Limeade Margarita
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This Limeade Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic! My go-to all summer long and made with only a handful of ingredients. You get a burst of zesty flavor with a hint of sweetness making it the perfect antidote to boring beverages!
Love tequila? Honestly, same! Be sure to try some of my other go-to cocktails like my Paloma Cocktail, Tequila Mojito, and Strawberry Lemonade Margarita (fan favorite)!
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. One Sweet Appetite and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Margarita Recipe: This simple version skips the fuss and gets straight to the good stuff with minimal ingredients.
- Summer Cocktail Idea: Cool, citrusy, and refreshing—this drink was made for patio weather and poolside sipping.
- Margarita Without Mix: Ditch the store-bought mix—this version uses fresh ingredients and still comes together fast.
We’ve made this margarita using limeade over 30 times, and let me tell you—it never misses. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart with just enough kick to make it feel like a real treat. No pre-made mixes, no complicated steps—just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together in minutes.
What makes it the best margarita recipe? It’s low-effort, totally customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re mixing up one glass or a whole pitcher, this drink delivers every single time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s on repeat at our house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This tequila limeade
keeps things refreshingly simple—just a few ingredients and you’re sipping in no time. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a little boozy kick. Here’s what you’ll need to mix up a glass (or a pitcher!):
- Tequila – Silver or blanco tequila works best for a crisp, clean flavor that doesn’t overpower the lime.
- Orange liqueur – Triple sec or Cointreau adds that classic citrusy depth you expect in a margarita.
- Lime juice – Fresh-squeezed is key here. It brightens up the drink and cuts through the sweetness.
- Limeade – This shortcut brings sweetness and flavor in one easy pour. Use store-bought or homemade! We like Simply brand.
- Salt – Optional, but highly recommended. Rim the glass for that salty contrast that makes each sip better.
That’s it! A no-fuss, crowd-pleasing drink that’s ready in minutes. This margarita with limeade is made for warm nights, taco Tuesdays, or just because.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This margarita is my go-to for easy, fuss-free cocktail vibes. It’s the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and refreshing—basically summer in a glass. I love that it comes together in minutes and still tastes like you went full mixologist.
Tip from Jesseca:
Chill your glasses ahead of time for an extra refreshing sip, especially on hot days. Bonus points if you add a slice of lime or a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz!
Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up or use what you’ve got on hand? This margarita is super flexible—here are some easy ways to customize it:
- No orange liqueur? Swap it with a splash of orange juice or skip it entirely for a more tart version.
- Try a flavored tequila like jalapeño or coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it a frozen margarita by blending everything with ice until smooth—perfect for hot days!
- Skip the salt rim and go for sugar, Tajín, or a mix of the two for a little sweet-heat combo.
Play around with flavors until it’s just right for you—this drink is made to be as laid-back as your next happy hour.
Limeade Margarita Recipe
Making a easy margarita couldn’t be easier—just a few quick steps stand between you and the perfect summer sip. Here’s how to mix one up fast:
- Fill the Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the Ingredients: Add tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake It Up: Shake it up for about 30 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with limeade and enjoy!
Whether you’re mixing one up for taco night or lounging on the patio, this margarita hits the spot every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Want to prep your drink ahead of time? Totally doable—and perfect for parties or lazy summer evenings.
Mix the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir, pour over ice in salt-rimmed glasses, and top with chilled limeade.
Hold off on adding ice or limeade until right before serving to keep the flavor bold and the drink from getting watered down.
Helpful FAQs
Yes! Just stir everything in a glass or pitcher with ice. Shaking helps blend and chill quickly, but it’s not a deal-breaker. You can also use a mason jar with a tight lid.
Blanco (silver) tequila is best for a fresh, clean flavor. Reposado adds a slightly deeper, oaky note if you prefer that.
You can, but fresh-squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor. Bottled juice can taste bitter or overly tart.
It’s a lighter version, thanks to the limeade topper. Want it stronger? Add more tequila or reduce the limeade.
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients, mix everything but the ice in a pitcher, and chill until ready to serve. Add ice and limeade when serving.
Fresh limeade or a quality store-bought version (like Simply Limeade) works great. Avoid overly sugary or concentrate-style mixes for the best balance.
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Easy Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz tequila (a double shot)
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- Squeeze of lime (about half of one lime)
- 3/4 cup limeade
- Salt
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake 30 seconds or until mixed.
- Strain the margarita into a salt rimmed and ice filled glass.
- Top with limeade. Enjoy.
Notes
How to make margarita salt:
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Sugar
- Lime Zest
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Hi Richard, I’m going to send you an email to ask a few more questions so I can hopefully adjust my website to be more user friendly.
batch recipe please
Hi David, you can increase the ingredients to get you the right serving amount.
I was a little confused about the lime salt. You said to use a fine grater or zester for the sugar. I think you meant for the lime right? Haven’t tried making the margarita yet. I’m making little gifts of lime salt to give in my families stockings. 🙂
Yes, Gini. That was a typo and is fixed. I love the idea of lime salts for stockings! great idea.