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 recipe is popular around holidays such as Cinco de Mayo or during any summer party!
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 ingredients for this gin 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
Ingredients
- Gin
- Limes
- Agave
- Ice
- Salt, sugar or tajin (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- Rub a lime wedge completely around the rim of a glass.
2. Dip the glass into a shallow bowl of salt. Twist the glass around so the salt adheres to the rim. Set aside.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker or jar with ice. Add the gin, lime juice and agave. Shake well for 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
4. 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.
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!
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.
Other Recipes You'll Love
- Summer peach crostini's are an easy sophisticated appetizer to bring to a summer party!
- Roasted asparagus with lemon is a flavorful spring side dish. You only need a few ingredients to make it!
- Green gazpacho is cold, refreshing soup! It hits the spot on a hot summer day.
- Follow Toshi's Table on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe inspo!
The Perfect Gin Margarita (Margatini)
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This gin margarita, or margatini is perfect on a hot summer day. If you don't like tequila, this is the drink for you!
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz agave
- 1 tsp 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.
Keywords: gin margarita, margatini
Em
Yum! This was easy to make and refreshing!
★★★★★