How to Make a DAMN GOOD Italian Margarita with Amaretto

May 10, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

How to Make a DAMN GOOD Italian Margarita with Amaretto

This Italian Margarita recipe is so easy to make at home, you'll never order it at Olive Garden again!

You've heard of margaritas, but have you ever had a margarita in Italian?

Meet the Italian Margarita - a refreshing cocktail that combines luscious and sweet amaretto liqueur with freshly squeezed lime juice, tequila, and orange juice. The result is a margarita that is strong enough to be called a cocktail, but light enough to make you feel like you're sitting on a beach in Italy.

If you are ready to start making a DAMN GOOD margarita cocktail in Italian, so if this sounds delicious, keep on reading to find out how you can make your own at home. Saluti!

Looking for more margarita recipes? Be sure to try my Spicy Jalapeno Margarita, Watermelon Margarita, and Blueberry Basil Margarita too!

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What is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur originating from Saronno, Italy giving this cocktail its Italian flair. Made from almonds, apricots, or both, you'll find this liqueur has a strong almond flavor with a hint of cherry. Nutty Amaretto is often used in desserts, and enjoyed on its own, but it also makes a delicious margarita.

Ingredients: What's a Margarita in Italian?

In the past, I was taught to make this Italian cocktail with Orange Liqueur (aka triple sec) and pre-made sweet and sour. However, I really wanted to make it from scratch. So I took to my kitchen and started experimenting - a super fun perk of the job. I played around with the ratio of fresh lime juice and orange juice to amaretto until I got it just right. What I ended up with is an Italian margarita that is tart, sweet, and strong - basically, everything a DAMN GOOD margarita should be. Here's what you'll need for this Italian Margarita recipe:

Tequila (of course) - Blanco tequila/silver tequila (preferred), but Reposado tequila tastes great too!
Amaretto Liqueur - the "Italian" in an Italian Margarita
Orange Juice - the citrus
Fresh Lime Juice - the citrus
Sugar - for the rim
Rosemary Sprig, Orange and Lime Slices - the garnish: If you are feeling fancy, brûlée an orange slice with sugar and a culinary torch, like me.

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Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this Italian Margarita recipe

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I'm a former bartender, I highly suggest the Mixology and Craft Cocktail Starter Kit. This kit includes a 2-piece stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker, a Hawthorne strainer, and a 2-sided jigger for the most precise 1 ounce and 2 ounces pours.

A citrus juicer is a must-have for creating margaritas and guaranteeing that you get more juice every time.
This set of 6 Rocks glasses is perfect for serving these Italian margaritas on the rocks.
The 2-sided Jigger ensures that your margaritas are served with the exact amount of alcohol each time.
A Hawthorne cocktail strainer is essential for straining ice and other ingredients while pouring your cocktails.
Don't forget this lovely and useful Salt Rimmer to add sugar or salt to the glasses.
Totally Optional but Super Fun: A culinary torch to brûlée your orange garnish. Oh, and don't forget the butane fuel too!

Thank You

Whether you’re on a beach in Italy or just enjoying a summer evening at home, this Italian Margarita is the perfect drink to keep you cool and refreshed. Be sure to stock up on amaretto liqueur – it might just become your new favorite spirit!

Have you tried this recipe? Share your photos with me on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DAMNGOODcocktails and tagging me @ThisIsMelDrake so I can see how yours turned out! Please let me know how you liked the recipe in the comments section below, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Saluti! - Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake