The first time I made this mango margarita, it felt like summer in a glass—bright, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
It’s one of those cocktails you can throw together in minutes but that tastes like you spent all afternoon on it.
If you love tropical fruit with a clean lime bite, this version will become a go-to for weeknight sipping and weekend entertaining.
For a lighter pairing idea, try it alongside a fruit-forward smoothie like this mango smoothie pairing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright tropical mango flavor that doesn’t overpower the tequila.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart thanks to fresh lime and triple sec.
- Easy to scale up for parties or keep as a single-serve refreshment.
- Uses mango puree for silky texture without the chunks.
The drink sits silky on the tongue from the mango puree, with a lively citrus backbone from lime juice and a subtle orange sweetness from triple sec. Texture is smooth and slightly viscous, so each sip coats the palate pleasantly rather than washing it away. The tequila provides warmth without bitterness, making this an all-day-sippable cocktail for patios and picnics.
"Five stars — I swapped the usual lime-only margarita for this and it stole the show at our backyard BBQ. Fresh, balanced, and dangerously drinkable." — reader review
Key Ingredients
Tequila (2 oz)
Tequila is the backbone here. Blanco or reposado both work; blanco keeps the cocktail bright while reposado adds a hint of vanilla and oak. If you prefer a cleaner agave flavor, choose a 100% agave blanco like Espolòn or Olmeca Altos.
Mango puree (1 oz)
Use a good-quality puree or fresh mango blended until silky. Canned mango purée is convenient and consistent; look for varieties with no added sugar for better balance. If using fresh mangoes, pick Ataulfo or Keitt for their sweet, buttery flesh.
Lime juice (1 oz)
Freshly squeezed lime is non-negotiable. Bottled lime juice lacks the aromatic oils that lift the cocktail. A single lime typically yields 1 oz of juice, so measure rather than guessing.
Triple sec (1 oz)
Triple sec adds clean orange flavor and sweetens the drink. Cointreau is a classic choice for brightness and clarity, but more budget-friendly triple secs work too. Adjust slightly if you use a sweeter brand.
Full ingredient list:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz mango puree
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 oz triple sec
- Ice
- Mango slice and lime wedge (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure and combine
Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz mango puree, 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 oz triple sec into a cocktail shaker.
Use a jigger for accuracy to keep the balance right every time.
Pro Tip: Measure everything first and keep ingredients chilled to shorten shake time.
Step 2: Add ice and shake
Fill the shaker halfway with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until the outside feels cold.
A hard shake aerates the mango puree slightly and integrates the citrus and spirits.
Pro Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker is frosty and your hands feel a strong chill.
Step 3: Strain into a glass
Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the chilled mixture over the ice using a fine strainer or Hawthorne strainer.
Straining removes small bits of ice and any fibrous mango pieces for a clean sip.
Pro Tip: Tilt the glass slightly while pouring to keep a smooth stream and avoid splashing.
Step 4: Garnish
Garnish with a fresh mango slice and a lime wedge on the rim.
The mango adds visual allure and a snackable bite, while the lime wedge gives a boost of aroma when squeezed before drinking.
Pro Tip: Run a lime wedge around the rim then gently press a mango slice against it to help the garnish stick.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Set the glass down with a short napkin and hand it off with a smile.
Encourage guests to squeeze their lime wedge on top for an extra citrus hit.
Pro Tip: Pair with salty snacks to accentuate the drink’s sweetness and round out the flavors. For a lighter pairing, try a companion fruit drink like this mango smoothie.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill everything first. Store tequila and triple sec in the fridge, and pre-chill your glass if possible; colder ingredients mean shorter shake times and a cleaner texture.
- Use fresh lime juice only. The volatile aromatics in fresh lime are essential; bottled lime juice flattens the profile.
- Control sweetness by tasting the mango puree. If it’s overly sweet, reduce the triple sec by 1/4 oz or add an extra 1/4 oz lime. Conversely, if your mango is tart, a dash more triple sec will round it out.
- Pick the right tequila. A quality blanco will keep the cocktail bright; if you want more depth, swap half the blanco for reposado for a subtle oak nuance.
- Texture matters: strain if you prefer silkiness. Using a fine mesh strainer after the shaker removes pulp and tiny ice shards for a bar-quality finish.
- Make a pitcher: multiply the ingredients and mix gently. Keep the mixture over ice in the serving pitcher only when ready to pour, or the dilution will sneak up on you. For large batches, dissolve sugar syrup first if you want added sweetness to distribute evenly.
- Avoid over-dilution. Shake long enough to chill but not so long that the cocktail becomes watery; aim for 10–15 seconds depending on your shaker and ice.
- Repurpose leftovers. Extra mango puree can be blended into a quick breakfast like the mango breakfast smoothie to avoid waste.
- Equipment tip: a good-quality shaker and a firm strainer make a noticeable difference. If you don’t have a shaker, a tightly sealed Mason jar works in a pinch—shake hard and strain carefully.
- Garnish for aroma, not just looks. Rubbing a lime wedge on the rim releases oils that aromatically open the cocktail when raised to your mouth; try it.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge: Store leftover unmixed mango puree in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If you premix the cocktail without ice, keep it refrigerated in a sealed bottle for up to 24 hours; flavors stay reasonably bright for a day.
When serving later from the fridge, give the bottle a gentle shake and pour over fresh ice.
Freezer: Tequila and triple sec can be stored in the freezer indefinitely without freezing solid due to their alcohol content.
Avoid freezing the finished cocktail; water content will separate and texture becomes grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, freeze only the mango puree in ice cube trays for up to 1 month.
Thawing and re-serving: Thaw frozen mango puree in the fridge or at room temperature, then whisk or blend briefly to reincorporate.
If a premixed cocktail tastes flat after chilling, brighten it with 1/4 oz fresh lime juice per serving and a quick shake with fresh ice.
Variations & Substitutions
Spicy mango margarita: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the rest. Strain well to keep texture smooth and add a thin jalapeño slice as garnish. This adds a savory heat that pairs beautifully with mango sweetness.
No-alcohol version: Replace tequila and triple sec with equal parts sparkling water and a splash of orange juice; add a bit of agave syrup if you want more sweetness. For body, blend mango puree with a spoonful of coconut milk. Pair it with a lighter smoothie like this mango smoothie idea.
Frozen mango margarita: Blend tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango puree, and a cup of ice until smooth for a slushy texture. Use a high-speed blender and serve immediately.
Herbal twist: Add a sprig of fresh basil or cilantro to the shaker and give a gentle slap before adding ice to release aromatics. Cilantro offers a bright herbal lift, while basil gives a peppery-sweet note. Consider serving with a small herb sprig garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh mango instead of mango puree?
A: Yes. Use ripe mangoes and blend until completely smooth. Strain if you want an ultra-silky texture. Fresh mango adds a slightly fresher, less processed flavor and can be adjusted for sweetness.
Q: What type of tequila is best for a mango margarita?
A: Blanco tequila is the most common choice because its bright, agave-forward profile pairs well with citrus and fruit. If you prefer complexity, use reposado for a hint of oak and vanilla. Avoid mixto tequilas; opt for 100% agave.
Q: How can I make this drink less sweet?
A: Reduce the triple sec by 1/4 oz and increase lime juice by 1/4 oz. Alternatively, choose an unsweetened mango puree and add simple syrup only if necessary. Tasting as you go ensures balance.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes, premix the tequila, mango puree, lime juice, and triple sec and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pour over fresh ice when serving. For larger batches, keep ice and garnishes separate until the last minute.
Q: What snacks pair well with a mango margarita?
A: Salty and spicy snacks like tortilla chips with salsa, grilled shrimp, or spiced nuts complement the fruity sweetness. For a lighter option, try a fresh fruit plate or a savory cheese board and a contrasting smoothie like this cottage cheese mango smoothie.
Final Thoughts
This mango margarita is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to bring tropical brightness to any gathering.
If you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this to your favorite cocktail board on Pinterest.
For more inspiration, check out this Love and Lemons’ mango margarita recipe, the tasty take at Kitchen Swagger’s mango margarita, and a slightly different approach at Luci’s Morsels Mango Margarita on the Rocks.
Mango Margarita
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila Choose blanco for brightness or reposado for a hint of vanilla.
- 1 oz mango puree Use good-quality puree or fresh mango blended until silky.
- 1 oz lime juice Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor.
- 1 oz triple sec Cointreau is a classic choice for brightness.
- to taste ice For shaking and serving.
- 1 slice mango For garnish.
- 1 wedge lime For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz mango puree, 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 oz triple sec into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until the outside feels cold.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the chilled mixture over the ice using a fine strainer.
- Garnish with a fresh mango slice and a lime wedge on the rim.
- Serve and encourage guests to squeeze their lime wedge for extra flavor.
