How to Make an Italian Margarita

Citrusy, nutty, and totally unexpected.

The Italian Margarita is what happens when tequila takes a quick vacation to the Amalfi Coast and comes back a little sassier. It’s everything you love about a classic marg—zippy lime, smooth tequila—but with a cheeky Italian upgrade thanks to amaretto and freshly squeezed orange juice. Think: bright, citrusy, and just sweet enough to make you feel like you’re getting away with something.

It’s perfect for summer hangs, unexpected brunch flexes, or just a Wednesday that needs to feel like Friday. It’s that drink that makes people go, “Wait… what is this?” and then beg you for the recipe.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed:

• It’s a twist on the familiar. The almondy richness of amaretto + OJ’s juicy freshness + tequila = surprisingly magical.

• It tastes like summer. Light, flavorful, dangerously easy to sip.

• You’ll feel like a cocktail genius. But it’s super simple to make.

How to Make an Italian Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp granulated sugar (for the rim)

• 1 medium orange

• Ice

• 1½ oz blanco tequila

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)

• ¾ oz amaretto

Instructions:

1. Spread sugar on a small plate. Slice a thin half-moon of orange and run it around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in sugar. Fill glass with ice.

2. Juice the rest of the orange until you get 1 oz.

3. In a shaker, combine orange juice, tequila, lime juice, and amaretto. Add ice and shake it like you mean it (until the shaker feels frosty—about 20 seconds).

4. Strain into your glass. Garnish with that pretty orange slice.

Sip, smile, repeat.