Key lime margaritas are a refreshing and tangy twist on the classic cocktail. Originating from the Texas Roadhouse, this recipe has become a favorite of mine for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. The combination of zesty key lime juice, tequila, and a hint of sweetness creates a perfectly balanced drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise. I've made this recipe countless times, experimenting with different ratios and ingredients, and I can confidently say that this version is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Now, let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this key lime margarita inspired by Texas Roadhouse's recipe.
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Ingredients
- Key lime juice — ½ cup
- Tequila — ½ cup
- Triple sec — ¼ cup
- Simple syrup — ¼ cup
- Ice cubes — 1 cup
- Salt — For rimming the glasses
- Lime wedges — For garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glasses: Take a lime wedge and run it along the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into a plate of salt, rotating it to ensure an even coating. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the key lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup.
- Add the ice cubes to the shaker and close it tightly.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill the mixture and combine the flavors.
- Fill the rimmed glasses with ice cubes.
- Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses, dividing it evenly.
- Garnish each glass with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Key lime juice — If you can't find fresh key limes, you can use regular lime juice as a substitute. However, the distinct flavor of key limes adds an extra zing to the margarita.
- Tequila — For a twist, you can experiment with flavored tequilas such as mango or pineapple-infused tequila. These variations can add a tropical flair to your margarita.
- Triple sec — If you don't have triple sec on hand, you can substitute it with orange liqueur or Cointreau.
- Simple syrup — To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before using.
Variations
- Spicy — For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add a few slices of jalapeno to the cocktail shaker and muddle them with the other ingredients. This will infuse the margarita with a spicy twist.
- Frozen — To make a frozen key lime margarita, blend the key lime juice, tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and ice cubes in a blender until smooth. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses for a frosty treat.
- Coconut — For a tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk or coconut cream to the margarita mixture. This will give it a creamy and exotic flavor.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free — This key lime margarita recipe is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, always double-check the labels of any flavored tequilas or liqueurs you use, as some may contain gluten-based additives.
- Non-alcoholic — To make a non-alcoholic version of this margarita, simply omit the tequila and triple sec. Increase the amount of key lime juice and simple syrup to maintain the balance of flavors.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Glasses for serving
- Plate for salt rimming
- Lime wedges for garnish
Storage
- This key lime margarita is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftover margarita mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before serving.
Pro Tips
- Fresh key limes — Squeeze the key limes just before making the margaritas to ensure the freshest flavor. The bright and tangy taste of fresh key lime juice elevates the margarita to a whole new level.
- Chilling the mixture — After shaking the margarita mixture, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the overall taste and ensures a well-balanced margarita.
- Adjusting sweetness — Taste the margarita mixture before straining it into the glasses. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add a bit more simple syrup. For a tarter version, add a splash of fresh lime juice.
Key Lime Margarita: Texas Roadhouse's Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Glasses for serving
- Plate for salt rimming
- Lime wedges for garnish
Ingredients
- ½ cup Key lime juice
- ½ cup Tequila
- ¼ cup Triple sec
- ¼ cup Simple syrup
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- Salt For rimming the glasses
- Lime wedges For garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glasses: Take a lime wedge and run it along the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into a plate of salt, rotating it to ensure an even coating. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the key lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup.
- Add the ice cubes to the shaker and close it tightly.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill the mixture and combine the flavors.
- Fill the rimmed glasses with ice cubes.
- Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses, dividing it evenly.
- Garnish each glass with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh key limes — Squeeze the key limes just before making the margaritas to ensure the freshest flavor. The bright and tangy taste of fresh key lime juice elevates the margarita to a whole new level.
- Chilling the mixture — After shaking the margarita mixture, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the overall taste and ensures a well-balanced margarita.
- Adjusting sweetness — Taste the margarita mixture before straining it into the glasses. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add a bit more simple syrup. For a tarter version, add a splash of fresh lime juice.
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