How to Make a Virgin Margarita
Updated: May 02, 2023
You don't need store-bought limeade, alcohol or any fancy ingredients to create a refreshing, thirst-quenching experience this summer. All you need is a few lemons, limes and a touch of sugar; it really is that easy to learn how to make a virgin margarita!
These virgin margaritas are perfect for your next all-ages backyard barbecue. We’ll show you how to make them on the rocks or frozen, and we’ll even let you in on a little secret ingredient that takes this virgin margarita recipe to the next level: a splash of club soda. The bubbles not only create a pleasant drinking experience, but they also help carry the sweet and tangy flavors of the drink.
How to Make a Virgin Margarita
Ingredients
Yield: 4 drinks
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup superfine sugar, or more to taste
- Crushed ice
- Club soda
- 4 lime wedges, optional
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, optional
Directions
Step 1: Make the lemon-lime mixture
You have two options here: on the rocks, or frozen. The rocks version is the easiest and least time-consuming way to make a virgin margarita (and, it dirties the fewest dishes to boot). Simply combine the lime juice, lemon juice, and sugar in a small pitcher, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
For Margaritaville-style frozen drinks, blend the lime juice, lemon juice and sugar with 4 cups of ice in a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture is nice and slushy.
Step 2: Prepare the glasses
For a true margarita experience, you’ll want to prepare a salted glass. This step is optional, of course, but it does make the glasses look fancy. Start by swiping one of the lime wedges around the rim of the glass. Then, pour some coarse salt onto a small plate and dip the edge of the glass into the salt, rolling it around until the edge is coated.
Step 3: Fill ’em up and enjoy!
Next, fill each glass with the lemon-lime mixture. If you went with the rocks version, fill the glasses with about 1-1/3 cups of crushed ice, first. Top the drink with a splash of club soda and garnish with a slice of lime, if desired. Looking to turn your mocktail into a cocktail? Learn how to make a margarita multiple ways!
Next up: Learn the basics for how to make frozen drinks so you can create your own recipe. Or if you’re cutting calories, learn how to make a white peach margarita and a skinny margarita!
Keep the Mocktails Flowing at Your Next Party
Pomegranate Ginger SpritzerConveniently, a pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sunshine Lime RickeyThis is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favorite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Tropical CoolerWith only four simple ingredients, this refreshing punch is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a party for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavor. —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Orange Blossom Mint RefresherI came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This version has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness, and the orange blossom water gives the tea a distinctive flavor. People always request the recipe. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado
Pink Rhubarb PunchRhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Citrus & White Grape Juice Party PunchI was looking for a drink that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
Warm Cider Cranberry PunchI first made this at an instructional cooking camp. My kids loved it so much that, for a time, they insisted we make it every day. Serve it hot in the winter or with the ice during the summer. —Carol Gehringer, Raleigh, North Carolina
Mango Orange QuencherServe this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Citrus Cider PunchI share this refreshing punch recipe with people who visit our apple cider mill. It's perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. —Carolyn Beck, St Johns, Michigan
Scarlet SipperThis sweet, tart and slightly fizzy drink is a favorite for gatherings at our church. The bright color sets a festive tone, and the flavors blend seamlessly. —Amber Goolsby, Geneva, Alabama
Cranberry Cherry PunchThis crimson-colored beverage is wonderful for Christmas and looks festive in a glass punch bowl. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Easy Citrus SlushOur church’s hostess committee has relied on this refreshing drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavors and colors of gelatin to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma
Sparkling Coconut Grape JuiceThis sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. Add a splash of gin if you're feeling bold. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Pink Party PunchThis easy punch will be the highlight of any party. The fruity flavors blend perfectly together, making it impossible to have just one glass.—Carol Garnett, Bellevue, Washington
Warm Christmas PunchRed Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive punch, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Lemony Fruit CoolerThis punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Rosemary LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Strawberry Watermelon SlushWe like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Peach-Basil CoolerMix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Raspberry RefresherThis recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Citrus PunchThis zesty punch is a refreshing addition to my holiday table. I love its fruity flavor and the bright sunshiny color. You can easily double the recipe if you're expecting a larger group. —Dianne Conway, London, Ontario
Raspberry Iced TeaOne sip and you'll likely agree that this is the best flavored tea you've ever tasted. —Chris Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Orange Juice SpritzerHere’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Blueberry Lime SlushMy husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Originally Published: April 30, 2019
