Italian Margarita Variations
Add orange: In some versions of this drink, a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice is added to the cocktail. If you love oranges, feel free to experiment.
Garnish with basil: Make this recipe extra Italian by garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves. The fragrance and flavor of basil complements the other flavors in this cocktail beautifully. Or try one of these other cocktail garnish ideas.
Try with limoncello: If you prefer the taste of lemon over orange, you could swap the Triple Sec for an equal amount of limoncello. It’s, a popular lemon-flavored Italian liqueur that would be perfect in this easy Italian margarita recipe.
Can you make an Italian margarita ahead of time?
Yes! You can make a pitcher of Italian margaritas ahead of time, just as you would make a pitcher of margaritas or sangria. To make a big batch in advance, use this guide on how to make a pitcher of margaritas.
Italian Margarita Tips
Can I make a blended Italian margarita?
Sure! Make a blended version of this easy cocktail, just as you would make any blended frozen margarita. Simply rim the glass as directed with salt, then combine all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Puree until smooth, then pour into your glass. Garnish as desired, and sip away!
Can I make a nonalcoholic Italian margarita?
Absolutely! If you want to make a virgin Italian margarita, simply omit the tequila from the recipe. Then, swap the Triple Sec out for freshly squeezed orange juice, and opt for an equal amount of a nonalcoholic amaretto substitute (like Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Amaretti). A teaspoon of almond extract may also be used, but know that most are made with alcohol, so use this option at your own discretion.
Ingredients
1 lime wedge
Coarse sea salt, optional
Ice cubes
1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila
1 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce amaretto
Maraschino cherries, optional
Directions
1
Moisten rim of 1 cocktail glass with lime wedge. If desired, sprinkle salt on a plate; dip rim in salt. Fill glass with ice.
In an empty cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice and amaretto. Fill with ice; cover and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15-20 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedge and, if desired, cherries.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 260 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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