The Italian margarita is the sophisticated cousin of the classic margarita. Made with tequila, amaretto, fresh lime juice, and fresh lemon juice, this bright and refreshing cocktail is deliciously simple.
One of the best things about this Italian margarita is that it usually doesn’t need added sweetener. The almond-flavored liqueur amaretto balances the tartness of the citrus and provides natural sweetness, so you can skip simple syrup unless you prefer a sweeter drink.
The amaretto also gives the cocktail a warm, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with tequila. If you enjoy a refreshing, slightly nutty margarita, this one is likely to become a favorite.
Helpful tips
- Try the cocktail without additional sweetener first. If it needs more sweetness after tasting, add 1/4 ounce of simple syrup at a time until it suits your palate — you can always add more but you can’t remove it.
- Use a good-quality silver (blanco) tequila; a reposado or añejo will also work and will add extra complexity.
- Unlike many margaritas, this recipe doesn’t call for an orange liqueur. The amaretto provides enough body and sweetness that you won’t miss it.
- Wash citrus before juicing: rub the fruit with a little unscented soap, scrub the skin gently with a vegetable brush, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Depending on size, a large lime typically yields about 1 ounce of juice, and half a large lemon can also yield about 1 ounce.
- Cut two lime wedges for garnish.
- Salt the rim of a glass only if you like it. To rim a glass, place coarse salt on a small plate, moisten the rim with simple syrup or a lime wedge, then roll the upside-down rim in the salt. Shake off excess before filling.
How to make an Italian margarita
Pre-step
Chill your glassware if desired. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and prepare a measuring cup. Have two glasses ready (a margarita glass and a double old fashioned glass both work well).
Step one
Gather the ingredients: tequila, amaretto, fresh limes, and fresh lemons.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces tequila.
Step three
Measure 3 ounces amaretto (or another almond liqueur).
Step four
Measure 1 ounce fresh lime juice.
Step five
Measure 1 ounce fresh lemon juice.
Step six
Add the tequila, amaretto, lime juice, and lemon juice to the shaker with ice. Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Taste, and if you prefer it sweeter add 1/4 ounce simple syrup, shake again, and taste once more.
Fill your glasses with fresh ice, strain the cocktail evenly between the two glasses, and squeeze a lime wedge into each drink. Garnish with the lime wedges and serve.
The amber hue from the amaretto makes the drink look as inviting as it tastes.
This Italian margarita strikes a lovely balance between bright citrus and the nutty sweetness of amaretto.
I hope you enjoy this easy and elegant cocktail — perfect for entertaining or a relaxing evening at home.
Other delicious margarita recipes
- Pomegranate margarita
- Jalapeño margarita
- Sangria margarita
- Lemon curd margarita
- Cucumber margarita
And as always, may all your dishes and drinks be delish!
If you try this recipe, please leave a note to share your thoughts — I love hearing what you think.
Italian Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 ounces tequila (silver or blanco)
- 3 ounces amaretto (or almond liqueur)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
Optional – try it without first
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
Garnish
- 2 lime wedges
- Salt for rim (kosher or flaky), optional
Instructions
- If you want a salted rim, moisten the glass rim with simple syrup or lime and dip it in coarse salt; shake off excess.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and prepare your glasses.
- Add 4 ounces tequila, 3 ounces amaretto, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
- Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Taste and add 1/4 ounce simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, then shake again.
- Fill the glasses with fresh ice, strain the cocktail evenly between them, and squeeze a lime wedge into each glass.
- Garnish with the lime wedges, sip, and enjoy.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring glass
- Margarita or double old fashioned glass
Notes
Please taste the margarita before adding simple syrup. If you want it sweeter, add 1/4 ounce at a time until it suits your taste.
Helpful tips
- Wash citrus before juicing: rub with unscented soap, brush the skin, and rinse thoroughly.
- A large lime typically yields about 1 ounce of juice; half a large lemon can yield about 1 ounce.
- Salt only the glasses you prefer rimmed to avoid over-salting the drink.
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.