Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktails

You don't need tequila to enjoy this virgin margarita. Whenever the time and place for a festive big-batch drink arises, this non-alcoholic cocktail recipe is there to outshine the usual sherbet-dotted punches and provide a Tex-Mex twist to any occasion.

This non-alcoholic margarita is perfect for making in a pitcher or punch bowl for a baby shower, luncheon, or taco night. To top it off, it's easy to throw together quickly, thanks to store-bought limeade that gets dressed up with fresh juices and fun garnishes.

This virgin margarita recipe captures the tart, lime-zested flavor of the classic cocktail without an ounce of liquor. Fresh orange juice gives the flavor notes of traditional Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, a pinch of salt perfectly balances the sour-sweet notes, and Topo Chico sparkling water mellows out the drink with a bubbly finish.

Learn how to make the best non-alcoholic margarita at home. While our big-batch recipe can serve a group, we've added an amendment that allows you to quickly make one just for yourself when the craving strikes.

Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

Omitting the tequila found in the classic margarita and opting for fresh orange juice in place of the traditional orange liquor, this margarita mocktail is every bit as refreshing as a standard margarita. To make a non-alcoholic margarita mocktail, you'll need:

• Limeade: A citrusy base for the drink. You can substitute with a combination of fresh lime juice, water, and simple syrup, if needed.
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice: For a citrusy boost. This will bring better flavor than bottle orange juice.
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens and adds extra acidity to the drink. Juice the limes yourself for the best flavor. The bottled stuff isn't a good option here.
• Coarse sea salt: A flavor enhancer to balance the drink.
• Topo Chico sparkling water or club soda: Adds fizziness and dilutes the mocktail slightly.
• Lime wedges: For garnishing the drink. You can also garnish with seasonal fruits or herbs, as desired.
• Ice: To chill the drink while serving.

How To Make Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

Whether you make this drink for one or for a crowd, it comes together quickly and easily for a fuss-free refresher. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Stir the base: In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine the limeade, orange juice, and lime juice. Add salt and stir to dissolve.
• Step 2. Top: Top with sparkling water and ice.
• Step 3. Serve: Serve in salt-rimmed glasses if desired, with a lime wedge.

Non-Alcoholic Margarita Variations

There's no end to the possible variations when creating a margarita mocktail. Choose seasonal fruits, herbs, or any other ingredients you love for your own unique twist. Here are some variation ideas to get you started:

• Fruits: Add other types of fruit juices or purees to the margarita to add flavor and color, including strawberry, blueberry, mango, peach, and more. Garnish with fresh fruits as desired.
• Sweetener: If making your own limeade, sweeten with agave for notes that harken back to the traditional tequila-based cocktail.
• Spicy rim: Rim the glass with a mixture of coarse salt and chili powder for a touch of heat.
• Herbs: Muddle mint, basil, or cilantro for an herbaceous twist.
• Frozen: For a frozen mocktail, blend the drink with ice before serving.

Tips for the Best Non-Alcoholic Margaritas

For the tastiest and best-looking margarita mocktails, keep these tips in mind:

• Quality ingredients: Opt for fresh-squeezed juice for the freshest, most citrusy flavor.
• Chill ingredients: Chill all ingredients before using to avoid diluting the drink when pouring over ice.
• Balance the drink: Adjust the drink to taste for your perfect sweet-tart balance.
• Salt the rim: For the ultimate boost in flavor, make sure to salt the rim of your glass.
• Best presentation: Serve these mocktails in classic margarita glasses, highball glasses, or rocks glasses for the best presentation, and of course, make sure to garnish as desired before serving for extra flair.

Can I Make Margarita Mocktails Ahead?

These mocktails can be prepared in advance so they're ready to serve when your guests arrive. Pre-mix the limeade, orange juice, lime juice, and salt up to one day ahead, and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before serving, transfer to a pitcher or punch bowl, top with sparkling water, and add ice.

How To Prepare Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktails for a Crowd

This recipe makes five servings, so if you're serving a crowd, multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks needed so you'll have enough for everyone. You can even prepare the initial mix ahead by combining the limeade, fruit juices, and salt up to one day in advance.

Prepare the salt-rimmed glasses early in the day, and set them aside for your guests to serve themselves when ready.

What To Serve With Margarita Mocktails

Margaritas (mocktail or not) pair well with just about any meal, but particularly complement chips and salsa, tacos, quesadillas, ceviche, Mexican corn (elotes), and other Mexican-inspired dishes. They also help cool down spicy dishes, from spicy chicken wings to chili con carne. Serve with a tropical fruit salad or even dessert items like churros for a sweet pairing.

More Fruity Mocktail Recipes You'll Love

A fruity drink in hand is a delicious way to enjoy warm, summer days:

• Ginger-Orange Mocktails
• Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch
• Sparkling Plum Punch
• Cucumber-Honeydew Cooler
• Shirley Temple
• Strawberry Spritzers

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.