This kiwi margarita is bright, fresh, and a little tangy. It tastes like sunshine in a glass. The kiwi makes it sweet and tropical, while the lime keeps it crisp. It is easy to make, pretty to serve, and great for a warm day or a fun dinner at home.
Servings and Time
Servings: 2 margaritas
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this kiwi margarita when I had a few ripe kiwis sitting on the counter. They were too soft to slice neatly, but perfect for blending. I mixed them with lime, tequila, and a little orange liqueur, and it turned into such a fresh, pretty drink.
What I love most is that it tastes special, but it does not take much work.
- It is fruity without being too sweet.
- The kiwi gives it a fun green color.
- Lime juice makes it taste fresh.
- It works blended or shaken.
- It feels fancy but is simple to make.
What You’ll Need
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 3 ounces silver tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt, for the rim
- 1 lime wedge, for the rim
- 2 kiwi slices, for garnish
- 2 lime wedges, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Small plate
- Two margarita glasses
- Spoon
Pro Tips
- Use ripe kiwis. They should feel a little soft when you press them.
- Taste before serving. Add more simple syrup if your kiwis are tart.
- Chill the glasses first for a colder drink.
- Do not overdo the salt rim. A light rim tastes best.
- Blend until smooth, but stop once the ice is crushed.
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Kiwi
Peel 3 ripe kiwis and chop them into small pieces. Set aside 2 kiwi slices for garnish.
Step 2: Salt the Glass Rims
Run 1 lime wedge around the rim of 2 margarita glasses. Dip each rim into 1 tablespoon coarse salt on a small plate.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Blender
Add the 3 chopped ripe kiwis, 3 ounces silver tequila, 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur, 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, and 1 cup ice to a blender.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Blend until the drink is smooth and icy. The kiwi should be fully blended, with tiny black seeds still visible.
Step 5: Pour and Garnish
Pour the kiwi margarita into the 2 salted margarita glasses. Garnish each glass with 1 kiwi slice, 1 lime wedge, and fresh mint leaves.
Macros Information
Approximate macros per margarita:
- Calories: 245
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Kiwi has natural sweetness and a bright tart taste. Lime juice adds acid, which makes the drink taste fresh. Simple syrup balances the tart fruit. Ice makes it cold and smooth. Tequila and orange liqueur add warmth and citrus flavor, so the drink tastes balanced instead of flat.
Common Mistakes
- Using hard kiwis: They can taste sour and bland.
- Skipping the lime juice: The drink may taste too sweet.
- Adding too much ice: It can water down the flavor.
- Not tasting before serving: Kiwi sweetness changes a lot.
- Over-salting the rim: Too much salt can hide the kiwi flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup.
- Use frozen kiwi for a thicker drink.
- Add fresh pineapple for a sweeter tropical flavor.
- Add jalapeño slices for a spicy kiwi margarita.
- Make it alcohol-free with sparkling water instead of tequila and orange juice instead of orange liqueur.
Make Ahead Tips
You can peel and chop the kiwis up to 1 day ahead. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. You can also juice the limes ahead of time. Blend the drink right before serving so it stays icy and fresh.
What to Serve With
- Chips and salsa
- Guacamole
- Fish tacos
- Chicken tacos
- Shrimp skewers
- Grilled corn
- Fresh fruit platter
Leftovers and Storage
This margarita tastes best right after blending. If you have leftovers, pour them into a sealed jar and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 day. Shake or blend again before serving. You can also freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray and blend them later.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this without alcohol?
A: Yes. Use sparkling water instead of tequila and orange juice instead of orange liqueur.
Q: Can I use frozen kiwi?
A: Yes. Frozen kiwi makes the drink thicker and colder.
Q: Do I have to strain the kiwi seeds?
A: No. The tiny seeds are normal and add texture.
Q: Can I make it sweeter?
A: Yes. Add 1/2 ounce more simple syrup and blend again.
Q: Can I make it on the rocks?
A: Yes. Blend the kiwi, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup without ice. Pour over ice.
Final Thoughts
This kiwi margarita is fresh, fun, and easy to make. It is a great drink when you want something bright and a little different. Try it, taste as you go, and make it just how you like it. Leave a comment with how it turned out or any questions you have.
