I present a refreshing, cooling non-alcoholic margarita inspired by a classic frozen margarita—but without any alcohol. I love how this version keeps all the summery vibes while staying completely booze-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms traditional margarita flavors into a slushy, alcohol-free delight. I steep sweetened coriander for a fragrant base, freeze it with lime juice, then blend it with coconut water and ice for a smooth, frosty drink—perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 tbsp golden caster sugar
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1 tsp coriander seeds
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100 ml boiling water
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1 tsp cider vinegar
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
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75 ml lime juice
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200 ml coconut water
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ice cubes
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2 lime slices, to garnish
Directions
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I put the sugar and coriander seeds in a heatproof jug or bowl, then pour over the boiling water and leave it to steep for 15 minutes—or until it reaches room temperature.
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I stir in the cider vinegar and vanilla, then strain the mixture. I add the lime juice, pour the mix into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray, and freeze for 2–3 hours until it starts to firm up.
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I scoop the partially frozen mixture into a blender, add the coconut water and a handful of ice, and blitz until smooth and slushy. I pour into two tumblers or margarita glasses and garnish with lime slices.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 2
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Prepare time: less than 30 minutes
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Cooking time: none—aside from freezing for 2–3 hours
Variations
I can:
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Use a different sugar, like demerara, for a richer flavor instead of golden caster sugar.
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Try alternative spices—cardamom or mint could work instead of coriander for a different aromatic profile.
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Substitute coconut water with pineapple or orange juice for a fruitier twist.
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Replace lime juice with lemon for a sharper citrus note.
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Garnish with mint or berries for extra color and freshness.
storage/reheating
I can prepare the coriander-sugar infusion in advance and freeze it in ice cube trays—it keeps well, and it’s more manageable to blend later. I store the frozen cubes in an airtight container until I’m ready to blitz. I don’t reheat—this cocktail is best served icy and slushy.
FAQs
What if I don’t have coriander seeds?
I could use ground coriander—but I’d steep it only briefly to avoid too intense a flavor. Alternatively, I might substitute with anise or cumin for a different aromatic twist.
Can I make it ahead for a gathering?
Yes—I can prep the infusion up to a day ahead and freeze it. Then I just blitz with coconut water and ice when guests arrive.
Is it vegan and allergy-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Can I make it without freezing?
If I’m short on time, I could blitz the liquid mixture (uncooked) with ice, though it won’t be as slushy. The freezing step really gives it that frozen margarita feel.
Can I adjust sweetness?
Yes—I start with 1 tbsp sugar but I can taste and adjust before freezing if I like it sweeter or more tart.
Conclusion
I hope I’ve captured the breezy charm of this non-alcoholic frozen margarita. I enjoy how easy it is, how refreshing it tastes, and how customizable it is. It’s a perfect way to chill out on a warm day—without any alcohol involved!
Print
Non-Alcoholic Frozen Margarita
A refreshing, cooling non-alcoholic margarita inspired by the classic frozen margarita, featuring a fragrant coriander infusion, lime juice, and coconut water for a smooth, frosty, booze-free drink.
- Total Time: 2–3 hours (including freezing)
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
1 tbsp golden caster sugar
1 tsp coriander seeds
100 ml boiling water
1 tsp cider vinegar
¼ tsp vanilla extract
75 ml lime juice
200 ml coconut water
Ice cubes
2 lime slices, to garnish
Instructions
- Combine sugar and coriander seeds in a heatproof jug or bowl. Pour boiling water over and steep for 15 minutes until cooled.
- Stir in cider vinegar and vanilla extract, then strain the mixture.
- Add lime juice, pour into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray, and freeze for 2–3 hours until firm but not solid.
- Scoop the partially frozen mixture into a blender, add coconut water and a handful of ice cubes, then blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into two tumblers or margarita glasses, garnish with lime slices, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use demerara sugar instead of golden caster sugar for a richer flavor.
- Try cardamom or mint as alternative spices in place of coriander.
- Substitute coconut water with pineapple or orange juice for a fruitier twist.
- Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a sharper citrus flavor.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or berries for added color and freshness.
- Prep Time: Less than 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None (excluding freezing time)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and Freezing
- Cuisine: Non-Alcoholic
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg