I’ve cut alcohol since last November. Personally, I just realized that I feel better not drinking. And though my body and mind like the alcohol-free lifestyle and benefits, there are certain things I miss. Namely, margaritas! They have always been my favorite cocktail and I have loved making paleo and refined-sugar-free versions to share with you over the years. So, I knew this summer I needed to come up with a fabulous, non-alcoholic “mockarita” to satisfy me. This Margarita Mocktail is a flavorful, slightly spicy, super refreshing beverage for any and everyone! And I especially love it in August on these warm, waning days of summer.

image of orange, lime, and jalapenos on a counter

Virgin margarita recipe

So if you’re taking out the tequila, the question becomes what are you adding, right? Well, I’ve got you covered. This recipe uses different kinds of citrus and sparkling water to create its refreshing flavor. I love to use three different types of citrus — orange, grapefruit, and lime. This Margarita Mocktail recipe calls for orange juice, grapefruit sparkling water, and lime juice. All easy things to have on hand for when the mood strikes!

image of two glasses of margarita mocktails with jalapeno slices in them

Syrup for mocktails

Remember my jalapeno simple syrup from a few weeks ago? Well, it plays a pivotal role in this mocktail. It does double duty adding both sweetness (from the light-colored, raw honey), as well as spiciness (from the jalapenos). I think it’s well-balanced, but if you like yours less or more spicy, you can adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper in your syrup to suit your taste buds. If you want to add a little more spice, I personally love a Tajin seasoning rim on my glass. You could also opt to do a salt rim or not do a coated rim at all.

image of two glasses of margarita mocktails on a counter

Sparkling water flavors

Now I love grapefruit sparkling water in this beverage, but I realize some people might not care for it. A lime seltzer, orange seltzer, or even lemon seltzer would work here. But even for those who might not love grapefruit seltzer on its own, I encourage you to try it here! It works so well to balance the sweetness of the orange juice, and the sour of the lime juice.

Homemade margaritas

Still partaking and looking for a homemade margarita recipe that’s paleo and refined sugar-free? I’ve got you covered there too! I have a classic margarita recipe, a vanilla pineapple version, and a watermelon version. Making cocktails like this at home is really helpful if you’re looking to know exactly what is in your beverages. So many cocktails are stuffed so full of sugar and empty calories that making them yourself is a great way to enjoy and feel in control of what you’re consuming. And who doesn’t love a margarita (alcoholic or non) in their own backyard in summer?

Paleo Margaritas

Vanilla Pineapple Margaritas

Watermelon Margaritas

Easy mocktails recipes

Since mocktails have become my thing, I have expanded my recipe collection to include a Mojito mocktail and lots of non-alcoholic beverages that stand on their own as delicious options! The second two listed below — the lavender lemonade and the cherry limeade are also very popular with my kids!