The most basic version of a margarita consists of just three ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Most soft margaritas end up being ridiculously sweet, so these recipes cut the sugar for more crisp freshness.
Version 1: Premium Original Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon agave syrup (recipe below) (or pure maple syrup)
- 5 drops pickle juice (optional, to taste)
- 3-4 oz tonic water (or sparkling water)
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
Cut a notch in a lime wedge and run the lime around the rim of you glass. Dip the edge into a plate of flaky kosher salt or Tajin. Fill the glass with ice. Add the lemon and lime juice and the syrup. Stir until combined. Add the tonic water. Stir gently. Garnish with the lime wedge and serve immediately.
The quinine in the tonic water adds a slightly bitter flavor and effervescence, the fresh fruit juice adds a citrusy crispness, and the optional pickle juice adds just a touch of salty spice that mimics the alcohol that we’ve removed.
Version 2: Cranberry Blossom Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1/2 – 1 ounce agave nectar (to taste)
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add the lime juice, agave nectar, cranberry juice, and orange blossom water to the shaker. Shake the ingredients until well combined. Wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt to rim the glass. Fill the glass with ice. Strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge if desired.
This margarita has a sweet and tangy flavor, with a hint of floral notes from the orange blossom water. The cranberry juice provides a touch of tartness, while the agave nectar adds a touch of sweetness. The salt rim and mint leaves complete the experience, making it a delightful mocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
Version 3: Hibiscus Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce hibiscus flower syrup
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1 teaspoon elderflower syrup
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Fill your shaker with ice. Add the lime juice, hibiscus flower syrup, grapefruit juice, and elderflower syrup to the shaker. Shake the ingredients until well combined. Wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt to rim the glass. Fill your glass with ice. Strain the mocktail margarita from the shaker into the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge if desired
This margarita recipe adds a touch of floral flavor from the hibiscus flower syrup and the elderflower syrup, while the grapefruit juice provides a slightly bitter and tart flavor. The mint leaves add a fresh and herbal note to the drink, making it even more refreshing.
