How to Make a Virgin Margarita

Margaritas are a popular cocktail around the world. However, you can also make a delicious virgin margarita without the alcohol. Use this easy method to make gourmet-style virgin margaritas that will be the hit of any alcohol-free party. Or, serve it alongside alcoholic drinks as an alternative for designated drivers. This recipe yields approximately eight servings.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar Small saucepan Lime zest Lemon zest Fresh lime juice Fresh lemon juice Orange juice Agave syrup Drink pitcher Small, rimmed plate Margarita glasses Ice Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add two tablespoons each lime zest and lemon zest.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove it from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. You should have a semi-thick syrup consistency.

3. Combine the lemon-lime syrup with 1 ½ cups lime juice, ½ cup lemon juice, 4 cups orange juice, and ¼ cup agave syrup in a drink pitcher. Place the entire container in the refrigerator and allow the virgin margarita mixture to chill thoroughly, for at least 30 minutes.

4. Combine 1 teaspoon lime zest with 2 teaspoons salt on a small, rimmed plate. Mix the lime salt well. Rub the rim of each margarita glass with a lime wedge to moisten. Dip the rims into the lime salt.

5. Add a few ice cubes to each of the salt rimmed glass. Pour the margarita mixture into the glasses. Garnish it with lime wedges and serve the margarita immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Bottled lemon or lime juice can be substituted for fresh, if necessary. Use fresh orange juice, if available. For a sweeter drink, replace the salt used to rim the glasses with sugar.