Virgin Margarita Recipe (Secret ingredient!) - Pinch and Swirl (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

This Virgin Margarita is made with fresh lime, lemon, and orange juice, agave nectar, and sparkling water. A tasty non-alcoholic margarita!

Agave nectar, is a syrup made from the Blue Agave Plant. It has a sweet, deep caramel flavor profile that is reminiscent of tequila (which is distilled from the same plant). It makes a good, non-alcoholic substitute for tequila in virgin drinks and mocktails.

If it's loud and crowded, simply ask the bartender for a “virgin mojito” or “virgin margarita” and you should be good to go. If you can't think of something in particular, you can tell the bartender, “I'm not drinking tonight but want something fun to sip on with my friends” to show your intentions.

The "Original Margarita" recipe, as given by Cointreau on their website, has slightly more of their own sweet liqueur: 1 part white tequila, 1⁄2 part Cointreau, and 1⁄2 part fresh squeezed lime juice.

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

A few margarita substitutes can be made with items on hand in nearly any home or restaurant. For example, instead of tequila, you could use vodka; instead of Triple Sec, you could add some orange juice and grenadine; finally, for lime wedges, you might want to garnish with lemon slices.

Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix Nonalcoholic.

The “skinniest” option is a classic Margarita without any syrup at all. If you want a sweeter version without adding too many carbs, add some Xylitol simple syrup to avoid the sugar and calories of Agave. So if you're not sure what you're ordering, just talk to your bartender!

Why are Virgin co*cktails so expensive? ›

"Non-alc drinks are often more expensive and time-consuming to produce than their alcoholic counterparts due to de-alcoholization technologies [and] the difficulties of shelf stability without alcohol," Douglas Watters, the co-founder of Dry Atlas and Spirited Away, told me via email.

But you might not know the difference between them. Let's clear things up so you can use them both in your writing correctly. Margarita is an alcoholic beverage made with tequila and lime juice. Margherita is pizza made with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup and jalapeno brine in a co*cktail shaker. Add ice, and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds.

Traditionally, orange has always been a classic pairing for any agave-based spirit, providing a sweeter complement without overpowering the notes of the agave. In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity.

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Truly says the Margarita-style seltzers are made with real ingredients found in the co*cktail, including lime juice concentrate, agave nectar, and sea salt.