Simple Virgin Margarita Mocktail

Featured in Sips for Every Season.

This easy virgin margarita mocktail combines lime, orange, and grapefruit juice with agave for a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and salty flavors. Sparkling lime water adds a fizzy twist, and optional alcohol-free tequila enhances the taste. Garnish with fresh lime and enjoy a refreshing drink in just five minutes. It's suitable for individual servings or can be scaled up for gatherings. This non-alcoholic drink is perfect for any occasion, offering both simplicity and a delicious flavor profile that's reminiscent of the classic margarita.

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Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 12:43:10 GMT
A glass of tequila with limes on a table. Pin it
A glass of tequila with limes on a table. | cookingkeys.com

This virgin margarita mocktail delivers all the zesty, refreshing flavors of a classic margarita without the alcohol. Perfect for anyone seeking a sophisticated non-alcoholic option, this drink balances tart citrus, subtle sweetness, and that distinctive salt rim that makes margaritas so memorable.

I first created this recipe when hosting friends who were pregnant or choosing not to drink. The look of delight on their faces when they realized they weren't stuck with plain soda water all night made me a convert to keeping these ingredients on hand year-round.

Ingredients

How To Make Easy Virgin Margarita Mocktail

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A glass of margarita with a slice of orange on top. | cookingkeys.com

The grapefruit juice is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance while experimenting with different citrus combinations. That subtle bitterness mimics the complexity that tequila normally brings, transforming this from just another sweet mocktail into something that makes you pause and appreciate the layers of flavor.

Make-Ahead Options

A glass of tequila with limes on the side. Pin it
A glass of tequila with limes on the side. | cookingkeys.com

Perfect Pairings

Customization Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this drink without grapefruit juice?

Yes, you can replace grapefruit juice with additional orange juice or skip it altogether for a smoother citrus flavor.

→ What can I use instead of agave syrup?

You can substitute agave syrup with honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup, depending on your taste preference.

→ Can I prepare this mocktail in advance?

While it's best served fresh, you can combine the juices and sweetener ahead of time, storing them in the fridge. Add sparkling water and garnish just before serving.

→ What alternative options are there for lime sparkling water?

You can use limeade, lemon sparkling water, or any citrus-flavored carbonated water for a similar taste experience.

→ How can I create a salt rim for the glass?

Rub the rim of the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into coarse salt. This step elevates the flavor and presentation of the mocktail.

Easy Virgin Margarita Drink

Quick virgin margarita with lime, orange, and sparkling water. Perfect blend of flavors in minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Liquid Ingredients

01 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed or bottled
02 1 oz grapefruit juice (optional, can substitute with orange juice)
03 1 oz orange juice, freshly squeezed or bottled
04 4 oz lime sparkling water (can substitute with Limeade or other lemon/lime sparkling water)
05 0.5 oz agave (can substitute with preferred sweetener)
06 1 oz alcohol-free tequila (optional)

→ Garnish

07 Fresh lime

Instructions

Step 01

Combine lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice (if using), non-alcoholic tequila (if using), and agave in a shaker with 3-4 ice cubes. Shake for 15-20 seconds.

Step 02

Strain mixture into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lime and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a salt rim, rub a lime wedge along the rim of the glass and dip it into coarse salt before pouring the drink.
  2. You can omit the optional ingredients or replace them as described in the notes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Shaker
  • Glass
  • Strainer
  • Knife for cutting lime

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 77
  • Total Fat: 0.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 1 g