Virgin Margarita: Lime and Orange Recipe

A virgin margarita needs bright citrus acidity, a little sweetness and a restrained salt rim. Orange supplies some of the flavour usually contributed by orange liqueur. A tequila alternative is optional for this juice-based version.

The quantities make one serving. Measure the ingredients before mixing and chill any mixer. Syrups, juices and bottled alternatives vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste the base before topping up.

Ingredients for one serving

• 30 ml lime juice
• 40 ml orange juice
• 10 ml agave syrup
• 40 ml cold water
• Ice
• Salt and lime for half the rim

Method

1. Moisten half the rim with lime and dip it lightly in salt.
2. Shake the juices, syrup and water with ice.
3. Strain over fresh ice into the prepared glass.
4. Taste away from the salt rim before adding more sweetener.

Getting the balance right

A thick salt rim quickly overwhelms citrus balance. A half rim lets you choose whether each sip includes salt. Agave syrup can be thick, so stir it into the juice before shaking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

Variation and substitutions

Replace the water with 40 ml of your chosen non-alcoholic tequila alternative if desired. With a sweetened alternative, start with 5 ml agave. For a frozen version, blend with 100 g ice and reduce the water.

Preparing several servings

Measure juice, purée and syrup shortly before serving. Add ice and carbonated ingredients when you make the drink. To serve a group, multiply the quantities, but adjust one glass first before mixing the whole pitcher.

Common question

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, although the flavour changes. Start with 25 ml and taste; do not automatically compensate with much more syrup.

Related recipes

Find more ideas in our mocktail recipe guide . Compare this with Paloma Mocktail: Grapefruit, Lime and a Salt Rim or browse the drink collection .

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