first. The pops of dragonfruit were actually really nice paired with the sourness. It's a pretty color, too, but even more luxurious than the pink lemonade I liked as a kid.
My first impression of the marg was that it was huge. (I included a ketchup bottle in the photo for scale.) It's served in a martini glass, but you need a straw to get the boba at the bottom. Give it a good stir while you're at it. It's, um, tequila-forward if you sip it straight from the glass without mixing.
I'm not the biggest fan of artificial watermelon, so I was genuinely prepared to hate this drink. But it's good, I can't lie. It's a little sweet and a little sour. (I declined an optional sugar rim.) It tastes like a warm, sunny day. The boba is juicy and makes the whole experience more interesting and interactive.
And, once again, it's a generous serving. I was feeling it before I even made a visible dent, and I felt sleepy when I got home, so do with that what you will. And for just $6, in this economy? It's more than a little treat, in my opinion.
In conclusion, the Popping Boba Marg might stretch the definition of "margarita." However, it's delightful and a deal, so does it actually matter?
When can you order Chili’s Popping Boba drinks?
You can order the Popping Boba Marg ($6) and Lemonade ($5), starting today, April 30, through the month of May.
And, starting now, Margarita of the Month Club members will be able to earn a digital sticker when they order the featured cocktail. You can join the club here.
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