What is it that makes the margarita the perfect partner to a taco? Perhaps it’s a lesson in contrasts. The savory, rich flavors of the taco offset the sweet and tang of the margarita. Or is it like attracting like? The spice on the marg blends perfectly with the heat of the taco. Maybe it’s not worth examining too closely. Tacos and margs go together like PB & J. Sriracha and mayo. Bacon and chocolate. (No? Just us on that one?)
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, or any day, these zero alcohol margarita recipes will be the perfect complement to those al pastor, carnitas, or soy-rizo tacos. And you can have as many as you want without dreading Hangover Wednesday.
All Day Marg
First up is the classic. The Mr. Dependable of margs. It’s incredibly simple to make and much tastier than that leftover mix from Cinco de Mayo 2019. We make it zero proof by swapping in Ritual Tequila Alternative for tequila. You can make it on the rocks or blended, and spice it up as you please. This is your blank canvas. Make your masterpiece.
2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Lime slice or wedge
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake. Pour into a cocktail glass, garnish with a lime slice or wedge.
Heat Wave (Spicy Marg)
Ok, so you’re a bit of a spice fiend. You like your food blazing, and your drink should follow suit. You’ve already got the jalapeño ready to garnish your tacos, so why not use it to spice up your drink as well? Our version is made zero proof with our tequila substitute, so you can lose the booze but not the burn. Time to harness that fiery pepper and take the night into next gear.
2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. triple sec
½ oz. agave nectar
½ jalapeño pepper
Basil Leaf
Tajin or Valentina Seasoning (for rim)
Pour Tequila Alternative over jalapeño and basil, sliced lengthwise, in a cocktail shaker. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. The longer, the spicier. Add lime, triple sec, agave and ice. Shake shake shake. Pour over ice into your salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with jalapeño slices and basil leaf.
McDowell’s Masterpiece
For those who like to travel light, this is a nice, crisp, super-drinkable margarita. And it’s low calorie, if you’re counting them. But it’s got that same margarita tang, plus some fizz from the club soda. We make it no ABV by substituting our tequila replacement for the real thing. More than enough reason not to feel guilty about drinking them all night. Salud!
2 oz Ritual Tequila Alternative
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz orange infused simple syrup
2 oz club soda
Lime slice or wedge
Chipotle salt (optional)
Simmer the zest of an orange in a 1:1 simple syrup for five minutes. Combine Ritual Tequila Alternative, lime juice and orange simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake shake shake. Pour over ice in a chipotle salt-rimmed rocks glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with lime.
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