The Italian Margarita is a signature cocktail served at Olive Garden restaurants. It’s a refreshing and citrusy twist on the classic margarita. Here’s how to enjoy an Italian Margarita at Olive Garden or recreate it at home:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) of Amaretto liqueur
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) of tequila
- 1 oz (30 ml) of sour mix (a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup)
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) of triple sec or orange liqueur
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
- Sugar, for rimming the glass (optional)
At Olive Garden:
- Visit Olive Garden: To enjoy an Italian Margarita at Olive Garden, visit one of their locations and order it from their cocktail menu. They will prepare and serve it to you.
- Sip and Enjoy: Once your Italian Margarita is served, simply sip and enjoy! It’s a well-balanced cocktail with the sweet almond flavor of Amaretto complementing the citrusy notes of the sour mix and triple sec.
To Make at Home:
If you’d like to make an Italian Margarita at home, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Glass:
- If you like, rim a margarita or rocks glass with sugar. To do this, rub a lemon or lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into a plate of sugar.
- Fill the Glass with Ice:
- Fill your prepared glass with ice cubes. This will chill the drink and keep it refreshing.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Amaretto liqueur, tequila, sour mix, and triple sec. Add some ice to the shaker.
- Shake Well:
- Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain into the Glass:
- Using a strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer, strain the cocktail into your prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the Italian Margarita with a lemon wheel or twist for a fresh citrus aroma.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade Italian Margarita immediately and enjoy its delicious blend of flavors.
Remember to drink responsibly, especially when consuming cocktails with alcohol. Enjoy your Italian Margarita whether you’re at Olive Garden or in the comfort of your own home. Cheers!