The delicious flavors of a classic margarita can be enjoyed even without alcohol. There are so many margarita mocktail recipes out there that combine amazing flavors that will make you not miss the alcohol, even though it is usually the main ingredient.

Use this recipe to serve drinks for a baby shower, work event, family event or any other occasion where no drinking is involved. Margarita mocktails can be enjoyed by anyone of any age as they are all about the tart, fizzy flavor.

Here is a recipe for a virgin or non-alcoholic margarita mocktail:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sweetened lime juice (such as Rose’s Lime Juice) or freshly squeezed lime juice with added sweetener
• 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7Up) or club soda
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Lime slices for garnish
• Ice

Instructions

• Combine the orange juice, sweetened lime juice, lemon-lime soda, and lime zest in a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
• Wet the rims of 2 glasses with lime juice and dip into salt to coat rims (optional).
• Fill glasses with ice.
• Strain mocktail evenly between the 2 glasses.
• Garnish each drink with a lime slice.

That’s it! You’ll have a refreshing, margarita mocktail that tastes similar to a classic margarita, just without the tequila. The combo of citrus juices and sparking soda makes a tasty drink the whole family can enjoy.

Tips for Making a Fantastic Margarita Mocktail

• Use fresh lime and orange juice. Bottled juices won’t taste nearly as good. Squeeze the juice from fresh limes and oranges for maximum flavor.
• Sweeten sparingly. Since there’s no sourness from tequila, you don’t need as much sweetener. Start with just a splash of agave nectar or simple syrup and add more to taste if desired.
• Use high quality lime juice. In addition to fresh lime juice, use a good quality sweetened lime juice like Rose’s Lime Juice for extra depth of flavor.
• Splash in a citrusy soda. The addition of lemon-lime soda like Sprite gives it bubbles and citrus taste more akin to a real margarita. However, go easy on the soda.
• Rim with salt for texture. For an authentic margarita experience, moisten the glass rims with lime juice and dip into coarse salt. The salty rim contrasts nicely with the sweet and sour drink.
• Shake it chilled. Shake the cocktail with ice to get it frosty cold before pouring. The icy temperature makes it ultra refreshing.
• Braina for her blog Half Past Hungry recommended the smart tip of adding the soda after shaking all the ingredients so it does not fizz up and explode in the shaker.
• Garnish with lime. Finish it off with a lime wedge or wheel on the glass rim for a pretty presentation and to let drinkers add a spritz of fresh lime.
• Consider other “mocktail” rims. In addition to salt, you can rim with spices like chili-lime or cayenne for a kick.

The right proportions and ingredients go a long way towards a great tasting margarita mocktail!