The Limoncello Margarita, also known as an Italian margarita, is a tart and refreshing cocktail made with Limoncello lemon liqueur, fresh lemon and lime juices, just a hint of simple syrup or agave and tequila. The subtle lemon flavor adds a delicious spin to this classic margarita.
Limoncello Margarita Recipe
I love a margarita made at home with fresh squeezed juices and good quality tequila. I've never been one for using store bought mixes because the real thing is so easy to make and flavors are so much lighter and more vibrant!
I almost always use Cointreau in my margaritas to add a hint of orange flavor but today I'm putting an Italian, lemon twist, on this classic drink and using Limoncello.
This lemon liqueur can be an acquired taste when sipped on it's own but added to tequila and fresh citrus juices, is perfectly paired.
Ingredients in a Limoncello Margarita
- Reposado Tequila - is my choice for flavor but silver tequila will also work. Use what you like!
- Limoncello - Italian Lemon liqueur.
- Lemon & Lime Juice - both fresh squeezed. I use Meyer Lemons for this recipe.
- Simple Syrup - or agave for a bit of sweetness.
How to Make a Limoncello Margarita
- In a cocktail shaker combine tequila, limoncello, lime juice, lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Shake for 30 seconds to chill.
- Strain margarita into prepared glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Salt & Citrus Rim for Cocktails
When making margaritas, you can choose to rim the glass with salt or leave it without, it's completely up to your own personal taste. I enjoy the combination of a coarse salt like Maldon sea salt mixed with the zest from a Meyer lemon because it adds even more of the floral-lemon flavor in the drink.
Combine lemon zest and Maldon salt on a small plate. Rim margarita glass with lime juice and dip in the salt and zest mixture. If you want a sweeter drink you can also add a bit of sugar to the salt and zest which is also delicious.
Meyer Lemon Cocktails
I love using Meyer lemons for this recipe (and for cocktails in general) because they are much more floral, sweet, and fragrant in flavor than a standard lemon.
You can usually find Meyer Lemons in the grocery store during winter and early spring months. They have a beautiful dark yellow, almost orange rind and the most delicious flavor.
More Margarita Recipes to Try
Limoncello Margarita
The Limoncello Margarita is a tart and refreshing cocktail made with Limoncello lemon liqueur, fresh lemon and lime juices & tequila.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Reposado Tequila
- 2 oz Limoncello
- juice of ½ a lime
- juice of ½ a Meyer lemon
- ½ oz simple syrup or agave
- lemon zest, for the rim
- Maldon sea salt, for the rim
- lemon slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine lemon zest and Maldon salt on a small plate. Rim margarita glass with lime juice and dip in the salt and zest mixture. Fill with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, limoncello, lime juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake for 30 seconds to chill.
- Strain margarita into prepared glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Notes
I recommend using Meyer lemons for this recipe because they are much more floral, sweet and fragrant in flavor than a standard lemon. You can usually find Meyer Lemons in the winter and early spring.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 663Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 874mgCarbohydrates: 111gFiber: 4gSugar: 98gProtein: 2g
