Mango Calamansi Margarita
Updated: May 13, 2022
Oh summer days! It's not yet the official start of summer, but already the days are getting hot enough to feel like we're in the middle of it.
It's been really hot lately and I couldn't help but want a refreshing drink to cool myself down after a day of chores, or let's be honest - lounging around doing nothing or binge-watching a new show. Or, if we're feeling active, after a long walk, run, or bike ride - its nice to come home and chill.
Since summer is just around the corner (even though it already feels like it), I find myself craving a tropical drink to enjoy under the sun. We may not be able to go to bars and restaurants to get our favourite cocktails yet, so why not make something fun at home. Something that takes us to a tropical beach (just imagine that from your backyard, or porch, or balcony, or computer screen, ha!) - well anyway, this is where my Mango Calamansi Margarita comes in.
Margaritas seem like one of the obvious cocktails of choice when it comes to a refreshing drink - so I decided to add a tropical twist to mine by making use of mango and calamansi.
Calamansi, a tiny citrus fruit native to the Philippines is like a sour orange in flavour, yet sweeter than a lime and has a fragrance to match.
Fresh calamansi can be found in some asian grocery stores, or they can also be found in a concentrated syrup form. But do not fret, if you are not able to find calamansi, you can always go the traditional route and use fresh limes instead, it is equally as good.
I find that this is perfectly paired with sweet mango nectar and then combined with tequila, orange liqueur, and a salty rim, makes for a refreshing and delightful tropical twist to a classic margarita. It's sweet, and has a bit of a tang from the calamansi, top it with a bit of mint, and you're ready for an afternoon lounge under the sun.
Mango Calamansi Margarita
A refreshing tropical take on a margarita using mangoes and calamansi, a Philippine lime, and how to make your own citrus simple syrup for cocktails.
Category: All-Season, Drinks, Spring, Summer
Prep Time: 5 min. Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz silver tequila
2 oz triple sec (or other orange liqueur)
1 oz calamansi or lime simple syrup (see recipe here) *see note below when using calamansi concentrate
2 oz mango nectar
Fresh mint sprigs
Calamansi or lime slices
Salt for the rim
Ice
DIRECTIONS:
1. Use a slice of calamansi or lime to rub the lip of 2 lowball glasses. 2. Place salt on a plate, and dip the rim of the glasses into the salt, set aside. 3. Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice. Pour in tequila, triple sec, calamansi syrup, and mango nectar. Shake for 10-15 seconds. 4. Fill glasses with ice and a few calamansi or lime slices. 5. Pour margarita into prepared glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve with additional lime or calamansi. Enjoy!
Notes: If you were able to find calamansi syrup concentrate, use only 1/2 oz as this in a concentrated form and is very sweet.
Use any citrus of your choice for variety.
