There are a handful of classic go-to cocktails: Old Fashioneds, Martinis, Manhattans, Daiquiris, Long Island Ice Teas, and more. One of the classics is a good, well-made, and ice-cold margarita. This classic tequila-based cocktail goes well with a variety of dinners, appetizers, and occasions. It’s a perfect happy hour cocktail that goes down easy and offers light, fruity flavors. 

The problem with margaritas is that they notoriously come served in larger portions, meaning one starts to feel the buzz (and eventual hangover) the boozy drink can bring sooner than one might expect. 

Introducing Ritual Zero Proof’s version of a virgin margarita! Our virgin margarita recipe is the undisputed champ of tequila cocktails in its most classic form. Or take the fast lane with a high-quality (repeat: high-quality) mix. Make it frozen or on the rocks. Standard or spicy. Throw in some fresh herbs if the mood strikes. Your marg, your call.

In this article, we’ll discuss: how to make a virgin margarita, what is a virgin margarita, some of the benefits of drinking an alcohol-free margarita, and some ideal scenarios and situations that might call for something you can sip on all day (or night) long. 

start of recipe

How to make virgin margaritas

Our non-alcoholic margarita recipe is easy to follow, simple to make, and delicious to consume either with company or before you head out for the day. You’ll need: 

2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. agave nectar
Garnish: salt rim

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, shake, shake. Pour into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a lime slice or wedge. This virgin margarita recipe can be altered, tweaked, or changed to your preferences, ensuring your drink will taste perfect every time, all the time. You can also make this virgin margarita recipe with a mix or without, so try different variations to see what’s best for you! 

Why drink a virgin margarita? 

Let’s start with a simple question: what is a virgin margarita? Simply put, this is a drink that tastes identical to a traditional margarita but is made with minimal to zero alcohol. This can be intriguing to some; after all, isn’t part of the reason to drink a margarita to let loose and have a little fun? 

Yes and no. An increasing number of people are choosing not to drink for a number of reasons. Some people don’t enjoy how alcohol makes them feel, and know how much any amount of alcohol can inhibit the decision-making process. Others may choose not to for personal, religious, or moral reasons. An increasing number of people are choosing not to drink for health and wellness reasons; after all, any alcoholic drink adds extra calories to the day, can make sleep difficult at night, and can make working out the next day difficult. There are also plenty who choose to mix in a virgin drink like an alcohol-free margarita as a buffer between drinks, to allow people to drink in moderation. 

In situations like these, a non-alcoholic margarita recipe can be a saving grace; this gives you a chance to enjoy a delicious drink without worrying about the nasty side effects that can come with drinking. Fortunately, we’ll show you how to make a virgin margarita with mix and much more using Ritual Zero Proof’s line of spirit alternatives. Every one of our non-alcoholic spirits is made using premium botanical ingredients that look, smell, and taste like the real thing with absolutely zero alcohol. This means you can enjoy as many alcohol-free margaritas without any hangovers! 

The benefits of drinking virgin margaritas speak for themselves. You’re practically guaranteed to save at least some calories by switching out regular tequila for our Tequila Alternative, depending on what mixes or juices you use. You’ll also get a much better night’s sleep than you would have otherwise had if you chose to drink, and you’ll be able to save money from the Ubers and drunk food you might have purchased. 

Sounds like a pretty good deal to us. 

Ideal scenarios for a virgin margarita recipe

There are countless situations where choosing a non-alcoholic margarita could be a perfect selection. For starters, it’s a quick and easy happy hour companion, especially with your team or coworkers. After a particularly long work day, you need to let off a little steam. Hit your favorite spot and ask for a virgin margarita, some chips and salsa, and maybe a few other appetizers. Let the nonsense of the workday melt away and indulge in a delicious non-alcoholic drink with the only people you see more often than your family. 

Another great situation: suppose it’s Saturday and your schedule is cleared out of any responsibilities. Time to hit the town with your friends! Whether or not you choose to drink alcohol, our alcohol-free margarita can be a nice change of pace. If you’ve been drinking, it’s a great way to stay in the moment without consuming more booze. If you choose to stay sober, it’s a perfect drink to enjoy with friends without feeling like you’re missing out on all the fun. The perks of course are that you’ll likely last much longer into the day than those who choose to drink and you’ll still wake up hangover-free in the morning! Or, at least with a smaller hangover, depending on what else you drink. 

There are other times when it simply makes more sense to stay sober; if you’re a weekend warrior, you likely have a workout to crush in the morning, or chores and responsibilities to do in the afternoon. Not to worry. You can enjoy our Virgin Margarita Recipe from Friday at 5 throughout your weekend. Zero booze means you’ll be able to safely drive to and from wherever you need to go, and you’ll have a clear head when fulfilling your responsibilities. The best part? You can keep drinking these once your work for the day is done! 

Lastly, let’s talk about the time-honored house party. Whether it’s a summer afternoon with friends or a pregame before heading out for the night, utilizing a non-alcoholic margarita recipe can be a smart way to make sure you either don’t drink too much too early or stay sober as needed throughout the day or night. Pro tip: if it’s your turn to be the designated driver, virgin margaritas can be a tasty way to ensure you can still have fun without worrying about alcohol. 

Whether you’re looking for a break between drinks or a delicious alternative to a crowd-pleasing favorite, our Virgin Margarita Recipe provides a wonderful virgin margarita that you can enjoy any time day or night. Pick up a bottle of Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative and start mixing!