• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Aimee Mars logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Beverages » Rum Margarita Recipe

    Rum Margarita Recipe

    Published: Feb 8, 2023 · Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Rum margarita with the title written in block lettering.

    A slight spin on a classic cocktail, this Rum Margarita is made without tequila and instead uses rum. It still has the tangy and tart flavor but also the smooth sweet taste the rum adds. Make a single serving or prepare a pitcher.

    Rum margarita with mint leaves and lime wedge.

    Margarita without Tequila

    It works because it’s tried and true. Everyone loves margaritas, but not everyone loves tequila. This margarita recipe with rum is a great alternative so that everyone can have a drink they enjoy!

    Making a margarita with rum works just like making one with tequila! And there’s no reason why you should spend $10 on a cocktail that you can make at home. If you love this version of the popular cocktail then try a Vodka Margarita next.

    Ingredients Needed

    Rum margarita ingredients.
    • Rum – Either light or dark rum tastes great in a rum margarita! I like to use Bacardi Gold rum for its caramel and orange notes – perfect to pair with our other ingredients!
    • Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed citrus imparts the best flavor every time. One lime is enough to get one ounce, but if you like to use more, then snag a couple more. 
    • Orange Liqueur – My two top recommendations are Triple Sec or Cointreau. 
    • Agave Syrup – It’s important to use a liquid sweetener. I like agave, but you could even use honey (as close to raw as possible for a thinner consistency) or learn How to Make Simple Syrup.
    • Coarse Salt – This ingredient is optional but makes for a great presentation! It also helps to cut the sweetness and combat the rummy taste.

    How to Make a Margarita without Tequila

    With a simple swap, you can easily make a margarita without tequila, by using rum instead. The tastes are similar and the process for making it is the same.

    Rum margarita recipe process steps 1 and 2.
    1. Prepare the glass – Using the lime from your freshly squeezed lime juice, run a wedge along the rim of your glass.
    2. Create the salt rim – Dump the coarse salt onto a plate or other flat surface. Dip the lime-coated glass rim into the salt, gently wiggling it back and forth and applying light pressure to help it stick.
    Process step 3 and 4 for making rum margaritas.
    1. Shake the cocktail – Drop ice cubes (or crushed ice for a more watered-down drink) into the cocktail shaker. Pour in the rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup, and shake well.
    2. Strain and serve – Add some ice to the prepared glass and strain the shaken rum margarita into the glass. For an extra garnish, add another fresh lime wedge.

    Make it a Pitcher

    This is one cocktail that actually can be mixed ahead of time. Store in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. While it will theoretically be safe to drink longer, the taste of the lime and orange starts to turn on day 3. Wait to shake with the ice until serving.

    To make a rum margarita pitcher multiply the recipe by 4 or follow the ingredient amounts below.

    • 6 ounces of Rum
    • 4 ounces Triple Sec
    • 8 ounces of Lime Juice
    • ¼ cup Agave
    Two glasses filled with rum margaritas.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Fun flavors to try. An easy way to add extra flavors is to use a flavored rum! For example, Malibu comes in so many varieties – pineapple, mango, coconut, and even watermelon – that would be delicious.
    • Add fresh fruit. You can get some extra texture and body by adding fresh fruit – and it helps to really brighten the whole glass. Running strawberries, watermelon, or mango through a food processor or blender and throwing it into the cocktail shaker really seals the deal on the perfect spring or summer drink.
    • Make a virgin margarita. To make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, replace the rum with orange juice, lemonade, or any sparkling water.

    FAQS

    Can you use rum instead of tequila in a margarita?

    Making a margarita recipe with rum doesn’t change the overall recipe at all. You simply replace the tequila with rum!

    What can I use instead of lime juice in a margarita with rum?

    Use something sour and acidic to cut through the alcohol. Lemon juice is best, and orange juice would be your next best bet – though it is certainly much sweeter. In this case, I would forgo the agave syrup.

    Related Recipes

    • Pink margarita with mint leaves and a lime wedge.
      Pink Margarita
    • Pineapple coconut margarita with a sugared rim and pineapple wedge on the glass.
      Pineapple Coconut Margarita
    • Margaritas in two glasses with salted rim and a bowl of limes behind.
      Simple Margarita Recipe
    • Margarita with vodka and a salted rim.
      Vodka Margarita
    Rum margarita in a glass with a mint leaf.

    Rum Margarita Recipe

    A slight spin on a classic cocktail, this Rum Margarita is made without tequila and instead uses rum. It still has the tangy and tart flavor but also the smooth sweet taste the rum adds. Make a single serving or prepare a pitcher.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 1 Servings
    Calories: 265kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Citrus Juicer

    Ingredients

    • 1½ ounces Rum
    • 1 ounce Triple Sec or Cointreau
    • 2 ounces Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
    • 1 tablespoon Agave
    • Coarse Salt

    Instructions

    • Prepare the glass – Using the lime from your freshly squeezed lime juice, run a wedge along the rim of your glass.
    • Create the salt rim – Dump the coarse salt onto a plate or other flat surface. Dip the lime-coated glass rim into the salt, gently wiggling it back and forth and applying light pressure to help it stick.
    • Shake the cocktail – Drop ice cubes (or crushed ice for a more watered-down drink) into the cocktail shaker. Pour in the rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup, and shake well.
    • Strain and serve – Add some ice to the prepared glass and strain the shaken rum margarita into the glass. For an extra garnish, add another fresh lime wedge.

    Notes

    • Fun flavors to try. An easy way to add extra flavors is to use a flavored rum! For example, Malibu comes in so many varieties – pineapple, mango, coconut, and even watermelon – that would be delicious.
    • Add fresh fruit. You can get some extra texture and body by adding fresh fruit – and it helps to really brighten the whole glass. Running strawberries, watermelon, or mango through a food processor or blender and throwing it into the cocktail shaker really seals the deal on the perfect spring or summer drink.
    • Make a virgin margarita. To make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, replace the rum with orange juice, lemonade, or any sparkling water.
     

    To Make a Pitcher

    To make a rum margarita pitcher multiply the recipe by 4 or follow the ingredient amounts below.
    • 6 ounces of Rum
    • 4 ounces Triple Sec
    • 8 ounces of Lime Juice
    • ¼ cup Agave

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

    More Beverage and Cocktail Recipes

    • Beer margarita with a salted rim and lime wedge.
      Beer Margarita
    • Azalea drinks topped with fresh mint.
      Azalea Drink
    • Lemon drop shot with a sugared rim.
      Lemon Drop Shot
    • Mason jar cold brew over ice with cream.
      Mason Jar Cold Brew

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About Aimee Mars

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Aimee Mars Bio Image

    In sharing my recipes filled with delicious and wholesome ingredients, I hope to connect with you. Let’s create some decadent meals to share with the ones we love. For more about my story and how this site got started visit the about page.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Christmas Recipes

    Rosemary simple syrup in a bottle with a spout.

    Rosemary Simple Syrup

    Raspberry champagne cocktails.

    Raspberry Champagne Cocktail

    Raspberry Moscow Mules in copper mugs.

    Raspberry Moscow Mule

    Party meatballs in a slow cooker.

    Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce

    Maple syrup pancakes topped with raspberries and more maple syrup.

    Maple Syrup Pancakes

    Million-dollar bacon wrapped in parchment.

    Million Dollar Bacon

    Aimee Mars featured in side bar image with logos.

    GET THE LATEST RECIPES AND VIDEO RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX

    Load up on recipes, meal plans, and prep tips + a FREE "Dinner Made Easy" eCookbook

    Top Posts

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • CONTACT ME
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • FIND RECIPES

    Copyright © 2023 Aimee Mars on the Seasoned Pro Theme