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+ servings
two glasses of frozen virgin lime margarita
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5 from 3 votes

Virgin Lime Margarita Recipe

This frozen virgin lime margarita recipe will have your guests at your next party asking for seconds!  Learn how to make this simple non-alcoholic drink in minutes with make ahead instructions.  This ice cold drink will be fun for the whole family on Cinco De Mayo or a hot summer day.
Prep Time25 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 147kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Drink

  • 2 12-ounce cans frozen limeade such as Minute Maid
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice from 6 limes
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from 2 jumbo lemons
  • ½ cup pulp-free orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons Angostura orange bitters
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • pinch or two of kosher salt
  • crushed ice enough to make it thick and frozen
  • 1 cup sparkling lime mineral water such as Perrier

For the Rim

  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons margarita salt
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 8 lime wheels from 2 small limes

Instructions

  • Pour 1 cup of water (236 ml) into a small saucepan over medium high heat, then mix in 1 cup of sugar (200g) until it dissolves.  Pour it into a shallow container and put in the freezer for 10 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
  • Wash and dry 9 limes and 2 lemons.  Grate the zest of one lime, then mix it with the margarita salt and spread on a plate.  Wedge the lime and run a wedge around the rim of the glass, then twirl the rim in the salt until coated.  Repeat with the remaining glasses.
  • Roll 6 limes on the counter, applying pressure with your hand to soften them.  (Set aside the other three for garnish.)  Cut the rolled limes in half and microwave them on high for 30 seconds to make them easier to juice.  Juice the limes and lemons with a citrus press.  You should have ½ cup of each lemon and lime juice.
  • Blend together all the ingredients except the sparkling water in the blender, then blend in enough crushed ice to make the drink thick and frozen.  You should have nearly 9 cups.  If you have a small blender, do this step in two batches.
  • Pour the sparkling water into the virgin lime margarita mixture.  It will fizz a little!  Stir until mixed, then carefully pour the margaritas into the prepared glasses.
  • Thinly slice a lime crosswise, then make a small slit in each slice so it sits nicely on the rim of the glass.  Set the lime wheel on the rim of the glass, then serve the margarita immediately.  You can also freeze the drinks in the glasses for up to 2 hours.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeeze the limes and lemons for the best flavor.
  • Use the frozen limeade when it's still frozen, or the drink won't be as thick.
  • If you can't find sparkling lime water, use plain sparkling water with a splash of fresh lime juice.
  • Want to make ahead? Put the virgin lime margarita in the freezer for a 1 ½ to 2 hours or overnight.  Let the mixture thaw for 15 to 20 minutes, then break it up a bit with a fork or spoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2146mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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