These whole lime margaritas are made with (spoiler alert) whole limes. They're chock-full of flavor and will impress even your pickiest friends. Once you try this whole lime margarita recipe, you'll never go back to a mix.
![Two Whole Lime Margaritas over ice with lime wedge garnishes](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/LKvbvGmpdPjs9J5e7tU9jT69d4w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AR_GC_LimeMargarita-STILL-DSC00240-1-2000-c644e670b2044e978060375a90c35ff1.jpg)
Why Use a Whole Lime In Margaritas?
There are so many reasons to make whole lime margaritas! Let us name a few:
1. The lime pith is full of flavor that you'd otherwise be tossing in the trash. With this recipe, you get the most bang for your buck.
2. These whole lime margaritas are a gorgeous green color. They look almost as bright as margaritas from a mix, but these are au naturel.
3. It reduces food waste — and who doesn't want to reduce food waste?
Whole Lime Margarita Ingredients
These are the ingredients you'll need to make whole lime margaritas at home:
· Limes: Choose medium, thin-skinned limes. You'll need two for the margaritas, plus more slices for garnishing.
· Water: Make sure the water is ice cold before pouring it into the blender.
· Tequila: Use your favorite tequila for this recipe.
· Sugar: Half a cup of white sugar is all you'll need for the perfect amount of sweetness.
· Orange liqueur: Such as Cointreau or Triple Sec.
· Salt: Even if you don't salt the rim of the glass, a pinch of salt in the margarita itself brings out the other flavors.
How to Make Whole Lime Margaritas
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these restaurant-worthy margaritas:
1. Cut: Wash two limes and cut them into quarters. Discard the center part of the rinds.
2. Blend: Transfer the lime quarters to a blender with water, tequila, sugar, orange liqueur, and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Strain: Strain the margaritas before serving to get rid of any extra pulp or grit.
How to Serve Whole Lime Margaritas
Serve in margaritas glasses over ice for a traditional presentation. If you prefer a salted rim, run a lime wedge alongside the rim and then dip in salt to coat. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Nicole's Top Margarita Tips and Tricks
Culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) is famous for this flavorful recipe, which she says makes "the best margaritas you'll ever have." Here are a few of her expert tips and tricks:
· Choose thin-skinned limes — you'll know they have thin skin because they'll be smoother and easier to squeeze.
· You might not always think to wash your citrus peels, as you usually don't eat them. In this case, though, you'll want to give each lime a thorough rinse before putting it in the blender.
· Don't forget the most important step: Strain the margaritas before serving! Otherwise, you'll end up with a mouthful of pulp and grit.
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
-
2 medium thin-skinned limes
-
2 cups ice cold water
-
1 cup tequila
-
½ cup white sugar
-
¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau)
-
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
-
3 cups ice, or as needed
-
6 slices lime
Directions
-
Gather all ingredients.
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
-
Cut limes into quarters; remove and discard the center part of the rinds. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
-
Transfer lime quarters to a blender with cold water, tequila, sugar, orange-flavored liqueur, and salt.
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
-
Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
-
Strain mixture into a large measuring cup or small pitcher
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
-
Serve over ice and garnish with lime slices.
ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
189 | Calories |
22g | Carbs |
0g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 189 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Sodium 84mg | 4% |
Total Carbohydrate 22g | 8% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 21g | |
Protein 0g | 0% |
Vitamin C 2mg | 3% |
Calcium 5mg | 0% |
Iron 0mg | 1% |
Potassium 10mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.