Mango Margarita – it’s is an easy and flavorful fruity cocktail with mango and shots of tequila. Perfect for simple celebrations or holiday gatherings. It is truly a refreshing summer cocktail!
When it comes to fruit, I’m sure it’s pretty obvious by now that I’m deeply in love with the tropical ones – pineapples, coconuts, mangoes – those are on the top of my list. Just go check my blog, and you’ll see a pretty long list.
Margaritas always make me dream of an island getaway, relaxing on the beach, or sailing on a yacht with a glass of this boozy yet fruity drink and a good read. Just soooo much fun under the sun – if lying counts as a fun thing to do. With such a hectic life, it is definitely a total yesss for me!
And if I’m going to get boozed up to celebrate life and summer, then I certainly want to enjoy some tropical flavors, just like this margarita recipe. I’m really not into alcoholic drinks but when I tried this Mango Margarita recipe, oh boy, pour me some more!!
What Makes a Margarita a Margarita?
Let’s get this straight! To be a true margarita, it has to have tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. After that, it’s basically a free-for-all. Margaritas have many variations. They can come in different flavors like chili-mango, strawberry, or watermelon mint, and they can differ in how you serve them up, like on the rocks, frozen, or even without ice. While it is traditionally served in a margarita glass, you can serve it as a martini or even in a wine glass. Just don’t tell anyone I said that. 😉 So you see, it’s pretty customizable!
Once, I used mango nectar instead of fresh mangoes since I can’t always get good mangoes in my area. When I’m visiting my sister, it’s reeeally hard to find good mangoes at a decent price. It’s so different in LA, where I can easily whip up any of my favorite mango recipes, and, on top of that, they’re usually on sale.
The standard margarita recipe also varies by location. Deep inside Mexico, the margarita is equal parts of decent blanco or silver tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
Whereas in the US, it leans toward a sweeter and softer version (just how I prefer it to be). It’s made with 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, 1 part lime juice, and either ½ or 1 part simple syrup or equal parts sugar and water, and it’s perfect.
What You’ll Need for the Drink
- Sea salt or sugar – for lining the rim of the glass (optional).
- Mango – an incredibly sweet and flavorful tropical fruit that is the perfect addition to fruit salads, salsas, and drinks.
- Tequila – a Mexican liquor made from agave nectar and a principal ingredient in margaritas.
- Orange liqueur – It can be Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Cointreau, or other sweet orange-flavored liqueur. It adds a wonderfully fresh citrusy taste to any cocktail.
- Lime juice – adds a fresh tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Ice – An essential ingredient in frozen drinks like margaritas and daiquiris. Although it is optional, it makes the drink so much more refreshing.
- Sugar or simple syrup – this ingredient balances the tartness of the lemon for a truly refreshing drink.
Ingredient Substitutions
Alcohol Subs
- Vodka – If tequila isn’t your kind of jam, you can substitute it with vodka, but the drink won’t have that distinct bite and kick and is much subtler than with tequila. Aroma-wise, vodka is bland and quite odorless, while tequila has an herbal, peppery, and fiery aroma. Still, vodka margaritas are refreshing cocktails that pretty much retain that sweetness and hint of the tartness of the original version.
- Mescal – a Mexican liquor made from the agave plant; it’s stronger than tequila, so you need to cut back on it or add more syrup into your cocktail.
- Cachaca – a Brazilian liquor made from sugar cane. As with the mescal, it is much stronger than tequila, so use less of it or add more syrup.
- Rum – This one has a similar taste and feel as tequila once it’s mixed in a cocktail. It might make it more like a daiquiri, but who’s going to tell? It’s all about personal tastes and what you have on hand.
- Orange liqueur – Grand Marnier is awesome, but so is the price. Any good orange liqueur or even orange-flavored brandy will work. If you don’t have an orange liqueur, you can take regular brandy or other liquor and add a couple of drops of orange extract. I won’t tell if you don’t.
- Kid-friendly version – replace the tequila and orange liqueur with a little agave syrup or tequila extract and orange juice. It makes a great smoothie the kids will love. A WIN-WIN!!!
Other Subs
- Fresh mango – If you can’t find good, fresh mangoes, then mango nectar or frozen or canned mangoes will do.
- Sugar – Mangoes are pretty sweet on their own, and so is the orange liqueur. If you prefer a drink that is not as sweet, you can just leave it out.
So it’s pretty up to you on how you want your margaritas to be like! Cheers to the good life! Bottoms up!!
Storage Instructions and Presentation
Frozen Mango Margarita. This recipe is perfect for one person or a big group. You can make the frozen margarita ahead and store it already in glasses in the freezer. Relax and enjoy the party.
Mango Margarita on the Rocks. If you prefer your Margarita on the rocks, you can store the mix in an airtight container in the fridge for over a week. Just pour it over ice when ready to serve.
Salt or sugar on the rim. This is optional but it is a nice touch that adds a little zing to the drink. Put the sugar or salt on a shallow plate. Take a lime slice and rub it on the rim of the glass to give it a little stickiness. Then set the rim of the glass on the plate with salt or sugar. Done! Pour and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Since margaritas are heavy on lime, just about any dish (chicken, beef, seafood, it’s all good) with lime or lemon in it will pair well. How about a good Carne Asada, or tacos with Pico de Gallo? And, it’s the perfect accompaniment to Shrimp Ceviche.
More Fun Drinks
How to Make a Mango Margarita
Prep the ingredients and the glass
- Assemble the ingredients (photo 1)
- Lime – Use sliced lime to rub the rim of the glass. (photo 2)
- Salt or Sugar the Rim – Then dip the glass upside down in sugar or salt ( I used pink salt to add some extra color) – Just an optional step, not necessary, but you know I’m always about extra! (photos 3 & 4)
Prepare the Margarita Mix
- Blend – Then add chopped mango, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, sugar, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth. (photos 5-8)
- Pour – Pour the blended mango margarita mix into a glass – you may add additional ice if inclined. Give it a stir, then garnish with a lime wedge.
Watch How to Make it
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Mango Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 slice lime for lining rim (optional)
- sea salt or sugar for lining rim (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups or 1 large mango, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) lime juice
- 3 tablespoons (44.36 ml) tequila
- 1½ tablespoons (22.18 ml) Grand Marnier, or orange liqueur of choice
- 3 tablespoons (37.80 g) sugar or more
- 2-3 cups ice or more
Instructions
- Rim margarita glass - Use sliced lime to rub the rim of the glass. Then dip the glass upside down in sugar or salt ( I used pink salt to add some extra color) - Just an optional step that adds zing; it’s not necessary.
- Then add chopped mango, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, sugar, and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mango into a glass - you may add additional ice if inclined. Give it a stir, garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes:
- Buy mangoes when they're on sale and freeze them - The best deal on fresh mangoes is typically available during spring. You can cut mangoes into cubes and place them out in a baking pan covered with plastic wrap for 24 hours. Then place those frozen mango cubes in a freezer plastic bag and store them until you need to.
- Spice it up! If you want to add some heat to your frozen drink, add a little chili powder to the salt or sugar that you rim the glass with.
- Make it colder! If you want a brain-freezing drink on a blistering hot day, chill the alcohol in the freezer. It won’t become solid because alcohol doesn’t freeze.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Felicia says
Hi Imma,
Can the alcohol be left out?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Felicia, yes it can.