Free Kitchen Hacks eBook

Simple Sparkling Vodka Margarita

on July 6, 2021
last updated June 11, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
If you love the idea of a margarita but are not a tequila fan, this refreshing and simple Sparkling Vodka Margarita is for you!
lowball glass with cocktail and salted rim with lime slice floating in it

Love the idea of a margarita but not a tequila fan? This Vodka Margarita is the answer.

With all the refreshing taste of a classic margarita, this simple marg subs out the tequila for vodka and adds some bubbles, for a crisp cocktail that works perfectly on taco night. (If this is up your alley, see this Vodka Sour next!).

Complete with a tajin rim, this simple yet bold cocktail brings tons of flavor with minimal effort. Something that, as a time-strapped mom who likes to kickback with a great drink, I truly appreciate!

vodka margarita surrounded by juicer, limes, and cocktail rimmer

Vodka Margarita Ingredients


I highly recommend using fresh lime for the best flavor. You should get all the juice you need out of 1 lime, but you may want to use a second one for garnish.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Vodka. Who says you can’t make a margarita with vodka?!
  • Triple sec. To add a little fruity flavor.
  • Lime juice. You should be able to get enough lime juice for your cocktail out of just one lime, but if you want more for garnish, grab an extra!
  • Agave. This will add sweetness to your cocktail.
  • Sparkling water. For a refreshing fizzy finish.
  • Tajin for the rim (optional). To give you that margarita flare.
  • Ice. To keep it cool.
ice, limes, vodka, agave nectar, sparkling water, tajin

Vodka Margarita Tips and Tricks


Choosing Your Vodka

This cocktail has tons of fresh flavor, and is best off with a non-flavored vodka to allow those flavors to shine!

That being said, if you have a citrus-flavored vodka, that will work here in a pinch.

I used Tower Vodka for this cocktail and loved it!

pouring vodka from a small glass container into a big mason jar with ice

Garnishing Your Rim

This part is optional, but if you want the ultimate margarita experience, it’s highly recommended! It’s simple to do. Just wet the rim of your glass with lime and then dip it into Tajin or salt.

You can put the Tajin on a plate, in a shallow bowl, or easiest of all—use a cocktail rimmer. I love using Tajin here—it’s such a great addition of salt and spice to the otherwise sweet margarita.

Don’t Shake Up Your Sparkling Water

I do recommend using a cocktail shaker for this recipe to help integrate all the ingredients together. That being said, shaking up carbonated drinks is never a good idea.

It will probably be a mess and it does tend to flatten it and cause you to lose those refreshing bubbles!

Use the cocktail shaker just to mix up the vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and agave, add that to a glass, and finish it off with your sparkling water

Tested Substitutions

I love using agave in margaritas because it gives you that margarita taste! However, you can use any sweetener in place of it here. Use simple syrup, honey, or even molasses in the same amount in its place.

I use sparkling water here because it’s mild and allows the flavor of the triple sec and lime juice to really shine. However, if you’re a fan of club soda or tonic water, you can use either one of those in lieu of sparkling water.

pouring vodka margarita from a shaker into a glass with ice

Want to sharpen your kitchen skills?

Download My Free eBook

Why You Should Make This Vodka Margarita


  • It’s refreshing. That fresh citrus and a hint of orange from the triple sec make for a super refreshing sip.
  • It’s smooth. The strong alcohol is balanced by the other fresh flavors and sparkling water.
  • The best of both worlds! All the fun of a margarita, but without that prevalent tequila taste.
45 degree angled shot of vodka margarita

Simple Sparkling Vodka Margarita

5 from 2 votes
Marley Goldin
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION
PIN PRINT RATE
If you love the idea of a margarita but are not a tequila fan, this refreshing and simple Sparkling Vodka Margarita is for you!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce triple sec
  • 1 ounce lime juice (1 oz usually = juice of 1 lime)
  • ½ ounce agave nectar
  • ½ cup ice
  • 1 ounce sparkling water
  • lime wedge for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Use a lime wedge to wet the rim of a lowball glass and dip it in salt or Tajin. Add some ice to your glass.
    ½ cup ice
  • Add vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker with more ice and shake for about 30 seconds.
    2 ounces vodka, ½ ounce triple sec, 1 ounce lime juice, ½ ounce agave nectar
  • Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into your glass and then top off with sparkling water.
    1 ounce sparkling water
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy cold.
    lime wedge for garnish

Pro Tips

  • Use unflavored vodka and fresh lime juice for the best results.
  • If you prefer tonic water or club soda, you can substitute it for sparkling water.
  • 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons
Course Cocktails
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegan
Keyword Happy Hour, Vegan Cocktail, Vodka, Vodka Margarita
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment and let me know what you think! And if you really enjoyed it, help power this website and buy me a coffee!

GET OUR FRESHEST RECIPES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

You'll Also Love

Comment on & Rate this Recipe

I very much hope you enjoyed this recipe!

If you did, please give it a star rating, which will help other people just like you find and enjoy the recipe too 😊

If you have any comments, questions or thoughts on the recipe, be sure to let me know in the comments as well. I read each and every one and would love to hear from you!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating