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Refreshing Mixed Citrus Margarita (Easy Recipe!)

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Get ready to be transported to a sunny beach with this incredibly refreshing Mixed Citrus Margarita! This vibrant cocktail takes the classic margarita framework and elevates it with a complex blend of fresh citrus juices, balanced perfectly with smooth tequila, orange liqueur, and a touch of agave. I absolutely adore making this Mixed Citrus Margarita because it uses the best of whatever citrus is shining brightly - perfect for using up seasonal fruits, like the gorgeous citrus available right now in late April! It's easy to shake up, tastes incredibly fresh, and is the perfect drink for spring, summer, or honestly, anytime you need a little vacation in a glass.

Why You'll Love This Mixed Citrus Margarita

  • Ultimate Refreshment: Packed with tangy, fresh citrus juice - incredibly thirst-quenching.
  • Complex Citrus Flavor: Using a mix of citrus (like lime, orange, grapefruit) adds more depth than just lime alone.
  • Easy to Make: Simple shaking method with easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Perfectly Balanced: Strikes a great balance between tart, sweet, and the warmth of tequila.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: A sophisticated yet approachable margarita perfect for parties or happy hour.
Ingredients for Mixed Citrus Margarita, including tequila, Triple Sec, various fresh citrus fruits (lime, orange, grapefruit), and agave.

Ingredients for Mixed Citrus Margarita

Here's what you'll need to shake up this refreshing cocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Margarita

  • Tequila (Silver/Blanco recommended) (Liquor)
  • Fresh citrus juice* (Juice) (See Notes/Tips - typically lime plus orange and/or grapefruit)
  • Agave syrup (or simple syrup, adjust to taste) (Sweetener)
  • Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur like Cointreau) (Liqueur)
  • Ice (Ice)

Rim & Garnish

  • Himalayan sea salt (or kosher/sea salt) (Seasoning)
  • Lime wedge (Fruit)
  • Lime wheel or slice (optional garnish)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the bright blend in this Mixed Citrus Margarita, but feel free to play around:

  • Spicy Citrus: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño or serrano pepper in the shaker before adding ice and liquids.
  • Single Citrus Focus: Use all fresh lime juice for a classic margarita base, or try all fresh grapefruit juice for a Paloma-margarita hybrid.
  • Add Herbs: Muddle fresh mint or basil in the shaker for an herbaceous twist.
  • Different Sweetener: Use simple syrup or honey instead of agave nectar (adjust sweetness).
  • Smoky: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor profile.
  • Frozen Version: Blend the ingredients (minus maybe half the juice, adding more ice) for a frozen mixed citrus margarita.
Shaking the ingredients for Mixed Citrus Margarita in a cocktail shaker.

How to Make a Mixed Citrus Margarita

Making this refreshing Mixed Citrus Margarita is super simple:

Prep the Glasses

  1. First, I prepare my margarita glasses for that essential salt rim. I place the Himalayan sea salt (or kosher/sea salt) onto a small shallow dish or plate.
  2. I run a fresh lime wedge around the outer edge of each margarita glass to moisten it.
  3. Then, I dip the moistened edges into the salt, tilting the glass to coat the rim evenly.
  4. I fill the rimmed glasses with fresh ice.

Shake the Margarita

  1. In a cocktail shaker, I add a good handful of ice.
  2. I pour in the fresh mixed citrus juice, tequila, Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur), and agave syrup (if using).
  3. I secure the lid tightly on the shaker.
  4. I shake vigorously for approximately 10-15 seconds - the shaker should feel very cold!

Serve

  1. I strain the chilled margarita mixture evenly between the prepared, ice-filled glasses.
  2. I garnish each glass with a fresh lime wheel or slice.
  3. Serve immediately!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Margarita

Here are my secrets for making the perfect Mixed Citrus Margarita:

  • Use Fresh Citrus Juice: This is NON-NEGOTIABLE for a great margarita! Freshly squeezed lime, orange, grapefruit, etc., tastes infinitely better than bottled mixes. A mix often includes mostly lime, plus some orange and/or grapefruit.
  • Quality Tequila: Use a 100% agave tequila (Blanco/Silver is great here) for the smoothest flavor.
  • Shake It Well: Don't just stir! Shaking with ice properly chills, dilutes, and aerates the margarita for the perfect balance and texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste your citrus juice! If it's very tart, you might want a little agave or simple syrup. If using sweet oranges, you might need less or none. Adjust to your preference.
  • Proper Rimming: Moisten only the outer edge of the glass rim to prevent salt from falling into the drink.

How to Serve

This Mixed Citrus Margarita is the quintessential refreshing cocktail! Serve it:

  • On the Rocks: As directed, strained over fresh ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
  • For Parties: Easily multiply the ingredients (mix base without ice) and shake individual servings or small batches as needed.
  • With Mexican Food: The perfect pairing for tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, chips and salsa/guacamole.
  • For Sunny Days: Ideal for sipping on the patio, poolside, or at a BBQ.
  • Cinco de Mayo: A must-have celebratory drink!

Serve immediately while perfectly chilled.

Two Mixed Citrus Margaritas served on a tray, perhaps with chips and guacamole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Like most shaken cocktails with fresh juice and ice, this Mixed Citrus Margarita is best made fresh to order for optimal flavor, chill, and dilution. Pre-mixing large batches (without ice) is possible for parties, but shake individual portions with ice before serving.

FAQs about Mixed Citrus Margarita

  • What does "mixed citrus juice" mean?
    • It typically means a combination of fresh juices. A great starting point is mostly fresh lime juice (essential for a margarita) combined with fresh orange juice and/or fresh grapefruit juice. Experiment to find your favorite blend! For 3 ounces total, try 1.5 oz lime, 1 oz orange, 0.5 oz grapefruit.
  • What's the difference between Triple Sec, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier?
    • They are all orange-flavored liqueurs used in margaritas. Triple Sec is generally the most basic and sweetest. Cointreau is a premium triple sec type with a cleaner orange flavor. Grand Marnier is cognac-based, adding more depth and complexity. Use your preference!
  • Can I make this margarita frozen?
    • Yes! Combine the tequila, orange liqueur, citrus juice, and agave (if using) in a blender with about 1-1.5 cups of ice per serving. Blend until smooth and slushy. Add more ice or a splash of liquid if needed to adjust consistency.

Enjoy this bright, tangy, refreshing, and incredibly easy Mixed Citrus Margarita! It's like sunshine in a glass.

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Shaking the ingredients for Mixed Citrus Margarita in a cocktail shaker.

Mixed Citrus Margarita

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Print Recipe

Description

This Mixed Citrus Margarita is the perfect drink for spring or summer (or any time of year really). The complex flavours from the fresh mixed citrus juice make this margarita akin to something you'd order on the beach in Mexico.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Margarita:

  • 4 ounces tequila (100% agave Blanco or Reposado recommended)
  • 3 ounces freshly squeezed mixed citrus juice* (see notes)
  • 1 ounce agave syrup (or simple syrup, adjust to taste)
  • 1 ounce Triple Sec (or Cointreau or other orange liqueur)
  • Ice cubes

For Serving/Rim:

  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt (or other coarse salt)
  • 2 lime wedges (1 for rimming, 1 for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare Glasses: Pour the Himalayan sea salt onto a small, flat plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of two margarita glasses (or rocks glasses) to moisten them. Dip the moistened rims into the salt, rotating the glasses to coat the rims evenly. Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice.
  • Combine Margarita Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Add the tequila, fresh mixed citrus juice, Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur), and agave syrup to the shaker.
  • Shake: Secure the lid tightly on the shaker. Shake vigorously for approximately 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
  • Strain and Serve: Strain the margarita mixture from the shaker evenly into the prepared, ice-filled glasses. Garnish each glass with a fresh lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Mixed Citrus Juice: Use a blend of freshly squeezed citrus juices for the best flavor. Good combinations include orange & lime, grapefruit & lime, or orange, lime & grapefruit. Aim for about 3 ounces total juice per 2 cocktails.
  • Tequila: Use a good quality 100% agave tequila. Blanco (silver) offers a crisp flavor, while Reposado adds a bit more complexity.
  • Orange Liqueur: Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier can be used.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the amount of agave syrup (or simple syrup) based on the sweetness of your citrus juice blend and personal preference.
  • Salt Rim: Coarse salt like Himalayan or kosher salt works best for rimming.
  • Shaking: Shaking well chills and slightly dilutes the drink, creating the right balance.

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