This Margarita Mocktail is a delicious summer drink made without alcohol. Featuring fresh lime juice and a quick homemade simple syrup, it will remind you of a classic Margarita!Â
This virgin Margarita recipe is the perfect option when you want to offer non-alcoholic drinks at a party. Instead of buying a pricy tequila alternative, this non-alcoholic margarita relies on fresh fruit juice and club soda as an easy alternative.Â
It’s also easy to taste and adjust as you go, with no cocktail shaker required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this virgin margarita recipe is making a simple syrup with orange zest. This will act as the replacement for the orange liqueur that is used in classic Margarita recipes. I like to use agave nectar for this recipe since this drink is typically made with tequila, but honey will also work here.
Paired with fresh lime juice and your favorite seltzer water (I like to use lime-flavored sparkling water for extra lime flavor) these virgin margaritas are easy to assemble.Â
How to Make a Virgin Margarita
To prepare the simple syrup, in a small saucepan combine the agave nectar, water, and the zest from a large orange. (Try to avoid the white pith of the orange for less bitterness.)
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool for at least 30 minutes. If you can let it rest for 60 minutes, that’s even better for infusing the flavor.Â
Arrange a fine mesh strainer over a glass storage jar, then pour the syrup through the strainer. It will catch the orange zest as the orange-flavored syrup goes into the storage container. Use the back of a spoon to press the zest against the strainer to remove any remaining syrup, then discard the zest.Â
Secure a lid on the simple syrup and set it aside while you prepare the margarita mocktails. You can prepare this syrup up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge if you want to make it ahead for a party.Â
To prepare the virgin margarita, run a lime wedge around the top of your margarita glass. Fill a small plate with flaky salt then turn the glass upside down and dip the top into the salt. The salt rim is optional; feel free to skip this step.
Add 3 tablespoons of the homemade simple syrup to a glass along with 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Top it off with a 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of still or sparkling water. (I highly recommend using lime-flavored sparkling water for this.)
Stir well then taste the drink and make sure you like it. Add ice cubes before serving and garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.Â
Enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, or with your favorite tacos!
Make a Blended Margarita Mocktail
To make a blended drink, you’ll need to make a large enough batch so that your blender can run efficiently and break down the ice. Below you’ll find the smallest batch I recommend making, but you can double it for a larger pitcher.
In a high-speed blender combine:
- 1/3 cup of lime juice
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 3 tablespoons of agave nectar
- 1 cup lime-flavored sparkling water
- 2 cups of ice
Secure the lid and blend until the mixture has a slushy texture. This will make 2 to 3 servings, depending on the size of your glasses. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture.
Spicy Variation
For a spicy kick, add 2 fresh jalapeño slices to the lime juice in each glass. Let them sit in the juice for 1 to 2 minutes to add a spicier flavor, then proceed with the recipe. This is my favorite way to make this mocktail!
Looking for more mocktail recipes? Try my Mojito Mocktail for a mint and lime-flavored drink, or my Easy Mocktail, which is made with grapefruit juice and no simple syrup.
Orange Simple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup agave nectar
- 1 cup water
Virgin Margarita
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons orange simple syrup
- ½ cup lime-flavored sparkling water (or plain club soda)
- salt and lime slices , for garnish
How to Make Simple Syrup
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In a small saucepan, combine the orange zest, agave nectar, and water. Bring the liquid to a boil and then set a timer for 1 minute. When the timer goes off, remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. This should take 30 to 60 minutes.
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This syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It’s perfect for this mocktail recipe, but you can also use it to make oatmeal, chia pudding, and more.
How to Make a Virgin Margarita
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For a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass then tip it upside down into a plate of flaky salt. Shake off any excess from the rim of the glass.
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Into the glass add the lime juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water. You can add an extra ¼ cup of sparkling water if you prefer a less sweet or tangy flavor. Top off the glass with ice and serve chilled with a lime slice as garnish.
Simple Syrup Note: You can use any other sweetener you prefer, such as honey or maple syrup. Or replace the agave nectar with 1 cup of white sugar, instead. As written, this simple syrup should make enough for 8 drinks. Feel free to double or triple it, if needed.
Blended Variation: To make a blended margarita mocktail, combine a 1/3 cup of lime juice, a 1/4 cup of orange juice, 3 tablespoons of agave nectar, and 1 cup of sparkling water. Add 2 cups of ice, then secure the lid on the blender and blend until slushy. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Skip the Simple Syrup: For a faster virgin Margarita, combine 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of agave nectar. Stir well, then add 1/2 cup of lime-flavored sparkling water. Serve with ice right away.
Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 137g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 118g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 0.3mg
If you try this margarita mocktail recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
