Tangy Mango Margarita Mocktail with a Tajín Rim

The most relaxed I’ve ever been on a vacation was lounging in a barside swing at a resort in Mexico while sipping a mango margarita.

It was pure bliss.

The minute we got home, I started daydreaming about how to recreate this drink (as well as how to go back to our resort). But the margarita is a lot more achievable at the moment.

Since I’m currently in my mocktail era, I set out to create a recipe for a virgin mango margarita. And the result was pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself.

Of course, it’s not quite as good as the original, but honestly, I think that’s more due to the lack of resort than the lack of alcohol.

It’s pretty darn close, though. When I make the alcoholic version alongside the mocktail, I have to label them carefully to tell them apart. Sometimes I can almost picture myself back in Mexico.

If you’re ready to be transported to a tropical paradise, give this mango margarita mocktail a try.

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Ingredients 

My recipe uses a zero-proof tequila alternative (the only brand I recommend), along with agave and a unique blend of juices. Plus, a Tajín rim that ties it all together.

In addition to the ingredients below, you’ll need a cocktail shaker and some ice for shaking and serving, since my recipe is served on the rocks (my favorite way to enjoy margaritas).

I love using large, clear ice cubes to make a serving statement. Check out my clear ice tutorial to learn how to make them at home!

If you prefer blended margaritas, you could also try blending the ingredients with ice, but I haven’t tested it myself.

Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative 

To make this mango margarita mocktail, you’ll need a solid tequila alternative. I recommend Ritual Agave Spirit Alternative.

I’m normally not a fan of zero-proof spirits, but this one is worth the investment.

It has a bit of a kick and adds depth and complexity. I probably wouldn’t drink it on its own, but in a mixed drink it works surprisingly well. It adds a nice edge to this mango marg.

Naked Mighty Mango Machine Smoothie

My secret ingredient is the Naked Mighty Mango Machine smoothie. Since it’s a bit thicker, it adds a richer flavor and mouthfeel.

But when I tried it as the sole source of mango flavor in this mocktail, it was a tad overwhelming. Instead, I use a 50/50 ratio of smoothie and juice (more on that next) to keep the drink tasting more like a cocktail. 

Mango Juice 

To complement the smoothie, use a high-quality refrigerated mango juice that is not made from concentrate.

It helps cut the richness of the smoothie while adding bright mango flavor. I like the Simply Mango brand, but another quality option would work.

If you can’t find juice that isn’t from concentrate, you could try substituting another version, but you may need to adjust the sweetness.

Fresh Lime Juice 

You’ll also need some fresh lime juice. Mango and lime pair really well together, and the acidity of the lime helps balance the sweetness of the mango.

Fresh juice really is best here. You should only need a lime or two.

Agave 

Agave syrup lends a hint of sweetness and complexity. Even though the mango juices are sweet, the tequila alternative and lime juice add a bit of spice and acidity that need to be balanced.

I like to use light agave (the In the Raw brand).

Tajín 

Last (but certainly not least), you’ll need some Tajín for the rim of your glass.

Trust me, just give it a try. I’ve never been a fan of Tajín, or even plain salt, on my margaritas, but when I first tried Tajín with a mango marg, it was clear the pairing was meant to be.

It adds a combination of savoriness and kick that works really well with the mango flavor.

To create your Tajín rim, lightly coat the rim of a glass with a lime wedge. Then pour some Tajín onto a shallow plate and roll the glass in the Tajín until coated.

So let’s dive into the recipe!

How to Batch Virgin Mango Margaritas

This is a great drink to make for a taco night, summer BBQ, or pool party. And batching it is really easy, especially since there aren’t any bubbles to worry about.

I recommend mixing it the same day you plan to serve it to keep the citrus tasting fresh. I like to prepare it in a glass carafe like this one that holds about 6-7 cups, which is the perfect size for this recipe. 

Ingredients (8 Servings)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a pitcher of virgin mango margaritas.

• 16 oz zero-proof tequila alternative (2 cups)
• 12 oz mango smoothie (1 ½ cups)
• 12 oz mango juice (1.5 cups)
• 8 oz fresh lime juice (1 cup)
• 4 oz light agave (½ cup)
• Tajín (optional, for serving)
• Ice (for serving)

Total: 52 oz (6 ½ cups)

Instructions

1. Combine the tequila alternative, mango smoothie, mango juice, lime juice, and agave in a pitcher or large carafe and chill thoroughly.
2. Shortly before serving, coat the rims of cocktail glasses with lime juice and Tajín.
3. Pour the margaritas over ice and serve.

Alcoholic Version 

Want to make this mango margarita alcoholic? I don’t blame you. In fact, I envy you.

Since I’m so nice, even though I’m pregnant, I created a boozy version of this recipe.

You’re welcome.

Ingredients (1 Serving)

You’ll use mainly the same ingredients as the mocktail version, but tweak the amounts and add real tequila and triple sec.

• 2 oz tequila (¼ cup)
• ½ oz triple sec (1 tablespoon)
• 1 oz mango smoothie (2 tablespoons)
• 1 oz mango juice (2 tablespoons)
• 1 oz lime juice (2 tablespoons)
• ½ oz light agave (1 tablespoon – adjust to taste)
• Tajín (optional, for serving)
• Ice (for shaking and serving)

Total: ~6-7 oz (post-dilution)

Instructions

1. Optional: Prepare a cocktail glass by lightly coating the rim with fresh lime juice and rolling it in Tajín.
2. Add the tequila, triple sec, mango smoothie, mango juice, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 5–10 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain into the prepared glass over ice and serve.

Ingredients (8 Servings)

If you want to batch the alcoholic version, use these ratios. Optionally, you can add a splash of water for dilution, but since this drink is served over ice, I’ve found it isn’t really necessary.

• 16 oz tequila (2 cups)
• 4 oz triple sec (½ cup)
• 8 oz mango smoothie (1 cup)
• 8 oz mango juice (1 cup)
• 8 oz lime juice (1 cup)
• 4 oz light agave (½ cup – adjust to taste)
• Tajín (optional, for serving)
• Ice (for serving)

Total: ~48 oz

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or large carafe and chill thoroughly.
2. Shortly before serving, coat the rims of cocktail glasses with lime juice and Tajín.
3. Pour over ice and serve.

FAQs

See below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Can I make this mango margarita mocktail ahead of time?

Yes. This drink batches very well because there are no carbonated ingredients. You can mix the ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

For the freshest flavor, I recommend making it the same day so the lime juice stays bright.

Do I have to use Tajín on the rim?

No, the drink will still taste great without it. That said, I highly recommend giving it a try. Tajín adds a little savory heat that balances the sweetness of the mango and the acidity of the lime.

If you prefer something milder, you could use plain salt or skip the rim entirely.

Can I use frozen mango instead of mango juice?

You could experiment with frozen mango if you plan to blend the drink, but for the on-the-rocks version, I recommend sticking with mango juice and smoothie. They create a smoother texture and keep the drink tasting more like a traditional margarita.

Can I make these mango margaritas without a tequila alternative?

You can leave it out, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The tequila alternative adds a surprising amount of depth and helps the drink taste more like a traditional margarita.

What tequila works best for the alcoholic version?

A blanco (silver) tequila works best in this recipe. It has a clean, bright flavor that pairs well with mango and lime without overpowering the fruit.

Can I batch virgin mango margaritas for a party?

Absolutely. This recipe includes an easy pitcher version that makes about eight servings. Simply combine the ingredients in a carafe or pitcher, chill thoroughly, and pour over ice when ready to serve.

Pair It With Taco Night

These mango margaritas are perfect for Taco Tuesday. Serve them alongside my ribeye tacos, easy 4-ingredient guacamole, or explore the full Taco Tuesday menu.