Copycat Cutwater Mango Margarita Recipe

While the ready-to-drink version of Cutwater Mango Margarita is undeniably convenient, there’s something exciting about recreating it at home, customizing every sip to your taste.

How to make Cutwater Mango Margarita

Cutwater Mango Margarita is a ready‑to‑drink canned cocktail crafted by Cutwater Spirits. It mixes their award-winning Tequila Blanco with mango purée, triple sec, and a splash of lime juice, delivering a bold, juicy, tropical twist on the classic margarita.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Tequila
• 1 oz Triple Sec (or Orange Liqueur)
• 2 oz Mango Puree or Juice
• 1 oz Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ oz Simple Syrup (Optional)
• Ice
• Rim Garnish: Tajín or Salt
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh mango slices, lime wheels, or a sprig of mint for presentation.

Instructions

Prepare Your Glass

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass (traditionally a rocks glass or margarita glass).
2. Dip the rim into a plate of salt or Tajín to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside.

Shake It Up

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 2 oz mango puree/juice, 1 oz lime juice, and ½ oz simple syrup (if desired).
3. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.

Strain and Serve

1. Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice.
2. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass.
3. Top with a lime wheel, a slice of mango, or whatever garnish you prefer.
4. Sip, savor, and let the tropical mango vibes transport you!

Tips for Perfection

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mangoes and freshly squeezed lime juice will always create a cocktail that tastes brighter and more vibrant than store-bought juices.
• Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you want a slightly less sweet drink, you can skip the simple syrup entirely. Alternatively, if you find the lime overpowering, a drizzle of agave nectar is a great natural sweetener.
• Chill Everything: For a truly refreshing margarita, make sure your tequila, glass, and shaker are well-chilled before you begin.
• Make It Frozen: Feeling fancy? Turn this into a frozen mango margarita by blending all the ingredients with a generous scoop of ice. It’s great for hot summer days!
• Experiment with Flavors: Want to give your Mango Margarita a unique edge? Add a splash of pineapple juice for extra tropical zing, or muddle a few jalapeño slices in the shaker for a spicy mango twist.
• Batch It Up: Hosting a party? Multiply the recipe to make a pitcher. Combine all the liquid ingredients in advance (minus the ice) and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What to serve with

Pairing the tropical and fruity flavors of a Cutwater Mango Margarita with the right food can elevate your cocktail experience to new heights. The key is to complement the mango’s sweet, juicy notes and the drink’s overall refreshing vibe.

Ceviche

Why It Works: The acidity of fresh ceviche, typically made with fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice along with onions, cilantro, and chilies, harmonizes wonderfully with the citrusy and sweet notes of the Cutwater Mango Margarita.

Tip: Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, and serve with tortilla chips or tostadas.

Guacamole with Mango Salsa

Why It Works: The creamy texture of guacamole transmits well with a dynamic mango salsa, accentuating the fruity theme without competing for flavor.

Tip: Add diced mango, red onion, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to a typical salsa mix for an additional tropical touch.

Spicy Tacos

Why It Works: The heat from spicy tacos, whether with grilled chicken, shrimp, or carnitas, is beautifully offset by the sweet refreshment of the mango margarita.

Tip: Incorporate a tangy slaw or pickled onions to add a layer of crunch and acidity.

Empanadas

Why It Works: These savory turnovers provide a hearty complement to the light and refreshing margarita. Opt for fillings such as cheese, beef, or mushroom.

Tip: Serve them warm with a side of chimichurri or avocado crema for dipping.

Ingredients Substitutes

The official Cutwater Mango Margarita uses high-quality tequila, Cutwater’s house-made mix, and the tropical sweetness of mango puree or flavoring. While it’s easier to just grab a can, making your version allows for ingredient flexibility if you don’t have everything on hand.

1. Tequila Substitutes

What It Does: Tequila forms the base spirit of a mango margarita and gives it its distinct agave flavor.

Substitutes:

• Mezcal: If you want to retain the essence of tequila but add a smoky twist, mezcal is an excellent choice.
• Vodka: For a more neutral flavor, vodka will tone down the agave-forward taste.
• Rum: Using rum (especially light or golden rum) creates a mojito-style tropical twist and pairs wonderfully with mango.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Swap tequila for agave nectar diluted with water if making a virgin margarita.

2. Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur Substitutes

What It Does: Triple sec (or orange liqueur) adds a layer of citrusy sweetness that complements the mango and lime flavors.

Substitutes:

• Cointreau or Grand Marnier: These high-quality alternatives deliver similar orange flavors but may be stronger or sweeter.
• Orange Juice: A natural, non-alcoholic option that adds both sweetness and acidity.
• Agave Nectar with Orange Zest: A DIY choice that mimics the orange profile without the alcohol.
• Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Mocktails can utilize orange extract diluted with water as a substitute.

3. Mango Puree/Flavoring Substitutes

What It Does: Mango puree creates the rich, tropical sweetness and fruity flavor that defines the drink.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Mango: Blend fresh, ripe mango chunks with a splash of water to make your own natural puree.
• Frozen Mango: Thaw and blend frozen mango for a similar effect—perfect if fresh mango is out of season.
• Mango Juice or Nectar: These can replace mango puree, though they’re more liquid and less concentrated in flavor.
• Canned Peach or Pineapple Puree: If you’re out of mango, peach or pineapple can provide a similar tropical sweetness.
• Passion Fruit Puree: This will alter the flavor but still offers tropical vibes.
• Non-Alcoholic Mango Syrup: A store-bought mango syrup can serve as a quick alternative.

4. Lime Juice Substitutes

What It Does: Lime juice provides the zesty acidity that gives the mango margarita its signature tang and balance.

Substitutes:

• Lemon Juice: Closest alternative, though it offers a slightly less tropical and more tart taste.
• Key Lime Juice: A sweeter, more aromatic lime juice substitute.
• Vinegar and Water: A few drops of mild vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) diluted in water can mimic the tanginess of lime juice in a pinch.
• Citric Acid Solution: Dissolve food-grade citric acid in water to replicate the sour tang of lime.

5. Sweetener Substitutes

What It Does: Sweetener balances the tartness of the lime and enhances the flavor of the mango and tequila.

Substitutes:

• Honey or Agave Syrup: These natural sweeteners complement the flavors beautifully while adding a floral note.
• Simple Syrup: Made by dissolving sugar in water, simple syrup is an easy-to-make standard substitute.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a rich sweetness that works in some versions.
• Coconut Sugar: Dissolve this in water for a tropical sweetness twist.
• Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: Monk fruit sweetener, Stevia, or a sugar-free simple syrup are great for a low-sugar margarita.

Final Thoughts

Recreating your own Cutwater Mango Margarita at home lets you enjoy a top-notch cocktail while tailoring it to your exact preferences.

More Cutwater Recipes:

• Copycat CutWater Lemon Drop Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater Espresso Martini Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater Strawberry Margarita Recipe