Mocktail Margaritas
These Mocktail Margaritas are a citrusy, alcohol-free twist on a skinny margarita. A splash of sauerkraut brine adds a subtle savory “buzz” and gut-friendly benefits, while fresh-squeezed juices keep it bright and refreshing. This margarita mocktail is easy to batch for warm-weather parties with just a few ingredients.
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When it comes to mocktail recipes, they’re often glorified glasses of sweetened juice without much depth. But not these Mocktail Margaritas.
This Margarita Mocktail skips expensive store-bought alternatives and leans on a simple, unexpected ingredient for that “buzz” that’s often missing: sauerkraut brine. It might sound unconventional, but the salty, sour flavor from the brine pairs with fresh-squeezed lime juice to create the sour side of things. Orange juice and a whisper of agave syrup handle the sweetness.
I’ve spent more than a decade developing mocktail recipes that feel just as balanced as their cocktail counterparts, especially during Dry January or while doing a round of Whole30. Along the way, I’ve learned to layer flavors without relying on alcohol or mixers. An early version of this mockarita was featured alongside my Cucumber Jalapeño Fizz for a pop-up mocktail bar that helped shape what this recipe is today.
Whether you’re cutting back or skipping alcohol all together, this mocktail version of my skinny margarita recipe is a summer sipper that can be enjoyed all year long.
Why Make Mocktail Margaritas
- Bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced
- Naturally sweetened with agave, not sugary syrups
- No store-bought mixes needed
- Includes probiotic benefits from sauerkraut brine
- Easy to make single-serve or batched for a party
What Makes This Margarita Mocktail Different
The secret ingredient here is the sauerkraut brine, so don’t leave it out. It adds acidity and a subtle salinity that mimics the complexity you’d normally get from tequila and a salted rim.
It also helps cut the sweetness from the orange juice and agave, so the drink is light and refreshing instead of syrupy. Trust me, this isn’t going to taste like a glass of sauerkraut. The flavor is subtle, but necessary.
As a bonus, that brine offers a dose of probiotics, making this a margarita mocktail that’s not just delicious, but also a little more functional than your average mocktail.
Tips & Recipe Variations
These mocktail margaritas mimic the flavors of a classic margarita, but you can add subtle twists to make them your own.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more agave to taste, or swap in honey or simple syrup.
- Lean into the brine: Use sauerkraut brine straight from the jar for that tangy, salty balance, or try a probiotic tonic from brands like Firefly Kitchens for a similar gut-friendly boost with added depth of flavor.
- Garnish the glass: Optional, but a Tajín rim enhances the flavor and gives it a classic margarita-style finish.
- Make it spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the glass for a subtle kick of heat.
- Swap the citrus: Try grapefruit juice in place of orange juice for a Paloma-style twist.
There are plenty of reasons to shake up one of these margarita mocktails, whether it be Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or honestly, just a sunny afternoon when you want something a little more special.
Mocktail Margaritas
Ingredients
For a single margarita mocktail
- 1½ ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar
- 1 ounce sauerkraut brine
- 2 ounces sparkling water, or club soda
- Lime slice, for garnish
- Tajín, or margarita salt, for garnish
For batch margarita mocktails (makes 6)
- 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅜ cup agave nectar
- ¾ cup sauerkraut brine
- 1 can (12 ounces) sparkling water, or club soda
Instructions
For a single margarita mocktail
- Rim a glass with lime slice and dip into Tajín, or margarita salt, if desired. Fill glass with ice.
- Add lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, and sauerkraut brine to a cocktail shaker with ice. Secure lid and shake until well combined.
- Strain into prepared glass over ice. Top with sparkling water or club soda, and gently stir.
- Add a lime wedge for garnish, and serve immediately.
For batch mocktail margaritas (makes 6)
- In a pitcher, stir together lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, and sauerkraut brine until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Add ice and sparkling water, stirring gently.
- Serve over ice in glasses prepared with Tajín or margarita salt rim, as desired.
Notes
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