Lemon Margarita
Sip the last few weeks of summer away with a smooth Lemon Margarita! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is complemented by homemade rosemary simple syrup, triple sec, and just the right amount of tequila. It’s tangy, sweet, and has the most lovely rosemary touch! Serve these cocktails at a party or just enjoy one at the end of a sunny summer day.
We’re firm believers that when life hands you lemons, you need to use them deliciously! Recipes like Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, Lemon Pasta, and Easy Ginger Lemonade are just a few of our favorite recipes that feature fresh lemon flavor. We never get tired of that signature citrus flavor!
Lemon Margarita
But aren’t margaritas typically made with limes? Yes, they are. However, it’s fun to flip tradition on its head sometimes and make recipes like this Lemon Margarita! It’s got the classic margarita staples of tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup.
What makes it unique is the use of lemon juice over lime, and that the simple syrup is also deliciously infused with fresh rosemary. Oh, and when you make the quick and easy rosemary simple syrup, you’re going to LOVE how amazing your kitchen smells!
How to Make a Lemon Margarita
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- Place the sugar, water, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Make sure not to let the ingredients boil.
- Once sugar dissolves completely, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool.
- Discard the rosemary springs, and pour the syrup into an airtight container.
To Make the Margarita:
- Rim the glass of your glass of choice with lemon juice, then dip the rim in sugar.
- Place the ice in a cocktail shaker. Then, add the tequila, lemon juice, triple sec, and 1 ounce of rosemary simple syrup. Close and shake for 30 seconds.
- Pour the margarita into the glass and serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Cointreau may be used instead of triple sec.
- Try rolling the rosemary sprigs with rolling pin for a stronger flavor. This helps release some of the natural oils. You can also double the number of sprigs.
- If you prefer a margarita that is less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup and add a traditional salt rim.
- It’s so important to only use freshly squeezed lemon juice! Don’t use juice from concentrate, it’ll lend an artificial flavor to the drink instead of the fresh flavor we’re looking for.
Storage
Storage: If you’d like to make the rosemary simple syrup ahead of time, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3-6 sprigs rosemary, fresh
Margarita
- Lemon wedge, to wet the glass
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, to rim the glass
- 1 cup ice
- 3 ounces blanco tequila
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
Instructions
For the Simple Syrup:
- Place the sugar, water, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Make sure not to let the ingredients boil.1 cup granulated sugar1 cup water3-6 sprigs rosemary
- Once sugar dissolves completely, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool.
- Discard the rosemary springs, and pour the syrup into an airtight container.
To Make the Margarita:
- Rim the glass of your glass of choice with lemon juice, then dip the rim in sugar.Lemon wedge1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Place the ice in a cocktail shaker. Then, add the tequila, lemon juice, triple sec, and 1 ounce of rosemary simple syrup. Shake to combine.1 cup ice3 ounces blanco tequila2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice2 ounces triple sec1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- Pour the margarita into the glass and serve. See post for tips, variations and storage options.
