This Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita is the ultimate refreshing drink for warm summer days, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with fresh, better-for-you ingredients and served over a flaky salt rim, it is a healthy, non-alcoholic alternative that you will want to keep on repeat. Whether you are hosting a backyard gathering or simply want a citrusy treat, this mocktail hits the spot every single time.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita in your regular drink rotation. First, it is incredibly easy to make, requiring only five minutes of prep time and simple pantry staples. The combination of fresh strawberries and lime juice creates a vibrant, seasonal flavor profile that feels sophisticated without the need for alcohol. Additionally, it is highly customizable; you can adjust the sweetness with honey or agave and choose your preferred level of fizz using ginger beer or sparkling water. It is a guilt-free indulgence that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium fresh strawberries (ripe and in-season offer the best flavor)
- 0.75 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon honey or agave syrup (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 2 ounces orange juice
- Club soda, sparkling water, or ginger beer (to taste)
- Flaky salt (for the rim of the glass)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Start by placing flaky salt in a shallow dish. Lightly press a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the salt. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
- Prepare the strawberries: You can either place the strawberries in a blender and pulse until smooth, or place them in a sturdy glass and muddle them until they are evenly mashed.
- Shake the ingredients: Combine the blended or muddled strawberries, fresh lime juice, honey (or agave), and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Assemble the drink: Pour the mixture into your salt-rimmed glass. Top the drink with your choice of club soda, sparkling water, or ginger beer to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Add a lime wedge, a lime twist, or fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation and enjoy immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the most out of your Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita, always opt for fresh-squeezed lime juice rather than the bottled variety, as the acidity is much brighter. If your strawberries are not at peak ripeness, you may need to add a bit more honey or agave to balance the tartness of the lime. When it comes to the “fizz” factor, consider your sweetness preference: ginger beer adds a spicy kick and extra sugar, while club soda or sparkling water keeps the drink light and crisp. Finally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the glass, though leaving the strawberry bits in adds extra flavor and fiber.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is very flexible based on what you have in your kitchen. If you are looking for a vegan option, simply swap the honey for agave nectar or a simple syrup. For those who want a different flavor profile, try replacing the strawberries with raspberries or blackberries. If you do not have orange juice on hand, pineapple juice makes a delicious substitute that adds a tropical flair. For a spicy version, muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño with the strawberries to create a Strawberry Jalapeño Mocktail Margarita.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita is the perfect companion for Mexican-inspired dishes like street tacos, fresh guacamole, or ceviche. It also pairs beautifully with summer salads featuring feta cheese and balsamic glaze. For a party setting, you can serve these in traditional margarita glasses or even mason jars for a rustic look. To make it extra festive, garnish with edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
This mocktail is best enjoyed immediately while the carbonation from the soda or ginger beer is fresh. However, you can prep the strawberry, lime, and orange juice base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not add the ice or the carbonated topper until you are ready to serve. This recipe is not suitable for freezing or reheating, as the fresh citrus and bubbles will lose their quality.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 106 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Vitamin C | 56 mg |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the glass: Start by placing flaky salt in a shallow dish. Lightly press a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into the salt. Fill the prepared glass with ice.Flaky salt
- Prepare the strawberries: You can either place the strawberries in a blender and pulse until smooth, or place them in a sturdy glass and muddle them until they are evenly mashed.3-4 medium fresh strawberries
- Shake the ingredients: Combine the blended or muddled strawberries, fresh lime juice, honey (or agave), and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.3-4 medium fresh strawberries, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup, 2 oz orange juice
- Assemble the drink: Pour the mixture into your salt-rimmed glass. Top the drink with your choice of club soda, sparkling water, or ginger beer to taste.Club soda, sparkling water, or ginger beer
- Garnish and serve: Add a lime wedge, a lime twist, or fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation and enjoy immediately.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. It is best to let them thaw slightly before muddling, or simply toss them into a blender with the juices for a frozen margarita texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
As written, this recipe contains honey and fruit juices which are higher in carbs. To make it keto-friendly, use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup and stick to club soda instead of ginger beer.
What is the best salt to use for the rim?
A flaky sea salt or a specific margarita salt works best. Avoid using standard table salt, as it can be overly salty and lacks the pleasant crunch of flaky varieties.
Can I make this in a large batch for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix the strawberry base in a large pitcher. Add the sparkling water or ginger beer just before serving to ensure it stays bubbly.