Irish Margarita Mocktail
/St. Patrick’s Day meets Cinco de Mayo
If you’ve never heard of an Irish Margarita, that’s ok, neither had we until it popped up in our pinterest search. It’s not green, but it IS gold and it’s a fun, St. Patrick’s Day twist on the classic margarita - and you know we had to take the challenge to make it a mocktail!
What is an Irish Margarita?
An Irish Margarita is made by swapping tequila for the smooth, slightly oaky notes of Irish whiskey and following a traditional tequila recipe. Some bars will add a dash of blue curacao to make it green, but it’s not mandatory.
This mocktail version keeps all the bright, citrusy flavors you love—minus the alcohol—by using a quality non-alcoholic whiskey.
As we always say, making mocktails sometimes involves some finessing of the ratios and this was no exception. After several attempts, this recipe created a bright, smoky, salty and oaky drink with a flavour somewhat akin to a cider and somewhat like a margarita. It’s weird and wacky but perfect for a St. Pat’s get together if you’re not interested in a hangover!
What is Non-Alcoholic Whiskey?
Non-alcoholic whiskey is a spirit alternative designed to mimic the flavor, aroma, and complexity of traditional whiskey—without the alcohol. These substitutes often feature notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice, making them a great option for mocktails. While they won’t have the same warmth as alcoholic whiskey, they provide depth and balance to spirit-free cocktails.
Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskeys for This Recipe
Choosing the right non-alcoholic whiskey is key to making a flavorful Irish Margarita. Here are some great options:
NKD Distillery - A female-owned and founded small business with one of the best non-alcoholic whiskeys ever made.
Spiritless Kentucky 74 – A solid choice with caramel and vanilla undertones, great for whiskey-based mocktails.
Lyre’s American Malt – Offers a smoky, slightly sweet profile that works well in mixed drinks.
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey – Features a bold, oak-forward flavor that pairs well with citrus.
Ingredients:
2 oz non-alcoholic whiskey
1 oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz orange juice
½ oz agave syrup
A few dashes of orange bitters
A healthy pinch of salt
Ice
Salt for rimming (optional)
Lime wedge for garnish
How to Make It:
Rim a glass with salt if desired.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add non-alcoholic whiskey, lime juice, orange juice, agave syrup, orange bitters, and salt.
Shake well for about 15 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
This mocktail version delivers the same balance of tart, sweet, and slightly savory flavors, making it a perfect alcohol-free option for any occasion—whether you're celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fresh, bold drink with an Irish twist! 🍀
Irish Margarita Mocktail
Is it a margarita mocktail or a zero-proof mule? It's both! This is a fun twist on a classic margarita ideal for your alcohol-free St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz non-alcoholic whiskey
- 3/4 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- healthy pinch of salt
- 1/2 oz agave
- dash of bitters
Instructions
- Rim a glass with salt if desired.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add non-alcoholic whiskey, lime juice, orange juice, agave syrup, orange bitters, and salt.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
