The Virgin Margarita is a refreshing and enjoyable summer drink, perfect for enjoying with friends. Quick and easy to make, it's an alcohol-free version of the famous Margarita, a sour cocktail made with triple sec, lime juice, and tequila, born in Mexico but popular and beloved around the world. Like the original, the alcohol-free version is served in the traditional sombrero glass, the rim of which is drizzled with lime juice and sprinkled with salt.
Here, only one ingredient from the classic drink is used: lime juice, extracted with a juicer, along with lemon and orange juice, which will replace the alcohol. Everything is transferred to a food processor or smoothie blender along with agave syrup, a natural sweetener extracted from the agave tequilana plant. Its honey-like flavor and consistency perfectly balance the slightly tart citrus flavor.
Simply add a few ice cubes and turn the appliance on for a few moments, just long enough to blend the ingredients perfectly, and you're done. The result is a refreshing and surprising mocktail, ideal for serving as a brunch drink with friends, accompanied by a tray of appetizers, or to sip at a garden or beach party.
Virgin Margarita Variations
For a perfect result, choose the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. You can customize the recipe to your liking, using a strawberry or a watermelon triangle in place of the lime slice. You can also freeze the citrus pulp, then blend it with a splash of soda or tonic, syrup, and ice, for a frozen version everyone will love.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes — a virgin margarita can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for parties and gatherings. Simply mix the ingredients, then store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When you're ready to serve, give it a good stir or shake, then pour it over fresh ice. For the best flavor and texture, it's usually recommended to add ice and any sparkling ingredients only at the last minute.
Ingredients
How to Make Virgin Margarita
Extract the juice from the lime, lemon and orange using a juicer; if necessary, also pass it through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate the pulp and seeds.
Extract the juice from the lime, lemon and orange using a juicer; if necessary, also pass it through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate the pulp and seeds.
Transfer the juice into the jug of a kitchen blender.
Transfer the juice into the jug of a kitchen blender.
Add the agave syrup.
Add the agave syrup.
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Add the ice cubes too.
Add the ice cubes too.
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Operate the blender for a few seconds at a time, just long enough to mix the ingredients perfectly.
Operate the blender for a few seconds at a time, just long enough to mix the ingredients perfectly.
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Run a lime wedge around the rim of the Margarita glasses, then sprinkle with fine salt.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of the Margarita glasses, then sprinkle with fine salt.
Arrange the lime slices for decoration, cutting them slightly and inserting them on one edge, then pour the drink into the glasses.
Arrange the lime slices for decoration, cutting them slightly and inserting them on one edge, then pour the drink into the glasses.
The Virgin Margarita is ready to be enjoyed!
The Virgin Margarita is ready to be enjoyed!
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