Non-alcoholic margaritas are a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of the most popular cocktail in the United States, the traditional lime margarita, without the hard liquor. Virgin drinks, including non-alcoholic margaritas, are popular beverages for minors ,who cannot drink alcohol legally, and those who do not drink alcohol for health or moral reasons.
History
Margaritas, with their tequila base, were first created in Mexico, though there are various stories surrounding the drink's exact origin. According to one legend, a woman named Margarita Sames concocted the margarita in 1948 by mixing Cointreau and tequila, her two favorite spirits, with lime juice. Another story holds that Danny Herrera, a bartender near Tijuana, came up with the margarita for the American actress Marjorie King because she could not drink other cocktails.
Almost since the inception of the traditional margarita, non-alcoholic margaritas have been made at bars and restaurants that serve the traditional drink. Many patrons prefer to enjoy the lime flavor of the cocktail without the alcohol.
Geography
Regardless of their origin, margaritas -- including non-alcoholic margaritas and all of their flavored varieties -- are now hugely popular across the United States, Mexico and the rest of the world. While many amateur bartenders make their own non-alcoholic margaritas at home, they are most frequently served at Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants across the American Southwest.
Features
Non-alcoholic margaritas are made in much the same way as traditional margaritas, with a few variations to make up for the lack of liquid provided by the alcohol in traditional margaritas.
A recipe for two quarts (or eight servings) of non-alcoholic margaritas might call for 1/2 cup of both water and sugar, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of lime zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups of fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, 4 cups of orange juice, 1/4 cup agave syrup, 2 tablespoons of salt (for the rim of the glasses) and lime wedges for garnish.
First, a citrus syrup is made by mixing the water, sugar and 2 tablespoons of both lime and lemon zest over medium heat. Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is given time to cool, it is mixed thoroughly with the lime, lemon, and orange juices and the agave syrup and chilled. The last teaspoon of lime zest is combined with the salt and used on the rims of the glasses.
While there are many different recipes for non-alcoholic margaritas, ranging from simple to complex, this one tastes about as close to the traditional margarita without having to use a drop of alcohol.
Benefits
Non-alcoholic margaritas are a tasty, refreshing alternative to the traditional alcohol-laden margaritas. These beverages can be enjoyed without having to worry about consuming hard liquor and its associated health and behavioral effects. Non-alcoholic margaritas also make an ideal drink to serve at parties where underage guests and guests with health or moral objections to alcohol will be present. They are versatile -- for every flavor combination available of traditional margaritas, there is a non-alcoholic margarita counterpart.
Time Frame
Summer parties, picnics, and barbecues are ideal occasions for serving non-alcoholic margaritas. Non-alcoholic margaritas can be served on the rocks or frozen, making them particularly refreshing in the hot summer months, especially since they do not include any alcohol, which can often be dehydrating.
Tags: Non-alcoholic margaritas, traditional margaritas, agave syrup, drink alcohol, hard liquor,