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Virgin Margarita

Virgin margarita recipe delivers all the tangy, refreshing flavor of the classic cocktail without a drop of alcohol, making it perfect for kids, designated drivers, or anyone looking for a vibrant mocktail. This lime-forward drink combines fresh citrus juice, orange flavor, and a hint of sweetness for a crowd-pleasing beverage that works at backyard barbecues, taco nights, or poolside gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 drinks
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice from about 3-4 limes
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice fresh or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar or simple syrup
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup cold water or sparkling water for extra fizz
  • Coarse salt for rimming glasses
  • Lime wedges for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract optional, for extra orange flavor

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two margarita or rocks glasses
  • Small shallow plate for salt rimming
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Roll the limes firmly on your countertop before cutting them in half, then juice them using a citrus reamer or handheld juicer. Strain out any seeds or large pulp pieces if you prefer a smoother drink.
  2. Pour coarse salt onto a small shallow plate in an even layer. Run a lime wedge around the entire rim of each glass, making sure the rim is evenly moistened. Dip each glass rim into the salt at a slight angle, rotating gently to coat about 1/4 inch of the rim.
  3. Add the fresh lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, and water to your blender. If using orange extract for a more pronounced orange flavor, add it at this stage.
  4. Add the ice cubes to the blender on top of the liquid mixture. Blend on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until the mixture reaches a slushy, smooth consistency with no large ice chunks remaining.
  5. Stop the blender and check the texture. The ideal consistency should be thick and slushy but still pourable. If too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water and pulse briefly. If too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again for 10 seconds.
  6. Taste the blended mixture and adjust the sweet-tart balance. Add more agave if you prefer it sweeter, or add another tablespoon of lime juice if you want it more tart. Blend for just 5 seconds after any additions to incorporate the changes.
  7. Carefully pour the virgin margarita into your salt-rimmed glasses, filling them about three-quarters full. Pour slowly near the center of the glass to avoid disturbing the salt rim.
  8. Cut a small slit in a lime wedge and perch it on the rim of each glass. Serve immediately while the drink is still icy cold and properly slushy.

Notes

Freeze lime juice in ice cube trays ahead of time and use these instead of regular ice cubes to prevent your virgin margarita from becoming watered down. Use fresh limes whenever possible rather than bottled juice for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your limes, which can vary by season. Chill your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving for best results.