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A Lemon Agave Margarita is a bright and citrusy take on the classic margarita, but without that pesky over-sweetened margarita mix. Made with fresh lemon juice and agave, this lemon margarita is fresh and vibrant. Plus it can be rimmed with salt or sugar, depending on your mood!

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fresh lemon margarita with sugar rim and lemon wedges

table of contents

about this lemon agave margarita

I have to be honest with you… Margaritas used to be something that I totally hated…

I know, I knowwwwwwww, how could I possibly say a thing like that?!

Honestly, it was because of one thing. Margarita mix.

Little ol’ me who didn’t know any better, used to think all margaritas were made with margarita mix. You know that sour and sweet mix that tastes processed and doesn’t really capture the flavor of what a traditional margarita SHOULD be.

At the time, most of the margaritas you ordered out were, at least for the classic margaritas.

However, it took one bar up in chilly Breckenridge with my mom for me to take a gamble on what they called their “fresh” margarita.

The moment I tasted it, I realized what margaritas were really supposed to be about. It had fresh juice, a little raw sugar and tequila. That’s. It.

2025 update: First shared on February 15, 2018, this recipe has been one of the most-loved on the site. It has been updated to include new tips, clearer instructions, and FAQs. The original recipe remains unchanged.

Overhead image of lemon agave margaritas

Ever since then, it’s been all about the fresh margaritas for me. I’ve actually come to crave them, particularly on those taco nights that I inevitably demand each week…

This lemon margarita recipe falls rights into that “fresh” category, but with a lemony twist instead of using lime juice. I love the brightness that the lemon brings to the tequila, and how the agave smooths it all out at the end of every sip.

This margarita pairs perfectly with a salt or sugar rim so it’s ideal for when you’re craving sweet or salty.

Such an easy cocktail makes for a great margarita to serve up and parties, and the two rimming mixtures I’ve included in the recipe below will appeal to everyone, no matter if they prefer sugar or salt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before you grab that bottle of mix (don’t do it), let me tell you why this lemon margarita is the one you’ll keep coming back to:

Fresh and zesty – no bottled margarita mix here.
Made with real lemon juice and agave for natural sweetness.
Takes just 5 minutes to make.
Sweet or salty rim options so you can switch it up.
The perfect cocktail for taco Tuesday, summer BBQs, or just because.

💬 behind the recipe

Back in my rookie cocktail days, I thought all margaritas came from those sour, processed mixes that leave you with a headache before you even finish your first glass. It wasn’t until a trip to Breckenridge (and a very persuasive bartender) that I tasted what a margarita should be: bright, citrusy, and made with real, simple ingredients. This lemon margarita is my ode to that moment. Fresh lemon juice gives it a sunnier, slightly sweeter twist than lime, and agave smooths everything out so every sip feels balanced.

ingredients you’ll need

lemons – you’ll need to grab a bunch of lemons for this recipe! Two margaritas require the juice from about two medium lemons, so keep that in mind if you are making more than two. You’ll also need the zest from the lemons, so be sure to remove that before juicing them.

tequila – I prefer using a blanco tequila (silver tequila). My favorites are mid-range priced options like El Jimador or Dobel. You can use something more top shelf if you prefer like Patron. Gold tequila is also an option, but I find it a bit too strong to pair with the citrus juice for this recipe.

agave – I like to use agave for the sweetener in this cocktail because it goes so well with the flavor of tequila. You can also use simple syrup or agave syrup if that’s what you have on hand!

orange bitters – the dash of bitters is a nice little bite for the margarita, and since most margaritas have some orange element in them traditionally, I like to use orange. You can also skip the bitters if you prefer!

sugar – just granulated sugar is all you need if you opt for a sugar rim on your margarita!

salt – if you opt for a salty rim for this margarita, I recommend using a coarse salt for the rimming mixture.

Overhead image of lemon cocktails with hand

this recipe’s must-haves

Since this cocktail is super simple to make, all you have to do is grab your cocktail shaker and jigger, you’ll be all set!

For the rimming mixtures, I like to mix them up in mixing bowls. Then you can use a rimming set to rim your glasses, or simply use plates. I like the rimming set I linked here so you can rim your glasses in style. They also work great for a party so you can keep it all neat and tidy as you make more margaritas!

More tasty margarita recipes: Strawberry Margarita Mimosas | Limeade Margaritas | Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita | Smoky Jalapeno Margarita

Cocktail in cocktail shaker overhead photo

Rimming salt and sugar mixtures on plates

how to make a lemon margarita

make rimming mix (sweet or salty!)

If you want to make a sweet rim, combine sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. Stir to combine and add to a shallow bowl or rimmed plate.

If you want to make a salty rim, combine salt and lemon zest in a small bowl. Stir to combine and add to a shallow bowl or rimmed plate.

rim glass

To rim the glasses, rub the rims with a wedge of lemon. Rub the rim of the cocktail glasses through the pile of lemon rimming sugar or salt.

shake and strain

Add lemon juice, tequila, agave, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 15 seconds.

Strain into rimmed glasses that have been filled with ice, dividing the mixture evenly between the two. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately.

Did you know? Lemon margaritas are sometimes called “golden margaritas” thanks to their bright, sunshiny hue. They’re also slightly less acidic than lime margaritas, making them an easy favorite for citrus lovers.

Tips for Success

Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. It makes all the difference.

Chill your glasses for 10 minutes before serving for an extra-refreshing sip.

Swap agave for simple syrup or honey if needed.

Skip the bitters and add a splash of orange liqueur, preferably cointreau or grand marnier. Triple sec will also work in a pinch.

faqs

Yes! Simple syrup or honey works great. Start with 1 oz and adjust to taste.

A smooth blanco or silver tequila is your best bet. Mid-range options like El Jimador or Dobel work beautifully.

You bet. Blend all the ingredients with 1 cup of ice for a slushy cocktail.

Pouring margarita into a glass of ice image

what to serve with lemon agave margaritas?

Wondering what to serve with these zesty and boozy margaritas? Well, there are many MANY options to satisfy your palette in fun and festive ways!

When it comes to choosing appetizers to pair with this refreshing cocktail, I highly recommend something fresh and bold! My chunky salsa or carne asada nachos are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a small group or a big gathering.
For mains, try this salsa verde chorizo pizza or steak fajita foil packets hot off the grill!

Finally, if you make these lemon margaritas, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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