Agave Margarita

The days of overly sweet "virgin margaritas" from chain Mexican restaurants are over. Let the kids have those! With the range of incredible non-alcoholic tequila options available today, like the shockingly realistic version from Free Spirits, those choosing not to drink can enjoy a truly satisfying, adult non-alcoholic margarita, with all the same bite and zip of the original.

Our preferred margarita recipe is a slight variation on Tommy’s Margarita, a version of the drink created in the early 90s in San Francisco at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant. Bartender Julio Bermejo dropped the traditional triple sec from the recipe and used agave nectar (made from the same plant as tequila) instead of simple syrup. And, of utmost importance, only fresh lime juice is used … no pre-made sour mix here.

Tommy’s Margarita has its naysayers who believe a margarita must contain triple sec, but we think you can have it both ways. Our alcohol-free Orange bitters add the same orange flavor—without diluting the drink or adding sugar—plus a botanical depth from coriander that complements tequila and lime nicely. Next time you're craving a margarita mocktail, we think you'll agree, this margarita recipe wins.

Agave Margarita (Non-Alcoholic)

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Category

Non-Alcoholic Cocktail / Low-Alcohol / Zero Proof / Mocktail

Calories

60

This is no "virgin margarita". Our non-alcoholic version of Tommy's Margarita is for adults only!

Ingredients

• 2 ounces non-alcoholic tequila

• ¾ ounce lime juice, fresh

• ½ ounce agave nectar

• 5 dashes All The Bitter Orange bitters

• 5 drops salt tincture or a small pinch of salt (optional)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients, including a small pinch of salt, to a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

3. Garnish with a lime wedge, and optionally a salt rim.

Recipe Note

WHERE TO BUY NON-ALCOHOLIC TEQUILA
There are lots of great alcohol-free tequila options available in different styles. A few of our favorites, in no particular order: Free Spirits Tequila, BARE Reposado Style Tequila, Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, Trejo's Spirits Tequila, Almave Ambar, and Cut Above Mezcal. All of these companies ship their non-alcoholic spirits directly to your door, often with free shipping.

WHAT IS SALT TINCTURE?
Used in cocktails, salt tincture (or saline solution) is a combination of salt and water that can be added to cocktails in small amounts—just a few drops is all you need—to make the flavors pop. Like in food, salt enhances flavors, tames bitterness, and makes fruit and citrus flavors more vibrant. To make it, simply dissolve 1 part salt in 4 parts water and transfer to a dropper bottle.

MAKE IT MINDFULLY LOW ALCOHOL
Make this cocktail at half-strength by splitting 1 ounce of your favorite alcoholic tequila with 1 ounce of non-alcoholic tequila. Blanco and reposado styles work best (save the anejo for sipping), but stick to producers that use 100% agave — leave that bottle of Cuervo Gold at the frat house.