Italian Margarita

The Italian margarita is the cool older sister of the classic margarita. Made with tequila, amaretto, lime juice, and lemon juice, this light and refreshing cocktail is simply delicious.

One of the things I love about this Italian margarita recipe is you don’t need to add any sweetener to it. The addition of the almond-flavored Italian liqueur amaretto helps to sweeten the combination of the the two citrus fruits.

The almond liqueur gives this cocktail a robust taste. I think you’re going to really like it.

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful tips

• Everyone I’ve served this margarita to has agreed with me that it doesn’t need any additional sweetener like simple syrup or agave syrup. So, try it this way first and if after your first sip you find you would like it sweeter, add the sweetener 1/4 ounce at a time. Because remember, you can easily add it, but you can’t subtract it.
• I use Patron silver tequila in this margarita, but you can use any other tequila blanco or even a reposado tequila or añejo tequila.
• Although most margaritas have either Cointreau, triple sec, or some other orange liqueur, this one does not. Don’t worry, you won’t miss it.
• Wash your citrus before juicing them or adding it to your cocktail. Here is how: squirt some unscented, natural hand soap (I get the foaming soap in bulk at Whole Foods) in your hand and rub the fruit between your palms. Next, take a vegetable brush and brush the skin of the fruit. Finally, rinse the limes and lemons under cold water, making sure to remove all the soap.
• Depending on the size of the lime, you can get 1 ounce of juice out of a large lime. You can also get 1 ounce of juice out of half of a large lemon.
• Cut 2 lime wedges for garnish.
• I chose to salt only one of the glasses as hubby prefers unsalted margaritas. Choose which you prefer.
• Here is how to salt the rim of the glass. Add a chunky salt like kosher to a small plate. Wet your finger in some simple syrup and rub it around the rim of a glass. With the glass upside down, roll the rim around in the salt. With the glass still upside down, shake off any excess salt as you don’t want it to fall into the glass and make a salty margarita.

How to make an Italian margarita

Pre-step

Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass and two margarita glasses. I use a bowl shaped margarita glass and a double old fashioned glass.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – tequila, almond liqueur, limes, and lemon.

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of tequila. (A)

Step three

Measure 3 ounces of amaretto or another almond liqueur. (B)

Step four

Measure 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. (C)

Step five

Measure 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice. (D)

Step six

Add fresh ice cubes to the glasses. I like to use large cubes. Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain, divide and pour the Italian margarita between the two glasses.

Split the ice from the shaker between the two glasses as well. Squeeze the juice from the lime wedges in each margarita.

What a gorgeous color!

The flavor of this amber margarita is so delicious!

I hope you enjoyed this Italian margarita recipe. It’s such a fun cocktail.

Other delicious margarita recipes

• Pomegranate
• Jalapeño
• Sangria
• Lemon curd
• Cucumber

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Italian Margarita

The Italian margarita is the cool older sister of the classic margarita. Made with tequila, amaretto, lime juice, and lemon juice, this light and refreshing cocktail is simply delicious.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: Italian, Mexican

Keyword: amaretto drinks, delicious margarita, italian margarita

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 margaritas

Calories: 248kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

• 4 ounces tequila (silver or blanco)
• 3 ounces amaretto (or almond liqueur)
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce lemon juice

Optional – try it without first

• 1/4 ounce simple syrup

Garnish

• 2 wedges lime
• salt (kosher or Maldon chunky salt for rim – this is Optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• If you want a salted glass – see notes below on how to salt the rim.
  salt
• Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.
• Add tequila, amaretto, lime juice and lemon juice.
  4 ounces tequila, 3 ounces amaretto, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce lemon juice
• Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds. (optional – take a spoon and taste to make sure it is sweet enough for you – take a few tastes, if you need it sweeter, add 1/4 ounce of simple syrup. Cap and shake again – and taste it again – but I believe you won't need it.)
  1/4 ounce simple syrup
• Add fresh ice to the glassware. Strain and divide the liquid between the two glasses.
• Squeeze a lime wedge into each of the glasses.
  2 wedges lime
• Sip
• Smile
• Enjoy

Equipment

cocktail shaker

measuring glass

margarita glass

double old fashioned glass

See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

Notes

Please try the margarita first without simple syrup. Give it a taste and if you don’t find it sweet enough, add 1/4 ounce. And if you still find it needs sweetener, add another 1/4 ounce.

Helpful tips

• Everyone I’ve served this margarita to has agreed with me that it doesn’t need any additional sweetener like simple syrup or agave syrup. So, try it this way first and if after your first sip you find you would like it sweeter, add the sweetener 1/4 ounce at a time. Because remember, you can easily add it, but you can’t subtract it.
• Wash your citrus before juicing them or adding it to your cocktail. Here is how: squirt some unscented, natural hand soap (I get the foaming soap in bulk at Whole Foods) in your hand and rub the fruit between your palms. Next, take a vegetable brush and brush the skin of the fruit. Finally, rinse the limes and lemons under cold water, making sure to remove all the soap.
• I find that depending on the size of the lime, you can get 1 ounce of juice out of a large lime. You can also get 1 ounce of juice out of half of a large lemon.
• Cut 2 lime wedges for garnish.
• I chose to salt only one of the glasses as hubby prefers unsalted margaritas. Chose which you prefer.
• Here is how to salt the rim of a glass. Add a chunky salt like kosher to a small plate. Wet your finger in some simple syrup and rub it around the rim of a glass. With the glass upside down, roll the rim around in the salt. With the glass still upside down, shake off any excess salt as you don’t want it to fall into the glass and make a salty margarita.

Nutrition

Serving: 1margarita | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Get new recipes in your inbox!Click here! to sign up for our newsletter

Elaine Benoit

Website | + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

• Elaine Benoit

  https://dishesdelish.com/author/lainbenogmail-com/

  Skillet Cornbread
• Elaine Benoit

  https://dishesdelish.com/author/lainbenogmail-com/

  19 Cinco de Mayo Margarita Recipes
• Elaine Benoit

  https://dishesdelish.com/author/lainbenogmail-com/

  Fruity White Sangria
• Elaine Benoit

  https://dishesdelish.com/author/lainbenogmail-com/

  Jalapeño Vodka