Italian Margarita is a welcome change to the usual Margarita recipe, and definitely something you’ll enjoy.
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What is Italian Margarita?
Italian Margarita is a take on the classic Margarita, with amaretto liqueur instead of triple sec. The result is a vastly different Margarita than the original, but in a very good way. Technically you could also make this Margarita with any Italian liqueur, such as Campari, or Limoncello. But amaretto seems to be the preferred liqueur for this Margarita, so that’s what we used. Here’s how to make your own Italian Margarita.
When is this drink best ?
I think the Italian Margarita works great in any season, be it summer or winter. The amaretto seems to work great in the warm and cold season, depending on your preference. Personally I’d have it more in the cold season, but I can see how it would be a great summer evening cocktail.
My thoughts on Italian Margarita
I liked the Italian Margarita, I think the amaretto changes everything in a great way. It’s subtle, and you can still taste the tequila, but it adds a very pleasant and slightly bitter almond note. I know it’s not for everyone but it was definitely a great flavor for me.
The lemon juice works better with both amaretto and tequila than the lime juice, but lime is traditional in Margarita so it had to be done. However if I were to make this for myself again I’d only use lemon juice, it just tastes different.
Overall this is a sour Margarita, there really isn’t any sweetness in it aside from what amaretto brings. If you did opt for the sugar rim it goes down easier.
Recipe Card
Italian Margarita Cocktail Recipe
An interesting and delicious twist on the classic Margarita.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz amaretto
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- granulates sugar for the rim (optional)
Instructions
- If you want the sugar rim, wet the rim of a rocks glass, and dip it in sugar. Add some ice in the glass, set aside.
- In a shaker combine tequila, amaretto, lemon juice, lime juice, ice. Shake very well.
- Strain into sugared rocks glass.
Notes
The sugar rim is optional but since there's no real sweetness in this, it might be a good idea.
If you like Italian Margarita, you might also like…
Texas Margarita – another equally sour Margarita
Tequila Honey Bee – tequila and honey, may remind you of the Italian Margarita
Tommy’s Margarita – a simpler, but arguably better Margarita
Golden Margarita – a Margarita with gold tequila
Amaretto Sour – an Italian sweet and sour
Notes, substitutes, and tips
Amaretto can be quite strong, so keep this in mind if you’re not an almond fan. Funny enough this liqueur doesn’t always use actual almonds. Some brands use almonds, and some use apricot seeds instead. If you’re allergic to almonds, or want to avoid the taste entirely you should look for the Amaretto di Saronno brand, they 100% use apricot seeds.
This cocktail might benefit from a little bit of added sweetness, either in the form of simple syrup, or agave syrup, or honey syrup.
