Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita
Refreshing and naturally sweetened – this three citrus, no added sugar, margarita hits the spot on a hot summer day, paired with chips and salsa or enjoyed on a random rainy afternoon. Fresh squeezed grapefruit, orange, and lime juices combine in a tangy-sweet-sour margarita.
Grapefruit is the predominant flavor in this margarita, with orange contributing sweetness and lime adding the sour tang. This three citrus, no added sugar, margarita is easy to make – just juice the citrus, add tequila and ice, shake, and serve.
Triple sec, an orange liqueur, is traditionally used in margaritas to add sweetness and balance the sourness from the lime. Instead of the artificial sugar and flavor from triple sec, we substitute natural sugar from orange juice. Fresh squeezed orange juice lends a subtle sweetness, rounding out the grapefruit and lime’s sour and bitter notes. When making this three citrus margarita, combine the juices in the suggested proportions and taste before adding the tequila. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add more orange juice.
More tasty cocktails:
Types of Citrus Juicers
There are many varieties of citrus juicers, from reamers, to table top juicers, to hand-held squeezers, to motorized versions. I’m not sure there is a “right” way to go; it comes down to preference. For example, in our Creatively Home crew, we have two favorites.
Dean and I like the hand-held squeezer (but I also use the old standby fork method of sticking a fork in the middle of the cut citrus and squeeze). My parents prefer their antique glass reamer/juicer. I find the handheld squeezer juices faster than the reamer, with the added benefit of keeping the seeds out of the juice. However, larger citrus, like grapefruit and oranges, may need to be quartered to fit into the handheld juicer.
Juicing Tips
For this three citrus margarita, strain the juice if you don’t enjoy pulp. Juice citrus ahead of time and store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you have freezer space, buy a bunch of citrus, juice all at once and freeze in cubes. Thaw juice cubes at least an hour before starting cocktail preparation.
Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita Ingredients
Grapefruit: Nothing beats fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, especially in this margarita! Buy whole grapefruit and juice at home. One grapefruit produces about 1/2 cup of juice.
Lime: Fresh squeezed lime is essential for this cocktail. Buy whole limes and juice at home. One lime produces about 2 T of juice.
Orange: We strongly recommend juicing whole oranges for a fresh, natural flavor and to eliminate any added sugar. However, if you happen to have bottled or frozen orange juice handy, it can be substituted for fresh squeezed. One medium orange produces about 1/3 cup of juice.
Tequila: Use your favorite tequila – any variety works in this three citrus, no added sugar, margarita. My favorite is silver (or blanco) tequila, but my husband prefers gold tequila. Anything goes!
If you like tequila, check out this Watermelon Tequila Refresco Cocktail.
Make a Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz tequila
2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
sugar or salt for rim
How to Make a Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita
Squeeze grapefruit, orange, and lime juices. Pour each juice through fine mesh strainer into a separate glass. Combine juices and taste. Add more orange juice to increase sweetness.
Rub lime wedge around glass rim. Dip glass into salt or sugar. Add ice to rimmed glass.
Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add citrus juice blend and tequila. Shake vigorously.
Strain chilled margarita into prepared glass. Add lime wedge or grapefruit slice to garnish.
Make a Pitcher of Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita
Once you have the proportions, the recipe is easy to double, triple or quadruple. Here are the measurements for a 2 quart pitcher (6 servings): 12 oz grapefruit juice, 6 oz orange juice, 3 oz lime juice, and 9 oz tequila. Combine citrus juices into pitcher and taste. Add orange juice to increase sweetness to your preference. Add tequila, stir, pour into prepared glasses, and enjoy.
Alcohol Free Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Mockarita
For a healthy and tasty mocktail, omit the tequila and add club soda: 2 oz grapefruit juice; 1 oz orange juice; 1/2 oz lime, and 3-4 oz club soda. Serve over ice and garnish.
Give this three citrus, no added sugar, margarita a try and let us know what you think.
Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita
Combine fresh grapefruit, orange and lime juices for a refreshing, clean and delicious three citrus margarita with no added sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- sugar or salt for rim
Instructions
- Squeeze grapefruit, orange and lime juices. Pour each juice through fine mesh strainer into a separate glass.
- Combine juices and taste. Add more orange juice to increase sweetness.
- Rub lime wedge around glass rim. Dip glass into salt or sugar. Add ice to rimmed glass.
- Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add citrus juice blend and tequila. Shake vigorously.
- Strain chilled margarita into prepared glass. Add lime wedge or grapefruit slice to garnish.
Notes
Alcohol Free Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Mockarita:
For a healthy and tasty mocktail, omit the tequila and add club soda: 2 oz grapefruit juice; 1 oz orange juice; 1/2 oz lime and 3-4 oz club soda. Serve over ice and garnish.
Make a Pitcher of Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita:
Measurements for a 2 quart pitcher (6 servings): 12 oz grapefruit juice, 6 oz orange juice, 3 oz lime juice and 9 oz tequila. Combine citrus juices into pitcher and taste. Add orange juice to increase sweetness to your preference. Add tequila, stir, pour into prepared glasses and enjoy.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!
