It’s Paul McCartney's Birthday—Here’s the 5-Ingredient Cocktail He’ll Be Celebrating With

Paul McCartney is famous for many things: his unparalleled music career, his animal rights activism, even his knighthood. 

But according to his daughter, Mary, in the McCartney family, he’s also famous for his signature cocktail. And, as he celebrates his 82nd birthday today, we like to think he’s doing it with friends, family, and a round of his favorite cocktail. 

Paul McCartney’s Favorite Cocktail

Now, we knew McCartney was a fan of margaritas—he’s admitted “one margarita” is his go-to reward when he gets off stage—but it turns out he has developed an original spin on the classic recipe. 

Sir Paul’s margarita, or “Maccarita” is a delightfully citrus-y twist on the classic tequila cocktail. It’s perfect for everything from summer parties to holiday happy hours, and best of all, it only takes five ingredients to prepare. 

“But you don’t want to drink too many of these,” McCartney warns, calling them “moreish” because they taste "so good.”

What Is a Maccarita?

The “Maccarita” is Paul McCartney’s all-time favorite tequila drink to prepare for friends and family at home. 

In a segment of her Discovery Plus show, "Mary McCartney Serves It Up," the singer's daughter shares that her father is famed for this clementine-flavored cocktail—to which he cheekily responds, “I am?”

The mixed drink has the basic components of a margarita. but uses freshly squeezed clementine (or orange) juice for even more brightness and flavor. Instead of being served on the rocks, it’s shaken with ice before serving, “because it's very nice when it’s cold,” the singer shares. 

“It’s got those really lovely fresh floral notes,” said his daughter, “and then that tequila gives it a kick, but it’s quite clean as well.”

The father-daughter duo are a joy to watch in the kitchen together—and also deliver a great margarita recipe.

How to Make a Maccarita

The recipe starts by juicing clementines with a classic reamer, which Paul struggles to use. “I’m used to an electric one,” he jokes. “I’m a modern person.”

Next, you combine your ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Paul has his own method of measuring—using the cap-fulls of the bottles. He admits a lot of the recipe is just “guessing,” (which is probably why McCartney is the Maccarita master in the first place). But, we did our best to follow his loose instructions. 

First, tequila—about 4 ounces (“Well, you know, it’s a celebration,” he adds). Next, equal parts Cointreau and triple sec, about an ounce and a half of each. Add the juice of one orange or two clementines, and finally, the juice of one lime. 

Naturally, he requires singing during the exciting shaking of the cocktail. “You’ve gotta sing!” he says. “And you do that ‘til your hand gets cold.”

Now, for garnishes. 

“If you want salt around the edge of your rim,” he instructs, “you got to lime it, like this,” rubbing the center of the fruit along the glass. Then, he spreads a thin line of salt across the countertop and rolls the edge of the glass right over it.

The finished cocktail is stylish, simple, and sophisticated, just like the musical hero himself. So, just when you thought Paul McCarney was out of tricks, get ready for his signature Maccarita to be the hit of your summer party.

Cheers to you and 82, Sir Paul.