A crust of salt, then a hit of sharp lime softened by orange and the honeyed note of agave. It is the same sour and salty interplay that makes the Margarita so popular, just without the spirit.
1½ oz
lime juice
1 oz
orange juice
¾ oz
agave syrup or simple syrup
1 oz
soda water optional, for length (optional)
pinch of
salt
Garnish: Salt rim and lime wheel · Ice: Served up, no ice
Virgin Margarita
Sharp, fresh and tangy with a salty edge and gentle agave sweetness. Light bodied and very cold.
The Virgin Margarita is simply the alcohol-free version of the Margarita, one of the best-known tequila cocktails in the world. The original combines tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice; its origins are disputed, with several bartenders in Mexico and the United States named in competing stories from the 1930s and 1940s.
Alcohol-free versions appeared as bars and restaurants, especially Tex-Mex chains, began offering "virgin" versions of their signature drinks. The trick is to replace what the spirits bring: orange juice stands in for the orange liqueur, agave syrup gives the plant sweetness that links the drink to tequila, and a little soda adds lift so the drink does not taste like plain lime juice.
Nothing is strictly needed: lime, orange and agave carry the drink. Alcohol-free agave spirits get closer to the original taste.
You can, but it makes the drink much sweeter. Reduce or skip the agave syrup if you do.
Traditionally a margarita glass or coupe. A salt-rimmed rocks glass over ice works just as well.
The perfect sound
A festive Mexican plaza without the tequila.
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