Cocktail Recipes

Fresh Green Margarita

Millie Pham

If you’re looking for a margarita that’s fresh, vibrant, and a little different, this Green Margarita is it! It’s smooth, citrusy, and packed with real ingredients—fresh lime, orange, and a hint of cilantro for an herby twist.

Perfect for taco night, summer BBQs, or just a little treat for yourself. It’s super easy to make, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought margarita mix!

What You’ll Need

For the Margarita:

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • ½ oz fresh orange juice (about ½ an orange)
  • ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
  • Small handful of fresh cilantro leaves
  • ½ jalapeño (optional, for a little heat)
  • Ice (for shaking and serving)

For the Rim:

  • 1 tbsp coarse salt
  • ½ tsp lime zest
  • 1 lime wedge (to rim the glass)

Pro Tips 💡

✔️ Use fresh citrus! Bottled lime juice won’t cut it. Fresh juice makes all the difference.
✔️ Adjust the sweetness. Like it tart? Use less agave. Want it smoother? Add a bit more.
✔️ Strain well. If you don’t want cilantro bits in your drink, use a fine mesh strainer.
✔️ Spicy or not? If you love heat, keep the jalapeño seeds in. For just a hint of spice, remove them.
✔️ Chill the glass. A cold glass keeps your margarita nice and refreshing.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Citrus juicer
  • Strainer
  • Muddler or spoon
  • Small plate (for salt rim)
  • Rocks glass or margarita glass

Substitutions & Variations

  • No Cointreau? Use triple sec or even fresh orange juice for a lighter version.
  • No agave syrup? Honey or simple syrup works too.
  • Not a fan of cilantro? Try fresh basil for a unique twist!
  • Want a mocktail? Skip the tequila and add sparkling water.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Mix everything except the ice in a jar and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Just shake with ice before serving!

How to Make It

1. Prep the Rim

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into a mix of salt and lime zest.

2. Muddle the Herbs & Jalapeño

In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeño (if using). Muddle gently to release flavors.

3. Add the Liquids

Pour in the tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and agave syrup into the shaker.

4. Shake It Up

Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

5. Strain & Serve

Strain the margarita into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

6. Garnish & Enjoy

Top with a fresh cilantro leaf, a lime wheel, or a jalapeño slice for an extra pop of flavor.

Leftovers & Storage

  • Margaritas taste best fresh, but you can store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a day. Just shake again before serving!
  • Don’t store with ice—it’ll water it down.

Time to Shake Things Up!

This Green Margarita is fresh, fun, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just a little treat for yourself, it’s sure to hit the spot. Try it out and let me know how it turned out in the comments! 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!