This key lime margarita is exactly what you want – a refreshing, tart drink that’s easy to make without any fuss. Using bottled key lime juice gives you that distinctive flavor without having to squeeze dozens of tiny limes. Cause no one wants to do that!

Prep Time:10

Total Time:10

Equipment

Pitcher

Ingredients

1 cup bottled key lime juice
1 cup tequila we prefer white/ blanco
½ cup triple sec
¼ cup simple syrup adjust to taste (see notes to make your own)
Ice
Lime slices for garnish
Salt for rimming the glasses

Instructions

Prepare Glasses. Rub a lime slice around the rim of each glass and dip the rim into salt. Fill the glasses with ice.
Mix Drink. In a large pitcher, combine the bottled key lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup. Stir well.
Serve. Pour the mixture over the ice in the prepared glasses.
Garnish. Garnish each glass with a lime slice.

Notes

To make simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Transfer the simple syrup to a clean, airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month and is used in many cocktails.

Nutrition

Servings: servings

Calories: 301kcal

Author: Katie

A good margarita is all about balance. Key limes have a sharper flavor than regular limes which gives this drink its flavor, and using the bottled stuff is so much easier!

salt-rimmed key lime margaritas with lime slice on wooden board.

And using a simple syrup lets you control how sweet you want it to be. It’s different from sugar because it will dissolve instantly in cold liquid. This is how you avoid making a drink that’s either too sour or too sweet.

Kitchen Wisdom

Making your own simple syrup at home instead of buying it saves money and gives you better results. One trick I’ve learned is to keep your simple syrup in a clean, repurposed squeeze bottle. It makes adding the right amount much easier, prevents sticky messes, and helps you see exactly how much you have left. Those little plastic condiment bottles work perfectly – just label it so no one mistakes it for something else!

Tips for Success

Make sure your ingredients and glasses are nice and cold for the best result.

Start with less simple syrup than you think you need, and add more to taste.

Larger ice cubes melt slower and keep your drink from getting watery.

If you’re unsure about the salt rim, just do half the glass so you can try it both ways.

If something seems off, remember the standard ratio of 3:2:1 (tequila:lime:sweetener).

Ingredients and Equipment

Key lime juice: Nellie & Joe’s works well and is widely available. Regular lime juice is different – it lacks the distinctive flavor.

bottle of Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice.

Tequila: Blanco tequila keeps the flavor clean. Look for 100% agave for best quality.

Triple sec: Cointreau is excellent if you have it, but any decent triple sec works fine.

Simple syrup: Quick to make at home and stores well in the refrigerator.

Pitcher: Using a pitcher makes serving easier than mixing drinks individually.

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Make It Your Own

Try mezcal for a smoky version.
Mix in coconut cream for a tropical twist, like in my coconut pineapple margarita, or fresh muddled berries for a fruity variation.
Add a thin slice of jalapeño for some nice heat that pairs well with lime.
Try Tajin spice on the glass rims for a spicy-tart edge or sugar instead of salt for a sweeter approach.
Replace the alcohol with limeade concentrate and orange juice.

Storage & Serving

These go perfectly with salty snacks – tortilla chips, guacamole, or cast iron skillet nachos. Serve in a short glass (if you don’t have margarita glasses) with a lime slice – it lets people add more acidity if they want.

You can mix the pitcher (without ice) up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just stir before serving.

A simple yet effective drink – sometimes that’s all you need for a good evening at home.

Key Lime Margaritas