Margarita Mocktail

Why It’s Worth Mixing Up Margarita Mocktails

If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly drink that everyone can enjoy, these margarita mocktails are sure to impress!

• A mocktail without all the sugar. Some mocktail recipes swap the alcohol for sodas and lots of sugar, but not this one! This margarita mocktail uses freshly squeezed juice and agave nectar for a natural sweetness without sugar or sodas with high-fructose corn syrup.
• Perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a Taco Tuesday dinner for your family (I recommend these Skirt Steak Tacos—you can thank me later!), or just want a refreshing drink on a hot day, these margarita mocktails are perfect.
• Quick and easy to make. This mocktail is EASY. You don’t need to make any flavored simple syrups or shop for a bunch of hard-to-find ingredients or alcohol-free spirits.

What You’ll Need

Whether you’re making a single mocktail or a big batch, you’ll need the same ingredients, just in different quantities. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Citrus juice – I use a combination of lime, orange, and lemon juice. All freshly juiced!
• Agave nectar – Provides a natural sweetness. You could use simple syrup instead if you have it on hand.
• Sparkling water – For fizziness. You can use plain or a flavored variety, as long as it’s a flavor that pairs well with citrus.

How to Make Margarita Mocktails

You have two options for this recipe: making a single mocktail or a whole pitcher. Here are instructions for each.

• Single serve: Combine the citrus juices and agave in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime.
• Pitcher: Whisk the juices and agave in a pitcher. Pour over ice in glasses, top with sparkling water, and garnish with lime.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations for these margarita mocktails.

• Use fresh juices. Not just the lime and lemon juice, but the orange juice too. Fresh orange juice tastes SO different from bottled, with much more pop and zing.
• Don’t skip the cocktail shaker. It really does make a huge difference in flavor. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar. (Don’t have a mason jar? Wash out that pickle jar that’s sitting in the recycle bin! Get creative!)
• Rim the glasses. Run a lime wedge along the outside rim of the glass and then roll it in a shallow plate of salt or Tajín. Or, to replicate the look in the photos, run the lime wedge down the side of the glass and dip that side in the salt or Tajín.
• Try different citrus juices. Swap out the orange juice for grapefruit juice or blood orange juice (like in this Blood Orange Margarita Recipe) for different flavor and color.
• Add infusions. Muddle fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries in the shaker for some fruity flavor, or make spicy margarita mocktails by muddling in jalapeño slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your margarita mocktails with chips and Guacamole or Roasted Tomato Salsa for an afternoon snack, or mix them up for pairing with Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Verde, and all your favorite Mexican foods. 

How to Store Leftovers

If you make a pitcher, you may have some leftover margarita mix. Store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice and top with sparkling water.

More Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try

• Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail
• Pineapple Strawberry Agua Fresca
• Homemade Raspberry Peach Lemonade
• Kiwi Pineapple Agua Fresca