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Best Margarita Mocktail

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You are going to LOVE this margarita mocktail! Whether you are taking a break from alcohol, pregnant, or just cutting back, this virgin margarita on the rocks recipe will give you allllllll of the flavor and satisfaction you are looking for, without the side effects you’re trying to avoid. But this isn’t a drink for kids, it tastes like a real margarita!

Set yourself up with a few non-alcoholic margaritas, tortilla chips, a bowl of Chipotle corn salsa or shrimp ceviche and some fish tacos with mango salsa on a hot summer day and you’ll be loving life. If you’re looking for the best non-alcoholic wine, you’ll want to check out my thoughts on Surely wines.

What makes these the best virgin margaritas? Two things:

  • FRESH ingredients – this is key to bright and high-quality flavor.
  • DEPTH – The Ritual tequila alternative gives tequila flavor without the booze and this is often missing in many NA margaritas that feel like they are missing something. (Same with my mojito mocktail!)
Virgin margarita with salt rim lime wedge and palm leaf.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Can you make a margarita without alcohol?

Yes, turns out you can! This mock margarita tastes like the real thing, but without the side effects you may not be interested in. This is not a drink for kids; it’s safe, of course, but it does taste like tequila, so it’s not something I would serve to children.

What You’ll Love About this Margarita Mocktail

  • Actually tastes like the real thing, so it’s not for kids
  • Delicious and refreshing
  • Made with fresh citrus
  • Takes just a few minutes to make
  • Easy to double or triple the recipe

Ingredients

  • Tequila alternative – Yes, we’re using FAKE tequila like zero proof (non-alcoholic) Ritual Tequila Alternative. There are a number of tequila alternatives so use your favorite.
  • Lime juice – Fresh lime juice is a must. Get yourself a citrus squeezer to make it easier.
  • Orange juice – A classic margarita is made with an orange liqueur like Cointreau, so we’re using fresh orange juice instead of the liqueur. It’s sort of a secret ingredient that you don’t typically see in margaritas but adds a nice touch of sweetness and citrus flavor.
  • Agave nectar – This sweetens the non-alcoholic margarita, and it’s a classic in margaritas. You could also use honey or simple syrup, but agave is preferred.
  • Soda water – I prefer to use a plain soda water, but sparkling water (seltzer, club soda, or topo chico) or tonic water can also be used. Use a splash as desired, or skip it if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  • Margarita salt – If you like a coarse salt rim, margarita salt is best as it’s nice and chunky. Some also like a sugar rim or a tajin rim.
  • Other flavors – While this is a classic NA margarita, you can also easily add some other flavors, see below for ideas.
Ingredients to make virgin margarita on the rocks recipe.

How to Make a Mocktail Margarita

This is an overview on how to make a virgin margarita mocktail, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

Prep your glass. Run a fresh lime wedge on rim of the glass and dunk in margarita salt.
Shake up your margarita mocktails! In a shaker add tequila alternative, lime juice, orange juice, and agave. Add a few ice cubes and shake vigorously until shaker is frosty. Strain into prepared glass over ice and top with soda water (stir it in) if desired.
Non-alcoholic margarita in cocktail shaker.
Garnish. Garnish with a lime slices or a pineapple leaf if you are real fancy.
Overhead shot of mocktail margarita with lime wedge.

Flavored Margarita Mocktail Ideas

Here are some ideas for simple ways you can add some more/different flavors to your mocktail:

  • Cucumber – Muddle some fresh cucumber slices in the bottom of your rimmed glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions.
  • Strawberry – Muddle some fresh or frozen (thawed) strawberries in the bottom of your rimmed glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions.
  • Blackberry – Muddle some fresh or frozen (thawed) blackberries in the bottom of your rimmed glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions.
  • Watermelon -Muddle some fresh watermelon in the bottom of your rimmed glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions. You could also swap the orange juice for watermelon juice and prepare that way as well.
  • Mango – Muddle some fresh and ripe mango in the bottom of your rimmed glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions. You could also swap the orange juice for mango juice.
  • Spicy – Muddle some fresh jalapeño slices into the bottom of your glass or cocktail shaker, then prepare according to directions.

FAQs

What is a tequila alternative?

A tequila alternative is a zero-proof tequila or a non-alcoholic version of tequila. So it’s not quite the same (obviously!) but helps add depth and realistic flavor to mocktail margaritas like this one.

I love the Ritual tequila alternative (and I like their gin!) to give extra oomph to this easy margarita mocktail recipe. Ritual describes the tequila as, “grassy flavor, smoky aroma and bright fire of tequila without the alcohol.” (Not sponsored, just what I use and love!)

Is this virgin margarita recipe really sweet?

It’s not overly sweet like some margaritas, but has enough sweetness to balance out the lime juice. Feel free to adjust agave according to your personal preferences. I personally don’t love a really sweet drink (and it’s one of my most common complaints when it comes to mocktails!), and I think this one has a perfect balance.

Can you make a spicy margarita mocktail?

Yes, and it’s super easy. Add 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño (more or less depending on how much spice you like) and muddle in cocktail shaker.

Can you make a non-alcoholic strawberry margarita?

Yes! Add 1-2 fresh strawberries (or frozen that are thawed) to the cocktail shaker and muddle to extract all of the juice. You could use almost any fruit – watermelon, blackberry, and cucumber margaritas are all delicious options. See other flavored margarita ideas above with directions.

Can I blend this margarita?

I would advise against it as it will taste watered down, but if you prefer your margaritas blended, simply make a bit of a stronger drink and then blend with ice.

Storage Instructions

This refreshing margarita mocktail is best served and enjoyed immediately. If you would like to prep components ahead, you could juice the limes and orange so that the fresh juices are ready to go.

Virgin margarita mocktail with salt rim and lime wedge.

What to Serve with Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

Serve this margarita mocktail recipe with your favorite Mexican dishes:

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More Sobriety Articles

If you like this mocktail recipe, you may also enjoy some of my other sobriety-inspired articles and recipes:

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Overhead shot of mocktail margarita with lime wedge.

Virgin Margarita Mocktail on the Rocks

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Description

This virgin margarita mocktail delivers all of the flavor you love in fresh margaritas, without the boozy effects you’re avoiding.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 oz. tequila alternative (like Ritual)
  • 1 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz. fresh orange juice
  • 2 tsp. agave
  • splash of soda water or club soda

Instructions

  1. Salt rims of short glasses and fill with ice.
  2. Combine tequila alternative, lime juice, orange juice, and agave in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, shake well until frothy, and pour into glasses. Top with a splash of soda water and stir in.


Notes

Flavored Virgin Margarita Ideas

  • Spicy – Muddle fresh jalapeno slices before shaking NA margarita. 
  • Strawberry – Muddle fresh or frozen (but thawed) strawberries before shaking NA margarita.
  • Cucumber – Muddle cucumber slices before shaking NA margarita. 

Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.

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  1. […] Did you know you can make your favorite Chipotle corn salsa at home? This copycat recipe is easy and tastes just like the real deal. The roasted corn salsa comes together really quickly, with just 7 basic ingredients and can be eaten in SO many ways. It’s delicious on anything from tortilla chips to tostadas to tacos to salsa chicken to salads! The zesty flavors add brightness to any dish and it’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget the virgin margarita! […]

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