Sweet, tangy, and delicious Four Citrus Margaritas are full of flavor from lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice! So delicious and easy to make with no blender – bursting with fresh fruit juices and reposado tequila for a drink that gets the party started!

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Princess Cruise Four Citrus Margarita

I was recently invited to be a guest of Princess Cruise lines on an fantastic trip down to Mexico’s “Riviera”, through Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas – and had an amazing time. Beyond all the amazing sights and warm weather, we enjoyed SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD on board the Ruby Princess! I am a huge fan of all of the foods and drinks we had on the Ruby Princess – there was so much to taste and savor!

During our trip, my favorite quickly became the Princess 3 citrus margarita from the pool bars. It was sweet, tangy, a little tart, and full of flavor – the perfect drink to cut the heat! The margaritas on board are a bit dangerous – but only because they are SO so good (and I am happy to report that while you do pay extra for drinks on board Princess cruises, they do NOT cut back on portions or pour a weak drink). I could go through an entire bucket of them, they tasted so good – so I knew I needed to recreate them to make them at home!

Four citrus margaritas are a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail, combining the juices of lime, lemon, orange, and grapefruit to deliver a multi-layered taste experience that’s both refreshing and nuanced. The inclusion of these four citrus fruits not only adds a beautiful spectrum of flavors but also creates a visually appealing drink with a rich, golden hue. Perfect for any occasion, these margaritas offer a delightful blend of sweetness, tartness, and a hint of bitterness, making them an unforgettable choice for citrus lovers.

How to Make Citrus Margarita

Assemble the following ingredients:

• Reposado tequila (3 oz) – Reposado tequila provides a smooth, slightly oaky flavor with a hint of caramel, adding depth to the citrus margarita’s profile.
• Orange liquor (1 oz) – Orange liqueur contributes a sweet and fragrant citrus zest, enhancing the complexity of the cocktail. You can alternatively use 4 oz pre-mixed margarita mix.
• Lime Juice (1/2) – Lime juice is essential for its vibrant acidity and traditional margarita flavor, offering a zesty kick.
• Orange Juice (1/2) – Orange juice brings a sweet and refreshing brightness, balancing the tartness of the other citrus juices.
• Lemon Juice (1/2) – Lemon juice adds a sharp, tangy element that cuts through the sweetness, giving the margarita a crisp finish.
• Grapefruit juice (2 oz) – Grapefruit juice introduces a slightly bitter and aromatic quality, adding a unique twist to the classic margarita.
• Lime, orange, lemon wedges – citrus wedges make a great garnish, place them in the glass to infuse the drinks with their flavor.
• Margarita salt – Margarita salt, used to rim the glass, complements the sweet and sour flavors of the drink, adding a savory contrast that enhances each sip.

Use this Method

Add Ingredients. In a large shaker, add all ingredients but lime and orange wedges and margarita salt. Shake well over ice. (If making virgin version, DO NOT SHAKE GINGER ALE)

Prep Glass and Pour. Add to salted margarita glasses with 1/2 cup ice each. Garnish with lime, lemon, and orange wedges.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Margarita

Choose Fresh Citrus: Use fresh lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed juice makes a significant difference in the taste of your margarita compared to bottled juices.

Balance the Citrus: Experiment with the ratios of each citrus juice to find the perfect balance between tart, sweet, and bitter notes. Typically, lime and lemon will be more tart, while orange and grapefruit can add sweetness and a slight bitterness.

Quality Tequila: Opt for a high-quality blanco or reposado tequila for a smoother, more refined taste. The quality of the tequila can greatly impact the overall flavor of the margarita.

Chill Your Glasses: Put your margarita glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. A chilled glass will keep your margarita cooler for longer, enhancing the drinking experience.

Salt the Rim: Salt on the rim of the glass complements the sweet and sour flavors of the drink. For a twist, mix a little grapefruit zest into the salt for an extra burst of citrus.

Shake Well: Shake the cocktail vigorously in a shaker with plenty of ice to ensure it’s well-chilled and properly mixed. This also helps to slightly dilute the drink, which can enhance its flavors.

Use Simple Syrup: If the cocktail is too tart, balance it with simple syrup. You can easily make simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat.

Consider a Float of Liqueur: For an added dimension of flavor, consider floating a small amount of an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or a grapefruit liqueur on top of the margarita before serving.

Garnish Wisely: Garnish with a twist or slice of one of the citrus fruits used in the cocktail. This not only makes the drink look attractive but also gives a hint of the flavors, perfect for your four citrus margaritas!

Avoid Over-Dilution: To prevent the margarita from becoming too watered down, use large ice cubes or a single ice ball in the shaker rather than smaller, crushed ice.

Experiment with Infusions: Infuse your tequila with one of the citrus peels for a few days before making the margarita for an enhanced citrus flavor that’s subtly integrated into the alcohol.

Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the margarita and adjust the sweetness or citrus balance if necessary. Everyone’s palate is different, so tweak it to suit your preferences.

Serve Immediately: Serve the margarita immediately after mixing to enjoy the freshness of the citrus and the crispness of the tequila.

Timesaver: if you don’t want to use up all your tequila (or go buy orange liqueur), you can use a pre-mixed margarita in with the juice.

Hot tip: to rim your glass perfectly, start by using two shallow small plates, filling one with kosher salt, and one with lime juice or water. Dip your glass in a bit of lime juice (or water) and then roll it in kosher salt, making sure to get both the inside and outside of the glass.

Make it Virgin: to make a delicious 3 citrus “no-garita”, swap the tequila for and the orange liqueur for Ginger Beer or a Dry Soda (make sure you buy a variety that isn’t super sweet.)

FAQs

What to Enjoy with Citrus Margarita

Fish Tacos: The light and fresh flavors of fish tacos, especially when topped with a citrusy slaw or salsa, pair wonderfully with the tangy notes of a citrus margarita.

Guacamole and Chips: The creamy texture and rich flavor of guacamole balanced with the crunch of tortilla chips make an excellent companion to the crisp acidity of the margarita.

Ceviche: This citrus-marinated seafood dish complements the citrus notes in the margarita and offers a light, refreshing pairing option.

Grilled Shrimp: Shrimp seasoned with lime and chili, then grilled to perfection, echoes the flavors in a citrus margarita, making for a harmonious match.

Chicken or Pork Carnitas: The savory and slightly fatty flavors of carnitas are cut through by the acidity of the margarita, cleansing the palate and enhancing the taste of both.

Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas, especially when served with a side of pico de gallo or salsa verde, offer a comforting pairing with the refreshing qualities of a citrus margarita.

Fresh Salsa: A bowl of fresh, vibrant salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime is a perfect snack to scoop up with chips as you sip on your margarita.

Grilled Vegetables: Charred and seasoned vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus can complement the freshness of the margarita.

Jicama with Chili and Lime: Crisp jicama sticks sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice offer a crunchy, spicy, and tangy snack that mirrors the flavor profile of the margarita.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn): The creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors of elote, with its lime and chili seasoning, make it a delightful companion to a citrus margarita.

Chile-Lime Peanuts: Spicy, lime-seasoned peanuts provide a salty and crunchy snack that’s great for nibbling between sips of your margarita.

Tropical Fruit Salad: A fruit salad featuring mango, pineapple, and papaya with a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning can enhance the tropical vibe of your drink.

Nachos: Loaded nachos with a generous topping of cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream can stand up to the bold flavors of a citrus margarita.

Spicy Popcorn: Popcorn tossed with lime zest and a spicy seasoning mix offers a light and zesty snack option that pairs well with the drink.

Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially those with a bit of tanginess or creaminess, alongside some fresh fruit, can complement the complex flavors of a citrus margarita.

Try these drinks next:

Bourbon Limoncello Cocktail

Immunity Green Juice

Simple Eggnog Recipe

French Christmas Wine (Vin Chaud)

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