


If you are just dying to use that shaker, you'll combine all of your Italian margarita ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, pop on the lid, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Time to get mixing! The cocktail shaker isn't necessary unless you want your marg extremely chilled before it hits the ice in your glass. If desired, use your fingers to gently press the salt or sugar up against the sides. Once the rim is wet, you can turn the glass upside down and gently swirl it around in either the salt or sugar. Now, you'll take a lime wedge with a slit cut into the center, and run it along the rim of your margarita glass. Want to make that sugar rim extra special? Grate about one teaspoon of orange zest over the sugar and rub it in with your fingers. If you'd like a sugar rim, add ⅓ cup of granulated sugar to a small plate just the same. If you'd like a salt rim, add ⅓ cup of kosher salt to a small plate and give it a little shimmy.

#Italian margarita how to#
HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN MARGARITASīefore you get to whipping up this Italian Margarita Recipe, you'll first have to decide if you want a salted rim or a sugar-rimmed glass. While you wouldn't normally think of the fruit pits as almond-flavored, they are sources of an organic compound that tastes very similar to almonds.Īnd, while it may seem like a surprising combination, this almond liqueur is well-suited to complement the sweet and tangy lime flavor of a margarita. It can be made from apricot pits, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds. ALL ABOUT AMARETTOĪmaretto is Italian for "a little bitter" This liqueur originated in Italy, is mostly sweet, and tastes like almonds, with only a faintly bitter note to it.īecause of the addition of amaretto liqueur, Italian Margaritas are less sour than classic margaritas and slightly sweeter with a hint of sweet, nutty almond flavor. If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, consider adding an ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar to this Italian Margarita Recipe. You can make it yourself, buy it from the store, or use agave nectar in its place. Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that has been boiled together and is used to sweeten cocktails. And, it does it at a much more budget-friendly price point - bonus.Īnother factor when it comes to differentiating the Italian Margarita from your classic margarita is the lack of simple syrup. Not only do orange and amaretto play extremely well together, but the orange juice sort of replaces the orange flavor you'd typically get from the orange liqueur. Orange Juice | In addition to the lime juice, you'll need a little fresh-squeezed orange juice as well.Don't stray toward the fake, bottled, sweet, and sour mix. Lime Juice | Fresh lime juice is best when it comes to making margaritas at home.Tequila | Your margaritas can be made with either silver or reposado tequila.The amaretto replaces the orange liqueur (or triple sec) typically found in a margarita recipe.īut, before we get into what amaretto can do for your Italian Margarita, let's first cover some basic margarita ingredients first: The main difference between a standard margarita on the rocks and an Italian Margarita is the addition of an Italian liqueur called amaretto liqueur. Looking for more awesome margarita recipes to try? You'll love our top-shelf Cadillac Margaritas and these Skinny Margaritas too! WHAT'S IN AN ITALIAN MARGARITA? Not only because of the fresh and vibrant flavors, but it's also a little sweeter and smoother than your classic marg and your guests will be excited to change things up with something a little different. You could safely say that this is the perfect cocktail for Summertime hosting.

Plus, we'll be using fresh ingredients (goodbye, bottled lime juice!) to achieve the best possible flavor. Olive Garden may have put the Italian Margarita on the map, but with this recipe, you'll be making a far superior version, in the comfort of your own home.
