Four Citrus Margaritas

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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!

yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it
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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.

2 yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

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.

2 yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

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.)

yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

FAQs

What types of citrus can I use in a citrus margarita?

You can use a variety of citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Each brings a unique flavor and level of acidity, so feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences.

Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?

While fresh citrus juice is recommended for the best flavor and quality, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just be aware that bottled juice may contain preservatives and additives that can slightly alter the taste of your margarita.

How can I make my citrus margarita sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter margarita, you can add more agave syrup or simple syrup. Start with a small amount, taste, and then adjust according to your preference.

Should I shake or stir a citrus margarita?

Shaking your citrus margarita with ice in a cocktail shaker is the preferred method as it quickly chills the drink and properly integrates all the ingredients, giving you a well-balanced cocktail.

Can I make a big batch of citrus margaritas in advance?

Yes, you can mix a large batch of the margarita base (citrus juices, tequila, and sweetener) in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake or stir well before serving and add ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher to prevent dilution.

How can I prevent my margarita from being too diluted?

Use plenty of ice when shaking your margarita, and serve it immediately. Using larger ice cubes in the serving glass can also help reduce dilution as they melt more slowly than smaller cubes.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a citrus margarita?

Absolutely! For a mocktail version, simply omit the tequila and substitute with a little sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative to maintain the fizz and complexity of the drink.

2 yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

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:

2 yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

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For more delicious treats we had on board the Ruby Princess, please see this post detailing everything we ate! Princess really does have the best food, period! 

2 yellow margarita with lemon and lime wedges in it

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Two glasses of 4 Citrus Margaritas with limes and oranges.

Four Citrus Margaritas

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes

Sweet, tangy, and delicious 4 Citrus Margaritas are full of flavor from lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice! So delicious and easy to make with no blender!

Ingredients

  • 3 oz reposado tequila
  • 1 oz orange liquor such as triple sec or 4 oz pre-mixed margarita mix
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Juice of 1/2 orange
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 oz orange juice
  • 2 oz grapefruit juice
  • lime, orange, lemon wedges
  • margarita salt

Instructions

  1. In a large shaker, add all ingredients but lime and orange wedges and margarita salt.
  2. Shake well over ice. (If making virgin version, DO NOT SHAKE GINGER ALE)
  3. Add to salted margarita glasses with 1/2 cup ice each.
  4. Garnish with lime, lemon, and orange wedges.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 412Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 362mgCarbohydrates 77gFiber 3gSugar 66gProtein 1g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

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About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style. Courtney writes the popular creative lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs- a site devoted to delicious everyday recipes, home decor, crafts, DIY inspiration, and photography tips to help make your every day extraordinary.

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4 Comments

  1. I took a Princess cruise years ago and it is still to date the BEST one I’ve ever been on… The staff and food were amazing!
    I’d love to be INVITED to cruise with them! Lucky you!!! 🙂