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This lemon margarita is one of my go-to cocktails—bright, citrusy, and made with just four simple ingredients. I make it often during spring and summer, especially when my Meyer lemon trees are full!
Want more margarita recipes? Try my skinny margarita, lemonade margarita, raspberry margarita, and cucumber margarita.
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Pin ItWhy You’ll Love This Lemon Margarita Recipe
Sunshine in a glass – Fresh lemon juice give it a bright and refreshing twist on a classic golden margarita.
Just 4 ingredients – Simple, quick, and so easy to remember.
Perfect year-round – Meyer lemons in the winter, regular lemons in summer.
Easy to customize – Make it spicy, floral, or sparkling! If my lavender’s in full bloom, I’ll shake up a lavender margarita too!
If I have extra lemons make lemon drop shots, bee’s knees, lemon mules or a smoky mule!
Lemon Margarita Ingredient Notes
Tequila – Blanco or reposado works best. Quality makes a difference!
Orange liqueur – Cointreau is my favorite, but Grand Marnier, triple sec, or even fresh orange juice will work.
Fresh lemon juice – Squeeze it yourself for the best flavor. Meyer lemons are my go-to.
Simple syrup – Adds balance. Swap for agave or honey syrup if you prefer.
Salt or sugar for the rim – Salt for classic margarita vibes, sugar for a lemon drop twist.
Lemon zest – For a little pop of citrusy aroma.
How to Make a Lemon Margarita
Prepare Glasses: Rub lemon around glass rims and dip in salt for an optional salt rim garnish.
Mix Base Spirits: Combine tequila, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
Add Sweetener: Pour in simple syrup to balance the citrus flavors.
Shake Cocktail: Add ice cubes and shake until well chilled.
Pour Drink: Strain into prepared glasses over fresh ice.
Garnish: Top with lemon zest and garnish with lemon wedge or fresh rosemary
Recipe Tips & Variations
Get more juice: Roll your lemons on the counter before cutting to release as much juice as possible.
Shake it well: A 20-second shake chills the drink and brings all the flavors together perfectly.
Sweeten to taste: Start with less simple syrup and adjust as needed. It’s easier to add more than to take it out.
Skinny version: Use agave syrup for a lighter, natural sweetener.
For a Crowd: To make a pitcher, simply multiply the recipe and shake or stir well before serving. Great for parties!
Add a kick: Toss in a slice of jalapeño or use jalapeño-infused tequila for a spicy twist.
How to Make a Salt Rim
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it in salt or sugar. Tip: avoid salting the inside of the glass—it can overpower the drink.
Lemon Margarita FAQ
I recommend a smooth blanco or reposado tequila—Casamigos, Espolòn, or Don Julio are all great choices.
Technically yes, but fresh-squeezed lemon juice will give you that bright, fresh flavor bottled juice just can’t match.
Reduce the simple syrup or swap it for agave, which adds sweetness without being overpowering.
Absolutely! Swap the tequila and orange liqueur for sparkling water and a splash of orange juice.
Lime margaritas are more tart, while lemon margaritas are brighter and slightly sweeter—especially if you use Meyer lemons.
More Margarita Recipes
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Lemon Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lemon juice, fresh
- 1 ounce orange liqueur, Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- salt , for the rim
Instructions
- First, salt the rim of each glass.
- Add the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared cocktail glass with a salted rim.
- Add a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest over the top. Then add a lemon wedge or a fresh spring of rosemary to garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Deeeeelishus!!!! Trying to use all our Meyer lemons from our tree. THIS is the solution!!
This Lemon Margarita is amazing! I can’t wait to make it again and again!
This was so refreshing, the perfect drink for a hot and humid day!! I could not get enough! I am making a pitcher of this this weekend and can’t wait!