Lemon Margarita Recipe With Fresh Lemon Juice

A Lemon Margarita follows a similar recipe to the classic Margarita with tequila and orange liqueur, and the crucial substitution of lemon juice for lime juice. Since lemons are less acidic and slightly more mellow than limes, a Lemon Margarita is a subtle but surprising twist on the traditional Margarita recipe.

When making a Lemon Margarita, use the best quality ingredients. A Lemon Margarita features tequila, fresh lemon juice, and orange liqueur:

1. 1. Tequila: There’s no way around it: great cocktails need a foundation of quality liquor. Tequila, made from the agave plant, has a distinct, somewhat herbaceous flavor that goes well with a sweet, fruity liqueur and the acidic citrus kick of lemon. To make a Lemon Margarita, choose a mellow reposado, which is tequila aged in oak barrels for up to a year. Reposado will add an extra level of complexity. If simple and clean is your preference, a quality silver tequila (tequila blanco) will also work.
2. 2. Lemon: Bottled lemon juice lacks the floral aromas of fresh fruit. Freshly-squeezed lemon juice is the key to making the best Lemon Margarita. Keep extra lemons on hand for garnish.
3. 3. Orange liqueur: An orange liqueur like Cointreau provides sweetness to balance the lemon juice. If you don’t have Cointreau, try using Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored Cognac) or agave syrup.

Consider these variations and substitutions to add extra flavor to your Lemon Margarita:

1. 1. Zest it up. You can add lemon zest to the salt when salting the rim of the glass. This will add an extra kick of lemon flavor.
2. 2. Add some sugar. Add simple syrup, an even mixture of sugar and water, to your Lemon Margarita for extra sweetness. Alternatively, you can add agave nectar. This nectar has a fairly neutral flavor that pairs well with tequila-based cocktails.
3. 3. Use Meyer lemons. If you can find in-season Meyer lemons at your local grocery store or farmers’ market, try making a Meyer Lemon Margarita. Meyer lemon juice is mildly acidic and sweeter in comparison to regular lemons.