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.

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 – 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.

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.

3. 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.
4. 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

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.

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