Virgin Cara Cara Margarita
User Reviews
5
Virgin Cara Cara Margarita
Description
This non-alcoholic Virgin Cara Cara Margarita uses freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice combined with lime juice and simple syrup as its base. Lime-flavored sparkling water adds effervescence and a refreshing finish. Rimmed with cocktail salt, the drink offers a balance of sweet, tart, and slightly salty notes that complement each other without alcohol.
Preparation involves mixing the juices and syrup, then pouring over ice in salt-rimmed glasses before topping with sparkling water. A slice or twist of lime or Cara Cara orange serves as garnish, enhancing aroma and presentation.
The beverage suits occasions where a mocktail is preferred, offering a festive yet refreshing option. It can be made individually or scaled up in a pitcher for gatherings, with chilling before serving recommended to maintain a crisp taste.
Adjust the salt rim or garnish according to personal preference, and consider omitting the salt rim for younger drinkers or those preferring less saltiness.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces orange juice freshly squeezed, Cara Cara variety
- 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce simple syrup plus more for the rim
- 3 ounces sparkling water (preferably lime flavored)
- salt for rimming the glass, cocktail salt
- lime or Cara Cara orange slice, for garnish
FOR A 64 OZ. PITCHER OF DRINKS:
- 3 cups orange juice chilled, freshly squeezed, Cara Cara variety
- 1 cup lime juice chilled, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup simple syrup chilled
- 3 cups sparkling water chilled
Instructions
- Brush the rim of your glass with a little simple syrup (using a pastry brush or -- if it's your drink -- use your finger). Press the rim into a container of cocktail salt so that the salt adheres to the rim of the glass.
- In a glass measuring cup add the cara cara orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Fill salt-rimmed glass with ice and add the orange juice mixture. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime or orange slice or a twist of lime or orange zest. Or both -- why not? Enjoy!
TO MAKE A PITCHER OF DRINKS:
- In a large pitcher (64 ounces) combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir together and refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled.
- Just before serving, rim the glasses with simple syrup and dip into margarita salt. Fill glasses with ice.
- Add the chilled sparkling water to the pitcher and give it a quick stir. Pour virgin margaritas into prepared glasses.
TO MAKE PITCHER DRINKS ONE AT A TIME:
- If you want to pre-make a pitcher of drinks, combine the fresh juices and simple syrup in a pitcher and chill. Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated for up to a week.
- Fill a glass with ice, add 4 ½ ounces of the citrus juice blend to the glass and add 3 ounces of sparkling water.
Notes
- The salted rim adds a traditional margarita touch but can be skipped for children or those who prefer no salt.
- Use fresh juice for best flavor; Cara Cara oranges provide a distinctive sweetness and color.
- Chill ingredients in advance for a cooler, more refreshing drink when serving a pitcher.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 83 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 83kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 28mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 170mg | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 170IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 51mg | 57% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.