Refreshing Virgin Margarita Mocktail

Category: Drinks for Every Season

This virgin margarita mocktail is the perfect mix of tart lime, subtle sweetness, and fizzy lightness. With lime juice, orange juice, and sparkling lime water, it balances citrus flavors beautifully. Add a touch of agave for sweetness and optional alcohol-free tequila for added depth. Create in minutes by shaking the ingredients with ice and serving over fresh ice with a garnish of lime. Whether for yourself or to serve to guests, it's a simple yet vibrant alternative to traditional cocktails.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:31:42 GMT
A glass of margarita with limes on a table. Pin
A glass of margarita with limes on a table. | zestplate.com

These homemade baked crème brûlée donuts mix fluffy yeast-raised pastry with velvety custard filling and a crisp, caramelized sugar coating that captures the essence of the famous French dessert. I whipped these up for my daughter's birthday gathering and they've since become our family's top pick for celebration treats.

I first created these donuts when I wanted something fancy but didn't feel like messing with hot oil. The second my family heard that distinctive snap of breaking through the sugar top, they were instantly sold.

What You'll Need

  • Whole milk: Brings creaminess to your pastry filling and dough grab full fat for the tastiest outcome
  • Egg yolks: Give your custard filling that smooth texture and sunny color
  • Cornstarch: Makes your filling thick without turning it rubbery
  • Instant yeast: Works consistently for bakers at any skill level
  • Vanilla extract: Stick with real vanilla instead of artificial for genuine taste
  • Unsalted butter: Adds softness to your dough and filling
  • All purpose flour: Creates the backbone while keeping donuts tender
  • Granulated sugar: Needed for sweetness and that iconic crunchy topping

How To Make Them

A tray of glazed donuts.
A tray of glazed donuts. | yummygusto.com
Cook up the custard filling:
Warm the milk until it steams without letting it boil to build flavor without ruining it. Slowly add warm milk into your egg mixture, stirring constantly so the eggs don't cook too quickly. Put everything back on the stove and keep whisking until it gets as thick as pudding, taking about 5-10 minutes. Don't rush this step if you want ultra-smooth results.
Whip up your donut dough:
Get your yeast going by mixing it with warm milk and a spoonful of sugar until it bubbles, about 5-10 minutes. This means your donuts will puff up nicely. Stir all wet stuff together well before adding flour bit by bit to avoid clumps. Work the dough for at least 5 minutes until it feels smooth - this builds the right texture.
Let it rise and shape:
Put your dough in a greased bowl and leave it somewhere warm until it doubles in size, taking 45-60 minutes. This creates flavor and fluffiness. Roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thick for just the right balance. Cut out circles with a 3-inch cutter and save leftover dough to make more donuts.
Final rise and oven time:
Let your cut donuts puff up again until they look noticeably bigger, about 30-45 minutes, which makes them extra light. Bake at 375°F for only 10-12 minutes until they just turn golden on top. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes since they'll dry out if they cook too long.
Add filling and finish:
Poke a hole in each cooled donut and squeeze in cold custard until it starts coming back out. For the crunchy top, cook sugar with water and salt until it turns amber. Carefully dip each filled donut into the hot sugar mix using tongs to create that signature crackly surface.

I really love adding Madagascar bourbon vanilla to the custard since it brings flowery hints that make the whole dessert taste extra special. The first time I brought these to a family party, my nephew said they beat the fancy bakery ones we usually splurge on for celebrations.

Fixing Caramel Problems

Making the sugar topping might seem tricky but watch the color for your clue. You want something between honey and amber, not dark brown which tastes bitter. If sugar crystals form while cooking, just put the lid on for a few moments to create steam that melts them away. You can always warm the caramel on low heat if it gets too hard before you finish dipping all your donuts.

Keeping Them Fresh

You can keep unfilled donuts in a sealed container at room temp for up to 2 days. After filling, they should go in the fridge and are best eaten within 24 hours. Try to add the crunchy sugar top right before serving to keep that snap. For longer keeping, freeze plain donuts, then thaw them completely before adding filling.

Try Different Flavors

Mix some orange or lemon zest into your custard for a fruity kick. When heating the milk, try adding lavender, chai spices, or coffee beans for grown-up flavors. Switch out some vanilla for almond extract to get a marzipan taste. You can also spread a thin layer of jam under the custard for an extra fruity surprise.

A stack of glazed donuts.
A stack of glazed donuts. | yummygusto.com

When you nail the mix of textures and flavors, these crème brûlée donuts will steal the show at any special event. Savor that satisfying crack with every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this mocktail in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the citrus juice mix in advance. Add sparkling water and garnish just before serving to maintain fizz and freshness.

→ What can I use instead of agave?

You can replace agave with honey, simple syrup, or any preferred sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste.

→ Can I skip the alcohol-free tequila?

Yes, it’s optional. The mocktail tastes great without it and retains its refreshing, citrus-forward flavors.

→ What’s a good alternative to lime sparkling water?

You can use limeade, soda water, or other lemon/lime sparkling drinks for similar flavor and fizz.

→ How do I make a salt rim for the glass?

Rub a lime wedge around the glass rim, then dip the rim into a plate of salt. This adds an extra touch to your drink.

Easy Virgin Margarita Drink

Zesty virgin margarita with citrus and sparkling lime, perfect for quick and refreshing drinks.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Duration
5 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Beverages

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 1 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed or bottled
02 1 oz grapefruit juice (optional)
03 1 oz orange juice, freshly squeezed or bottled
04 4 oz lime sparkling water
05 0.5 oz agave
06 1 oz alcohol-free tequila (optional)
07 Fresh lime for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Add lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice (optional), non-alcoholic tequila (optional), and agave into a shaker with 3-4 ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

Step 02

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Notes

  1. You can substitute grapefruit juice with orange juice if preferred.
  2. Lime sparkling water can be replaced with limeade or other lemon-lime sparkling water.
  3. Agave is recommended for its traditional use in margaritas, but it can be substituted with any preferred sweetener.

Required Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Strainer
  • Measuring jigger

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 77
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein: 1 g