Non-alcoholic Margaritas

by Natalie Cooper

I’ve always loved a good Margarita or two, so when Clear Head Drinks wanted to celebrate World Tequila Day by sending me some of their new Lyres Agave Spirits to review, I was more than happy to oblige…  The only problem was, having just moved to ski town for the winter, I was low on cocktail making supplies and ingredients.  After unsuccessfully searching every opportunity shop in town, I ended up buying a new cocktail making set (you can never have too many shakers really, can you?) and borrowed some – not exactly Margarita – but absolutely fabulous glasses from a friend.  She said they belonged to her grandmother which made them even more awesome! 

I decided to keep things nice and easy and blend my Margarita’s using the Good Cocktail Co Margarita Mix.  Not only to save myself spending $100 on limes from our overpriced resort town supermarket, or due to the fact I didn’t have any non-alcoholic Triple Sec alternatives on hand, but I really liked that this mixer is crafted with real lime juice, orange juice and contains an extract of hibiscus flowers for a slightly botanical vibe.  It’s also all natural, vegan and gluten-free 👌 

Using a mixer like this would keep things simple and consistent, so I could taste test the two different options from Lyre’s on an even playing field.  It also meant I could spend less time mixing drinks and more time hanging with friends!  If you prefer to make things from scratch, you could make your non-alcoholic Margarita using a standard recipe like the one below.

Non-alcoholic Margarita Recipe

45mL Lyre's Agave Blanco Spirit OR Lyre's Agave Reserva Spirit
15mL Lyre's Orange Sec or Sexy AF Triple Sexy
30mL lime juice
7.5mL white sugar syrup (1:1), use more or less to taste

Shake briefly in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into your favourite cocktail glass. Don’t forget to pre-salt the rim if that’s your thing!

Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit

First up on the taste test was the Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit.  A quick taste of it straight reminded me more of a Vodka than Tequila, but it left a tasty Tequila burn in my mouth which I enjoyed.  The instructions on the Good Cocktail Co Margarita Mixer said to use one part Tequila to two parts mixer, however after a bit of experimenting, I found it was it’s best to use one part Agave Spirit to one part mixer.  That way you still get the Tequila flavour and spicy zing coming through.  The more mixer you add, the more it starts to taste like a mocktail – still tasty but missing the bite. The instructions also suggested adding a splash of soda at the end, which I didn’t do.  As for the result, this totally tasted like a Margarita to me and most definitely hit the spot! 

Lyre’s Agave Reserva Spirit

Next up was the Lyre’s Agave Reserva Spirit.  To keep things like-for-like I used the same mixing ratio as before, one to one.  I thought the Reserva made a sweeter Margarita, with less of a bite so for me, the Blanco was the winner!  I really enjoyed the peppery, warming body to the Blanco, especially on such a cold night.  The Reserva had a lovely smooth feel and would no doubt go down well with soda or another light mixer.  On its own the Reserva has more of a tequila aroma and taste to it, but with a much smoother feel.  There’s a mild peppery kick but it is much more subtle than the Blanco. 

Non-alcoholic margarita using lyre's agave blanco spirit and the good cocktail co margarita mix

Which non-alcoholic tequila was best?

Ultimately, which of these two Lyre's Agave Spirits are best for you will depend how you like to drink your Tequila, and what you like to mix it with.  If you prefer it on the rocks or with a light mixer then I’d go with the Reserva, whereas if you like it mixed into something with more complex or heavier flavours (like a Margarita) then I’d say go with the Blanco.

Either way, I’m well impressed with that Lyre’s have done for all the non-drinking Tequila drinkers out there.  It’s always great to have non-alcoholic options to substitute our old favourite spirits!  Grab a bottle and join me for a Margarita on World Tequila Day, July 24th! 🍸                                                                                               


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