This delicious non-alcoholic margarita will be your favorite hydrating mocktail! No simple syrup required, this recipe only takes 5 minutes to make. A blend of mango, citrus flavor, and sparkling water, this is the perfect summer drink.
The sumac and Redmond salt rim add some tart flavor and minerals for a hydration boost. This margarita mocktail is a cross between a margarita and a ranch water - delicious, bubbly and not overly sweet.
You can even make it into a spicy mango margarita mocktail if you like! They are delicious on a warm summer day and pair perfectly with BBQ ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken.
Virgin Margarita Recipe
As a Texan, I love a good margarita, but my head doesn't always agree with my heart on it. I found that many recipes use lime and sparkling water, but are missing a great depth of flavor that tequila provides. But now we have amazing non-alcoholic tequila replacements! You'll love this non-alcholic margarita because:
- Fast - This recipe can be made in just 5 minutes, no syrups needed.
- Customizable - I've done this mocktail with different juices like pineapple and pomegranate and they're all delicious.
- Make it spicy - Make this into a spicy mango margarita mocktail with a few jalapeño slices.
- Hydrating - Incorporates trace minerals for a hydration boost!
Ingredients
- Non-alcoholic tequila substitute - My personal favorite is Seedlip Notas de Agave, which I order online for the best price, but you can find it at grocery stores or Total Wine sometimes.
- Mango juice - I prefer 100% mango juice, but if it's hard to find, I've used a mix before or Sanzo makes a good mango sparkling water you can use.
- Lime juice or citrus alternative - I tested this margarita mocktail both ways for people trying to keep this low histamine/migraine diet friendly. You can use lime juice or do a little acid adjustment with the citric acid. I recommend fresh lime juice. Citric acid can be found online or in the bulk section of some grocery stores. It's a white powder. If neither are tolerated, I recommend a splash of white vinegar for a little acidity.
- Sparkling water - My favorite sparkling water for mocktails is always Topo Chico just because it has the most bubbles! It never feels flat in recipes.
- Jalapeño - This is completely optional, but great for a spicy version.
- Sumac salt - Sumac is a spice that's got a great tart flavor to it and I like to blend it with my Redmond Real Salt for a hydrating mocktail!
Non-Alcoholic Tequila Substitutes
You have several different substitutes on the market now and I've tried a lot of them. Here is my feedback.
- Seedlip Notas de Agave - My favorite, I first tried this at a food blog conference as a ranch water mocktail and it was surprisingly like the real thing. It pairs very well with these flavors.
- Ritual Tequila Alternative - This was one of the original on the market. I find the flavor to be a bit more peppery, so better if you're doing a spicy margarita mocktail.
- Lyre - Lyre makes a lot of good non-alcoholic options, but this isn't my favorite blend. It tastes a little lighter than the others and is sometimes hard to notice in drinks.
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Margarita
Step 1: Create the sumac salt rim
Blend the sumac and salt together on a plate, then wipe the edge of the glass with a wet cloth or some juice. Roll the glass into the seasoning blend so it coats the side.
Step 2: Stir the ingredients
Add the mango juice, tequila alternative, lime juice, or a pinch of citric acid/vinegar, and pour sparkling water to fill the top of the glass. Use a spoon to blend it all together and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Mango juice - Mango sparkling water can be used if you cannot find 100% juice or you can substitute orange juice (if tolerated), which is more similar to a classic margarita. I think pomegranate juice or watermelon juice would also work well!
- Citrus substitutes - Acid adjust with citric acid or a splash of white vinegar. If using citric acid, you will need ⅛ teaspoon and to add ⅓ cup of mango juice. If using vinegar, I recommend starting with ½ teaspoon. You will need to make these modifications for low histamine or HYH.
Make Ahead
This is so easy, you can make a bunch in just 5 minutes. If you wanted to prep ahead for the spicy mango margarita mocktail, I'd slice the jalapeños (if using), pre-salt the cups, and have the juices ready to pour, or combine the mango and lime juice ahead of time. If doing an acid-adjustment, it's easier to add when mixing one glass together.
Wait to add in the sparkling water and ice till just before serving.
Meal Pairings
A few of my favorite dishes this non-alcoholic mango margarita pairs well with are:
- Beef Enchiladas
- Chicken Taquitos or Flautas
- BBQ Ribs
- Honey Chipotle Chicken Sandwiches
- Mozzarella Queso
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktail
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mango juice*
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or alternative*
- 1 ounce non-alcoholic tequila alternative (Seedlip Notas de Agave recommended)
- sparkling water to top off
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
Sumac Salt Rim
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt (Redmond's Real)
Instructions
- Add the sumac and salt together, mixing to combine, then pour into a plate.
- Using a lowball glass, rub the outer side of the glass with a lime half, then roll into the salt on the side. Add ice to fill, then add the juices, and tequila alternative. Stir till combined. You could also use a cocktail shaker if you have one. Fill to the top with sparkling water and stir again.
Margarita without lime
- Using a lowball glass, use a paper towel to add a little bit of juice to the side then roll into the salt on the side. Add ice to fill, then add ⅓ cup mango juice and tequila alternative. Mix in ⅛ teaspoon of citric acid or ½ teaspoon of white vinegar. Stir till combined. You could also use a cocktail shaker if you have one. Fill to the top with sparkling water and stir again.
Spicy Margarita
- Using a lowball glass, use a paper towel to add a little bit of juice to the side or rub with a lime half, then roll into the salt on the side. Add 2-3 jalapeño slices to the bottom of the glass. Fill with ice, then add the juices and tequila alternative. Stir till combined, using the spoon to smash some of the jalapeño. The more you smash the pepper and include seeds, the spicer it will be. You could also use a cocktail shaker if you have one. Fill to the top with sparkling water and stir again.
Notes
- 100% mango juice is the best but can be hard to find. Sprouts carries it. Sanzo sparkling mango is a great substitute, or you can use other types of juices like pineapple, pomegranate, or watermelon. Sub orange juice for a more classic margarita.
- I find topo chico to be the best sparkling water for this.
- For a spicy margarita, try Ritual tequila alternative.
- For low histamine/HYH - Use all mango juice and lime alternatives.
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