This Olive Garden Italian Margarita is a super simple citrus cocktail with a sweet amaretto float that totally levels up your usual marg. It’s quick to shake up (literally five minutes), and perfect for when you want something chill but still kinda fancy. No bartending skills needed — just ice, a shaker, and maybe a lime slice that’s seen better days.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: none
- Flavor: citrusy, smooth, touch of almond
- Great for: solo sips, movie nights, chill Fridays
Why I Like This Recipe
I didn’t really plan to make this — I just had stuff in the fridge and wanted something better than water. This one came together fast and honestly? It hits. Tangy, sweet, and weirdly therapeutic to swirl.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz orange juice (fresh is ideal)
- 3 oz sour mix
- 1 oz amaretto (add last)
- Sugar (for the rim)
- 1 orange slice
- 1 lime slice
- Lime wedge (for rimming)
How To Make Berry Sangria
- Rim your glass Use a lime wedge to wet the rim, dip in sugar until it’s coated. Set aside.
- Shake the mix In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, orange juice, and sour mix. Shake hard — like, 15 seconds.
- Serve it Pour into your sugared glass filled with fresh ice. Add amaretto at the end and swirl gently.
Tips for Success
- Fresh OJ matters — don’t skip it if you’ve got time.
- Use good tequila. Doesn’t have to be expensive, just clean.
- Amaretto goes in last for that layered flavor thing.
- Shake hard — lazy shaking = meh flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Got extra? Pop it in a mason jar with a lid. Shake before you sip it again. Use within 24 hours.
- Freezer: Nope. Please don’t. It messes with the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought sour mix?
Yup. Homemade is cool but store-bought works fine. - What if I don’t have amaretto?
You’ll still have a margarita, just not the Italian twist. - Do I need a cocktail shaker?
Nope. A jar with a tight lid works just fine. Been there. - Can I make a big batch for a group?
Yep. Multiply everything by how many you’re serving. Add amaretto to each glass individually. - What’s the best tequila for this?
Go with blanco. Something smooth — not the cheapest one on the shelf.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Not chilling the mix: Warm drinks just don’t hit the same. Use plenty of ice when shaking.
- Overdoing the sour mix: Keep it balanced. Too much and it gets harsh.
- Forgetting the sugar rim: Seriously — it’s not just pretty. It softens the tang.
- Dumping in the amaretto too fast: Slow swirl = layered flavor. Let it mix in gently.
- Using bottled orange juice: It’s okay in a pinch, but fresh juice makes a difference.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 0g
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- Venetian Sunset – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
- Watermelon Margarita – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
- Italian Rum Punch – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
- Peach Iced Tea – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
Berry Sangria – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
Course: DrinksCuisine: Italian-MexicanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes323
kcalA tangy citrus margarita with a smooth amaretto float, sweet rim, and just enough drama to turn any night around.
Ingredients
1½ oz blanco tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz orange juice
3 oz sour mix
1 oz amaretto
Sugar (for rimming)
1 lime wedge
Orange and lime slices
Directions
- Rim a glass with lime juice and sugar.
- Shake tequila, triple sec, orange juice, and sour mix with ice.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the mix.
- Top with amaretto just before serving.
- Garnish with lime and orange slices.
Notes
- Shake it long enough to chill — no shortcuts.
- Fresh juice if you can.
- Amaretto should be added last — swirl, don’t stir
- Skip the freezer. This isn’t a slushie..
