Non-Alcoholic Classic Margarita Mocktail
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Can you make a non-alcoholic margarita that tastes just like the real thing? It’s possible, and here is the simplest recipe with some tips on how to adjust your cocktail for zero alcohol, but max margarita flavour!
What is non-alcoholic tequila?
Non-alcoholic tequila is a 0.5% ABV (or less) spirit. It’s legally considered non-alcoholic, but not alcohol-free unless specifically labelled as alcohol-free. There are various ways to create a non-alcoholic spirit but it is usually a combination of distillation and maceration. Small quantities of alcohol are involved in the production process, but controlled and removed before the final product is bottled.
What should I be looking for in a non-alcoholic tequila?
Agave flavour is the trademark of tequila. It’s what sets this spirit apart from all the rest, so it’s important that your n/a version has a recognizable agave flavour.
Smokiness is also key. In the process of making tequila, the heart of an agave is harvested from the plant and roasted in underground ovens over hot rocks. Roasting the heart in this manner gives the spirit that deep, smoky flavor that makes mezcal so distinctive.
Heat or ‘spiciness’ is hard to get right. The heat in tequila usually comes from alcohol, so replicating the gentle but very specific burn of the real thing is tough. Most brands add their own level of heat using natural ways to replicate alcohol.
Which non-alcoholic tequila should I use?
HP Juniper is a Canadian non-alcoholic spirit that is fantastic. It replicates a traditional tequila with a nice balance of heat without sacrificing flavour.
Notes on Preparation
A smaller amount of citrus works better with non-alcoholic spirits, so adjusting the traditional margarita recipe by about 50% less lime juice works best - it all depends on the brand of n/a tequila you’re using so test out one or two cocktails to get the ratio right
The salt is necessary but don’t be heavy handed - just a pinch
If you aren’t totally alcohol-free, swap the OJ with triple sec
Using crushed ice in the margarita glass makes it more like a blender drink
Ingredients:
4 oz HP Agave Non-Alcoholic Tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz orange juice (from concentrate is fine)
A pinch of sea salt
Preparation
Add the tequila, lime juice, orange juice and salt to a shaker with ice
Shake for 5-10 seconds to chill
Strain into a margarita glass with crushed ice
Garnish with a lime wedge
Cheers & enjoy!
Classic Non-Alcoholic Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 oz HP Agave Non-Alcoholic Tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange juice (from concentrate is fine)
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add the tequila, lime juice, orange juice and salt to a shaker with ice
- Shake for 5-10 seconds to chill
- Strain into a margarita glass with crushed ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge
