Refreshing and delicious Calamansi Lime Margaritas made with fresh calamansi juice, tequila, and a sweet and salty garnish. This Calamansi Lime Margarita with Li Hing Mui Salt is a unique tequila cocktail for all margarita lovers.
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Why I love this Calamansi Lime Margarita
I love margaritas (this is no secret), and I love finding new flavors that work well with the basic margarita ingredients to create new versions. Once I discovered calamansi limes, I knew I had to make a margarita with them ASAP.
Since calamansi limes are like a sour orange, the flavor is perfect for a margarita. And because of the sour nature of the calamansi, I knew I wanted to add a sweet element to the glass rim to balance everything out.
What are Calamansi Limes?
Calamansi limes are a citrus fruit that are also sometimes called calamondin, golden lime, or Philippine lime. They are a mix of an orange and a kumquat commonly grown in Southeast Asian countries.
Calamansi limes start out green like a lime, then they turn orangish green, and finally bright orange when they are ripe. They are only about 1-2" in diameter but pack a whole lot of flavor in the tiny fruit!
They are also abundant in Hawaii, which is how I came across them. You can find them at markets all over the island and a lot of homeowners have them growing in their yards.
Benefits of Calamansi Juice
As with most citrus fruit, calamansi limes offer a wealth of benefits. They have antioxidants such as potassium, limonene, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Calamansi limes are also said to lower cholesterol, boost immunity, aid in weight loss, and increase energy. It almost makes you feel like you are being healthy as you drink this margarita, LOL!
What is Li Hing Mui Powder?
Li hing mui powder is made from dried plums and came from Asia. The dried plum powder is combined with sugar, salt, red food coloring, licorice, and sometimes saccharine and/or aspartame.
I first tried li hing powder in Hawaii where it is very popular and found in most grocery stores and candy stores. If you want to try a new and delicious flavor, I highly recommend getting some of this powder.
I made some sugared donuts with li hing mui powder, so once you get some you can try that recipe too!
How to Make Li Hing Mui Salt
To make li hing mui salt, place 1 tablespoon margarita salt and 1 teaspoon li hing powder in a small bowl and stir to combine. You can easily double or triple this mixture if you are making more margaritas.
What Tequila to Use for a Margarita
Although silver tequila can have a stronger flavor, it’s perfect for cocktails because it mixes with the rest of the ingredients to tone down the harshness. I have also found many silver tequilas under $30 at the liquor store which fit right in the price range I like.
As with all homemade cocktails, you can use any liquor you like or have on hand. So if you like a gold tequila, go for it!
If you get a chance to make this Calamansi Lime Margarita Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Calamansi Lime Margaritas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed calamansi juice
- 1 ounce orgeat or agave syrup
- li hing salt *see notes (or margarita salt)
Instructions
- Prepare a cocktail glass by rubbing the edge with a sliced calamansi lime and then dip it in li hing salt (recipe in notes) or margarita salt to coat the edge of the glass. Add fresh ice and set aside.
- Add all of the liquids to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until nice and cold, about 10-12 seconds.
- Carefully strain and pour the cocktail into the prepared glass. Enjoy immediately. Cheers!
Notes
- To make li hing salt: Place 1 tablespoon margarita salt and 1 teaspoon li hing powder in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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