Margarita Mocktail Recipe

This Margarita Mocktail Recipe is made with lime juice, grapefruit juice, jalapeño simple syrup, and Tajin.

This is such an appetizing mocktail for those of you who drink less or participating in “dry January.” It is so refreshing and is meant to be sipped in the sun. It is currently 18°F here in New York, so I will just be imagining being on a beach under the sun! The jalapeno simple syrup gives the drink a nice kick.

If you love this drink, try pairing it with my Peruvian Ceviche, my Pork Birria Tacos, or my Gluten Free Key Lime Pie recipes.

Jump to:

• What is a Margarita Mocktail?
• Ingredients
• How to make Margarita Mocktail Recipe
• Substitutions
• Margarita Mocktail Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Margarita Mocktail
• Margarita Mocktail Recipe Top tips
• Margarita Mocktail Recipe
• Food safety

What is a Margarita Mocktail?

A Margarita Mocktail is a non-alcoholic version of the classic Margarita cocktail. It's a refreshing and flavorful drink that's perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of a Margarita without the alcohol.

To make a Margarita Mocktail, you typically mix together lime juice, orange or grapefruit juice, and a sweetener such as simple syrup or agave nectar. This mixture is then shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass, just like a traditional Margarita. Some recipes may also include other flavorings like grapefruit juice, mango, or jalapeno for an added twist.

Margarita Mocktails are a great option for those who don't drink alcohol or are looking for a lower calorie alternative to traditional Margaritas. They are also a popular choice for parties or gatherings where there may be guests who do not consume alcohol.

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Limes
• Grapefruit
• Sparking water
• Tajin
• Sugar
• Jalapeño

See recipe card for Spicy Margarita Mocktail with Grapefruit quantities.

How to make Margarita Mocktail Recipe

Substitutions

Limes: Use fresh limes instead of store bought lime juice for best quality and flavor. I love using my lime squeezer to quickly get the juice out. 

Grapefruit: Use fresh grapefruits or pure grapefruit juice (not from concentrate) for this drink.

Sparkling water: You can use Perrier or Pellegrino for the sparkling water.

Jalapeño: The jalapeños is added into the pot when making the simple syrup. It is there to give it a nice kick. Feel free to substitute with a serrano pepper or even a poblano pepper if you prefer.

Margarita Mocktail Recipe Variations

• Virgin Margarita: This is the classic Margarita Mocktail recipe that includes lime juice, orange juice, and a sweetener, such as agave nectar or simple syrup. You can also add a splash of soda water for some fizz.
• Mango Margarita: To make a mango Margarita Mocktail, blend fresh or frozen mango with lime juice, orange juice, and a sweetener. Serve it over ice and garnish with a slice of fresh mango.
• Grapefruit Margarita: Mix grapefruit juice with lime juice, orange juice, and sweetener to create a tangy and refreshing Margarita Mocktail. You can also add a splash of soda water or ginger ale for extra fizz.
• Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita: This Margarita Mocktail is a spicy twist on the classic recipe. Blend fresh pineapple, lime juice, and jalapeño with a sweetener and ice. Strain the mixture and serve it over ice with a salted rim.
• Watermelon Margarita: Blend fresh watermelon, lime juice, and a sweetener with ice to make a sweet and refreshing Margarita Mocktail. You can also add a splash of soda water or ginger ale for some fizz.

Check out this Tamarind Tea.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: A cocktail shaker is a must-have for making Margarita Mocktails. It helps to mix the ingredients together well and creates a frothy texture.
• Small pot: A small pot is needed to make the spicy simple syrup.
• Jigger: A jigger is a small measuring tool used to measure the exact amount of ingredients needed for the recipe.
• Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is needed to extract the juice from the limes and oranges used in the recipe. You can use a handheld juicer or an electric juicer.
• Blender: A blender is needed to blend some of the Margarita Mocktail variations, such as the mango or watermelon Margarita.
• Salt: Salt is used to rim the glasses for serving the Margarita Mocktail. You can use a small dish to hold the salt.
• Margarita glasses: Margarita glasses are the traditional glasses used for serving Margaritas. You can also use other glasses such as highball or rocks glasses.
• Ice: Ice is needed to chill the Margarita Mocktail and give it a refreshing taste.

How to store Margarita Mocktail

Margarita Mocktails are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Here are some tips for storing Margarita Mocktails:

1. Transfer the Margarita Mocktail to an airtight container or a sealable bottle.
2. Keep the Margarita Mocktail chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it again.
3. Before serving the stored Margarita Mocktail, give it a good stir or shake to mix the ingredients again, as they may have settled during storage.
4. If the Margarita Mocktail has lost some of its fizziness, you can add a splash of soda water or ginger ale to restore it.

Margarita Mocktail Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips to help you make the perfect Margarita Mocktail:

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh lime and grapefruit juice for the best taste. Avoid using bottled juices, as they can be too sweet and lack the tartness of fresh citrus.
• Rim the glass with salt: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a small dish of salt to create the classic salt rim.
• Don't overdo the sweetener: Be careful not to add too much sweetener, as it can overpower the tartness of the citrus. Start with a small amount, then adjust to taste.
• Use good quality ice: Use fresh, clean ice to chill your Margarita Mocktail. Old or dirty ice can affect the taste of the drink.
• Add a splash of soda water or ginger ale: If you prefer a fizzy Margarita Mocktail, add a splash of soda water or ginger ale before serving.
• Use a cocktail shaker: To create a frothy texture, use a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients together. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to get the right consistency.
• Garnish with fresh fruit: For an extra burst of flavor and color, garnish your Margarita Mocktail with a slice of fresh lime, or other fruits, such as mango or watermelon.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.