Meyer Lemon Recipes

Meyer Lemon Margarita with Rosemary Simple Syrup

Millie Pham

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this one! Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart than regular lemons, making them perfect for a margarita.

Add a rosemary simple syrup for a touch of herbal goodness, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail that’s refreshing, a little fancy, and totally sippable.

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself after a long day, this drink feels special but is so easy to make. Let’s get to it!

What You’ll Need

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

For the Margarita:

  • 2 oz fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 oz tequila (blanco works great here)
  • 1 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
  • 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Coarse salt for rimming
  • Optional garnish: Meyer lemon wheels and rosemary sprigs

Pro Tips

  1. Juicing Hack: Roll the Meyer lemons on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out of them.
  2. Make It Kid-Friendly: Skip the tequila and triple sec, and mix the Meyer lemon juice and rosemary syrup with sparkling water for a fun mocktail.
  3. Perfect Rim: Rub a lemon wedge around the glass rim before dipping it into salt for the best stick.
  4. Chill Everything: A super cold glass and ingredients make for the best margarita experience.
  5. Batch It Up: Making drinks for a crowd? You can prep the rosemary syrup and juice ahead of time for easy assembly.

Tools Needed

  • Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Citrus juicer
  • Glass for serving
  • Plate for salt rimming

Substitutions and Variations

  • No Meyer Lemons? Use regular lemons and add a teaspoon of orange juice to mimic the sweetness.
  • No Triple Sec? Swap in Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or even a splash of orange juice.
  • Herbal Switch-Up: Try thyme or basil in place of rosemary for a fun twist.

Make Ahead Tips

  • You can make the rosemary simple syrup up to a week in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar.

Instructions

1. Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 3 rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and cool completely.

a small saucepan with water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs simmering, sugar crystals dissolving in the bubbling liquid

2. Prep the Glass

Rub a Meyer lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it in coarse salt to coat.

an empty glass being rimmed with only one Meyer lemon wedge, salt on a small plate in the background

3. Shake It Up

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Meyer lemon juice, 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz rosemary simple syrup, and a handful of ice. Shake until well-chilled (about 15 seconds).

4. Pour and Garnish:

Strain the margarita into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a wheel of Meyer lemon.

Ultra close-up of a golden yellow margarita being poured into a frosty salted glass from a shaker, garnished with a rosemary sprig and lemon wheel

Leftovers and Storage

If you’ve got leftover rosemary simple syrup, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Use it for more margaritas, iced tea, or sparkling water!

Wrap-Up

This Meyer Lemon Margarita with Rosemary Simple Syrup is one of those drinks that just hits differently—fresh, zesty, and a little herbaceous. It’s a fun way to elevate your cocktail game without a ton of effort. If you try this, let me know how it turns out or what fun twists you came up with. Cheers! 🍋

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!