This gin margarita AKA margatini, is a tasty alternative to the classic margarita made with tequila. The margatini bring a whole new twist to your taste buds!
This homemade cocktail is popular around holidays such as Cinco de Mayo or during any spring or summer party! It pairs well with bbq jackfruit nachos, peach and goat cheese crostini and sweet potato black bean bowls.
Margaritas are one of my favorite cocktails as there are so many variations! If you prefer tequila in your marg, you'll love this watermelon basil margarita.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No tequila, no problem! Gin and lime already compliment each other perfectly, so why not turn them into a margarita?
- You only need three simple ingredients for this gin and lime cocktail!
- All you need to do is combine the ingredients, mix well and enjoy!
- This is the perfect cocktail for summer parties.
Equipment
- Citrus juicer
- Liquid measuring cup or jigger
- Cocktail shaker or jar with a lid
Ingredient Notes
- Gin - use your favorite brand!
- Limes - make sure to use fresh lime juice, not the bottled stuff!
- Agave - agave is used to slightly sweeten the margarita. You can also use microwave simple syrup in a pinch!
- Ice - need to keep the cocktail ice cold!
- Salt, sugar or tajin - these are completely optional but add a nice finishing touch to the rim of the glass.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gin - you can also use pink gin, or swap in tequila for a classic margarita.
- Agave - you can use simple syrup, honey (if you're not vegan) or maple syrup for slight flavor variations.
- Salt - use sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, flakey salt, sugar or tajin on the rim!
- Spicy - Add a few slices of fresh jalapeños the cocktail shaker. Muddle them before shaking.
- Herbal - add fresh herbs such as basil for a slightly herbal flavor that will compliment the gin.
- Frozen - blend ingredients with about ½ cup of ice or try it with a frozen fruit!
Step by Step Instructions
Rub a lime wedge completely around the rim of a glass.
Dip the glass into a shallow bowl of salt. Twist the glass around so the salt adheres to the rim. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker or jar with ice. Add the gin, lime juice and agave. Shake well for 30 seconds to combine the flavors. Strain/pour the gin margarita (margatini) into a glass filled ¾ of the way full with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Make sure to use fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh will ALWAYS taste best! Depending on the size of the lime 1 ½ to 2 limes should be the right amount for about 1 ounce of lime juice.
I recommend using a citrus juicer to get the maximum amount of juice from each lime.
You can use a jar with a lid instead of a cocktail shaker. Just make sure to strain it as your pour into the glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can! When you swap gin for tequila in a margarita it is called a margatini, or a gin margarita!
You can use gin, vodka or rum in place of tequila in a margarita. Each will yield a slightly different flavor.
For a gin based margarita, combine gin, lime juice and agave in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. strain and serve over ice.
The Perfect Gin Margarita (Margatini)
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz agave
- 1 teaspoon salt for the rim
- Additional lime wheels for garish
Instructions
- Rub a lime wedge around the entire rim of your glass.
- Dip the rim of the glass into a shallow bowl or plate of salt. Turn the glass until salt has adhered to the rim. Fill glass ¾ of the way full with ice. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lime juice and agave to the shaker. Shake well for 30 seconds.
- Pour the cocktail into the salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
Notes
- Always use fresh-squeezed lime juice. I find that 1 ½ to 2 limes is about 1 ounce of juice.
- If you don't have agave you can use simple syrup, maple syrup or honey.
- You may use a jar with a lid instead of a cocktail shaker, just strain when you pour the drink into a glass.
Em says
Yum! This was easy to make and refreshing!