This Italian Margarita recipe is easy to make with just four ingredients! Orange juice, tequila, amaretto and lime juice combine in this delicious cocktail recipe.
Can’t get enough margarita recipes? Be sure to try my St. German Margarita, Spicy Grapefruit Margarita, Grilled Pineapple Margarita and Hibiscus Margarita too!
I have fond memories of these Italian Margaritas. Unfortunately, it’s not some cool story where I was sipping on these cocktails in Lake Como. Instead, my love for Italian Margaritas originated at The Olive Garden.
Sorry to burst your bubble.
But hear me out. These Italian Margaritas are absolutely delicious. And 100% better that the ones you’ll find at the garden…
What’s an Italian Margarita?
This Italian Margarita is a twist on a standard margarita cocktail. Made with tequila and fresh lime juice. However, instead of an orange liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau, this Italian margarita uses amaretto.
What is amaretto?
- Amaretto is an almond liqueur. It gives a delicious sweet richness to this cocktail, with no need for added sweeteners or simple syrup.
At the Olive Garden, if I remember correctly, they rim their glasses with an orange-hued sugar. I chose to rim my amaretto margaritas with salt. You could also rim them with sugar, or a combination of sugar and salt. Or, have fun with these easy homemade citrus salts, and use them to rim your cocktails.
What’s in an Italian Margarita from Olive Garden
My copycat Olive Garden Italian Margarita recipe has just 4-ingredients:
- Orange Juice
- Lime Juice
- Tequila
- Amaretto
How to Make an Italian Margarita
- Simply add some orange juice, lime juice, tequila and amaretto to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well then strain into a glass filled with ice. I like to garnish with these dried orange slices, or add in a wedge of lime.
You can also double or triple this Italian Margarita recipe, rather than making one at a time.
When we have friends over for carnitas, I like to make a big batch of this margarita recipe in a pitcher. You can also prep the salt (or sugar) rimmed glasses ahead of time too.
You can also have fun with this margarita recipe by switching up the types of oranges you use. Blood oranges will lend a beautiful magenta hue to these cocktails, while Cara Cara oranges will have a hint more sweetness and a light pink color.
More tasty margarita recipes:
- More → 30+ Flavored Margaritas
- Plus → 30+ Tequila Cocktails
Full Recipe
Italian Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 ounces silver or blanco 100% agave tequila
- 1 ounce Amaretto
- 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Add ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well to combine.
- Strain into a salt or sugar rimmed glass full of ice. Garnish with fresh orange and lime wedges.
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