Penn’s Popcorn Marg
“Papa Pop” — a playful, indulgent cocktail blurring the line between margarita and soda fountain nostalgia.
A bold, cinematic sip—rich butter-washed tequila meets the unmistakable aroma of fresh popcorn, lifted by citrus and effervescence.
Profile
Style: Sparkling Margarita Variation
Flavor: Savory, buttery, lightly sweet with bright citrus
Texture: Silky with a crisp, effervescent finish
Ingredients
1.5 oz buttered tequila*
1.0 oz popcorn syrup*
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
2.0 oz soda water
Salt, for rim
Ice
Method
Rim a rocks glass with salt and fill with fresh ice.
In a cocktail shaker, combine buttered tequila, popcorn syrup, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain over ice into the prepared glass.
Top with soda water and gently stir to integrate.
Buttered Tequila
A rich, fat-washed spirit that captures the essence of warm buttered popcorn.
Ingredients
1/4 lb unsalted butter
12 oz blanco tequila
Hefty pinch of salt
Method
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Continue cooking gently for about 5 minutes, listening carefully—when the sound shifts from rapid bubbling to a deeper, quieter “frying” tone, remove from heat.
Combine warm butter with tequila in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze overnight.
Once solidified, remove and discard the butter cap.
Strain the tequila through cheesecloth or a coffee filter until clear.
Add salt and stir until fully dissolved.
Popcorn Syrup
A nostalgic, theater-inspired syrup with deep corn aroma and subtle salinity.
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
2 cups water
0.3 g xanthan gum
64 oz (or 1 small bag) freshly popped popcorn
Hefty pinch of salt
Method
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer until fully dissolved.
Add popcorn to the syrup and allow to steep for 2 hours, or until cooled.
Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract flavor.
Whisk in xanthan gum and salt until fully incorporated.
Optional Note:
For a more authentic cinema flavor, popcorn may be seasoned with a small amount of Flavacol prior to infusion (subject to preference or availability).
Serving Notes
Garnish with a small skewer of popcorn or a dehydrated citrus wheel for visual contrast.
Best served immediately to preserve carbonation and aromatic lift.
Bartender’s Note:
This cocktail thrives on contrast—the richness of buttered tequila balanced by acidity and sparkle. Precision in the fat-washing process and restraint in sweetness are key to keeping the drink elevated rather than novelty.
