Margarita Mix Recipe
Looking for a healthier margarita mix recipe? I’ve gotcha covered. This mix is easy to make in minutes and is perfect for mixing up a quick batch of margaritas any night of the week.
I’ve definitely developed an appreciation for certain drinks in the past 7 years of marriage. Especially when they are made with fresh ingredients like this mix. But I still keep it in moderation and only drink maybe 2-3 times a year, if that.
I should say here that alcohol, even in moderation, is not part of a clean eating diet. But I think you’d be pretty hard-pressed to ask many people to give up an occasional drink with friends. That being said, at least a portion of your margarita will be clean. And that’s worth something, right?
Just remember, drink in moderation!! And at the risk of telling you something you’ve heard a million times, PLEASE never drink and drive! It’s just stupid and very, very dangerous.
What Is Margarita Mix?
Margarita mix is a blend of lime juice, sweetener, and sometimes other citrus flavors that get mixed and stored separately to quickly add flavor to tequila. The flavor that makes a margarita.
What Is In Margarita Mix?
The ingredient list on many store-bought margarita mixes can be mind-boggling, and frankly, unnecessary. One popular brand lists the following as its ingredient list:
Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Sodium Benzoate, Postassium Sorbate, Gum Acacia, CMC Gum, Saib, Polysorbate 60, Yellow 5.
Webstaurantsstore.com
Who wants all that in their drink???
It’s fair to say that making your margarita mix at home is quick and easy, and you’ll feel so much better about what you’re drinking. You can make this in minutes, multiply the recipe as much as you need to, and make it ahead of time by a day or two to have on hand for a party.
About The Ingredients
Fresh lime juice – While fresh squeeze will always have the best and freshest flavor, you can use 100% juice in a bottle if you need to. It will still be delicious.
Water – Don’t worry, it won’t water down your drink.
Honey – Any type is best, or use real maple syrup to make this vegan.
Pure orange extract – Just pure extract. Not orange flavoring.
Ice – Use needed for your drink
How To Make Margarita Mix
Combine all ingredients together in a large container and stir or shake (with a lid on, please) until the honey has dissolved.
Make your margarita as you typically would. I used Jose Cuervo Especial – Tequila Gold.
Note: The lime flavor on this is fairly strong (just the way I like it!). If you prefer a weaker lime flavor, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup water depending on your tastes.
Also, while I choose not to use agave, I know there are lots of clean eaters out there that do. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, agave nectar is the way to go here. You can only add so much honey before the flavor of the honey takes over. It’s all a matter of personal taste and choice. This recipe is pretty versatile.
How Long Does Margarita Mix Last?
Only blend as many cubes as you need for your drinks. The rest can remain in the freezer in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to about six months.
More Drink Recipes
- Lemon Drop Mocktail
- Strawberry Mojito
- Tequila Sunrise Mocktail
- Spicy Strawberry Mocktail
- Georgia Peach Lemonade
- Sparkling Limeade
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Margarita Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- ½ cup water (don’t worry, it won’t water down your drink)
- 2 tbsp. honey
- ⅛ tsp. pure orange extract
- ice as needed for your drink
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a large container and stir or shake (with a lid on, please) until the honey has dissolved.
- Make your margarita as you typically would. I used Jose Cuervo Especial – Tequila Gold.
- Note: The lime flavor on this is fairly strong (just the way I like it!). If you prefer a weaker lime flavor, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup water depending on your tastes.
- Also, while I choose not to use agave, I know there are lots of clean eaters out there that do. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, agave nectar is the way to go here. You can only add so much honey before the flavor of the honey takes over. It’s all a matter of personal taste and choice. This recipe is pretty versatile.
Notes
Nutrition
Good to know! I don’t drink often myself but its always great to have clean recipes for when the occasion arises. Thanks for sharing!
I actually do it this way as well except I add the juice of one orange, agave instead of honey, and a dash of dry vermouth to mimic the alchohol from the triple sec.
Nice!
We love a good margarita here and there……how exciting to make a clean one! Thank you! : )
Sounds tasty, minus the tequila lol. I could probably substitute rum though, I guess that would be more like a daiquiri…but good all the same :o)
Just want to say thanks for all the terrific recipes. It is so hard to stay on track when you are surrounded by many who don’t and your blog has definitely helped me. What a blessing you are!
Srjones – Thank you so much! I’m so happy your finding my site so useful!
I’m just curious why you choose not to use agave nectar? I’m new to this clean eating thing and exploring ways for me and my family to be healthier. I am at high risk for diabetes (strong family history on both sides and had gestational w/my 2nd child). I thought agave was a natural sweetener that didn’t spike blood sugar levels like plain sugar and honey?
Karazumbas – To eat clean means to avoid processed foods. From everything I’ve read, agave is very processed, especially now that it’s in much higher demand.
Hi Tiffany. Haven’t been on much since my Mom had a stroke early March. When and why did you stop using agave? This recipe looks wonderful without any alcohol. I love limeI think this would be great over crushed ice.
Hi Jodi. Sorry to hear about your mom.
I stopped using agave because evidence kept mounting that it’s very processed stuff. But yes, this would be great on it’s own without the alcohol!
Can’t wait to try them!
I am new at clean eating & while I am quite mindful of what I’m eating, I just can’t get past liking a cocktail or 2. And I’m of an age where I really don’t much care to get past it, either ;o)
Courtney – Haha!! I can soooo relate to that!
Thank you sooooo much! Margaritas are a weakness of mine. They are rather tasty, and this recipe makes me feel a little less guilty!
Salt.
Just made this. Didn’t have orange extract, do I just squeezed a little orange in there. Was really tasty. Thanks for another great recipe.
Awesome!
A New Years Drink and it’s clean! 🙂
Just curious….does the calorie estimate include the tequila?
Amber – Oh, how I wish!!! But no, sadly it doesn’t.
Totally figured it didn’t…..wishful thinking 🙂 But still better than a sugary margarita mix! 🙂
Amber – For sure!!
You can clean this up even further by using higher quality tequila. Avoid Jose Cuervo products at all costs (save for their really high-end offerings). Same for Sauza. When purchasing tequila, always make certain the bottle says “100% Agave”. Otherwise it is called a “mixto” & has added artificial color & other sugars.
Inexpensive & easily found 100% Agave brands to look for:
El Jimador
Camarena
El Charro
El Ultimo Agave
Espolon
El Mayor
Not sure why you are adding water to the recipe, you’re just, well, watering down the other wonderful flavors. Just let the ice melt to add water. Here’s a simple recipe. Admittedly, agave nectar is not exactly pure.
Puro Margarita
2-3oz Tequila
Equal parts Lime juice (half a lime)
2 teaspoons Agave Nectar or simple syrup
Ice
Shake & pour.
If you like grapefruit, substitute fresh squeezed juice for the lime for a delicious twist on the margarita. Although it would now be called a Paloma.
If you do not care for our Mexican friend, most any spirit would do well in these recipes, especially rum.
Gregg – Sounds yummy! Thanks for the input! I don’t drink very often, but when I do, margaritas are my go-to drink!
If I wanted to make a non-alcoholic drink how would I use this mix?
Edna – You could just add water to taste.
Well, now I have plenty of ideas of what to bring to my New Years party I’m attending! These look great, thank you!
Boyd – My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂