Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing margarita cocktail with fresh lime and orange juices, balanced with agave nectar and a hint of orange liqueur. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 5 minutes brings together tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Mexican cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and dip it into coarse salt to coat evenly; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
  4. Step 4: Strain the margarita into the prepared glass filled halfway with fresh ice.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 lime wedge and 1 orange slice on the rim before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced margarita with fresh lime and orange in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Spiced Margarita with Fresh Lime and Orange?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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