Get Seriously Citrusy with the Best Patrón Citrónge Margarita Recipe
Tired of the same old margarita? It turns out, you’re not alone. Even major liquor brands are giving the classic cocktail a makeover, starting with the orange liqueur. This Patrón Citrónge margarita recipe is a bold yet faithful twist on the original, using Patrón’s smooth, citrusy alternative to Triple Sec to elevate every sip. If you’re craving a fresh take that doesn’t stray too far from the beloved original, this might just be the best Patrón margarita recipe you’ll try.
What’s in a margarita?
Before we dive into this Citrónge margarita recipe, it helps to understand the foundation of a good margarita. While no one can agree on who invented it, the drink’s signature mix of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice has stood the test of time. The magic is in the balance—tart, sweet, and strong in just the right measure.
Ingredients in a Classic Margarita
A traditional margarita recipe uses blanco tequila, an orange liqueur like Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. It’s typically served over ice or blended, and often finished with a salted rim. But the real variation lies in the ingredients, especially the tequila and liqueur.
If you’re looking for a way to refine your margarita game, swapping in Patrón Citrónge orange liqueur adds smooth citrus flavor and a more elevated finish.
Try next: The Vanilla Margarita
What makes this Patrón Citrónge Margarita recipe special?
This isn’t a total reinvention. It’s a smarter, more flavorful update using Patrón’s orange liqueur, made in Jalisco with all-natural ingredients. Citrónge is clean, slightly sweet and a great choice to balance the tequila at the base of this cocktail.
Of all the Patrón Citrónge recipes out there, this one stands out for its simplicity and quality. It lets each ingredient shine—and might just become your new go-to Patrón margarita recipe.
Ingredients & equipment
To make this Patrón orange liqueur recipe, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients and a cocktail shaker.
Essential ingredients:
Reposado tequila – Aged 2 to 12 months in oak, this tequila adds a warm golden color and subtle vanilla notes.
Patrón Citrónge orange liqueur – This premium liqueur brings a smooth, citrus-forward flavor that blends beautifully into a margarita. It’s the star of many Patrón Citrónge recipes for good reason.
Fresh lime juice – Always use freshly squeezed lime. Bottled juice dulls the vibrant acidity that defines a great margarita.
Fresh orange juice – Just a splash brightens the drink and brings out the Citrónge liqueur’s natural sweetness.
Fresh ice – Ice that’s been sitting in the freezer too long can take on unwanted flavors that dull the crisp, clean profile of your cocktail.
Optional but recommended:
Salt – Whether you prefer your glass rimmed or not, a salt rimmer is a handy tool for entertaining.
Lime wheel – For garnish and extra citrus aroma. (If you find it easier to cut the fresh lime into wedges, those work, too.)
Equipment:
Cocktail shaker – A worthwhile investment for this and many other tequila-based cocktails. (This is the shaker I use.)
Martini glass or margarita glass – Choose your favorite style. Chill the glass before serving for an extra refreshing drink experience.
When to enjoy this Patron Citrónge recipe
This Patrón Citrónge recipe is easy to shake up, which makes it a smart choice whether you’re hosting or relaxing at home. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. It’s balanced, citrusy and just elevated enough to feel special.
It’s my pick for National Margarita Day on February 22. But don’t wait for a holiday. This cocktail belongs in your regular rotation, whether you’re planning a summer happy hour, backyard barbecue, or just craving something refreshing after a long day.
Consider this cocktail for date night
Looking to impress a tequila lover? This Patrón margarita recipe makes a strong case for staying in. It’s smooth, citrusy, and just bold enough to spark a little heat.
Even better? It features citrus—one of my top 10 foods for women’s sexual health. Fresh lime and orange juice don’t just add flavor. They offer a dose of vitamin C and circulation-boosting benefits that support sexual wellness. So if your evening plans include more than just cocktails, this one might set the mood in more ways than one.
Just remember: balance is key. When it comes to alcohol, one well-made drink goes further than three sloppy ones if you’re aiming for a little after-hours chemistry.
Citrónge Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz Reposado tequila
- 1 oz Patrón Citrónge orange liqueur
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice or to taste approx 1 lime
- splash fresh squeezed orange juice
- lime wheel for garnish optional (sub lime wedge)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all of the ingredients.*
- Shake well and pour into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Notes
Batch Preparation
To serve a group, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired. Combine in a pitcher and refrigerate. Serve over fresh ice when ready.A note on the provided nutrition information
The nutrition information provided has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator and is not a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Nutrition
More refreshing cocktails to try
If you loved this Patrón Citrónge margarita, here are a few more drinks to keep things cool and citrusy:
A Hare Above the Rest blood orange and gin cocktail
Frequently asked questions
What is Patrón Citrónge and how is it different from Triple Sec?
Patrón Citrónge is an orange liqueur made in Jalisco, Mexico, using premium ingredients. Unlike Triple Sec, which can sometimes have a sharp flavor, Citrónge is smoother and more naturally citrus-forward, perfect for cocktails like margaritas.
Can I substitute Citrónge in any margarita recipe?
Yes. You can use Patrón Citrónge in place of Triple Sec, Cointreau or other orange liqueurs in almost any Patrón margarita recipe. Just keep in mind that Citrónge has its own subtle sweetness, so you may want to adjust the sweetness and citrus flavors to your taste.
Are there other cocktails I can make with Patrón Citrónge?
Since you’ve picked up a bottle of Patrón Citrónge, you’ve got an exciting opportunity to explore more ways to use it. This smooth orange liqueur plays well in everything from citrus-forward spritzes to creative riffs on classics like the Paloma—or even something a little unexpected after dinner.
Need a few ideas?
Patrón offers several Citrónge cocktail recipes on their website, including signature twists on the Cosmopolitain, pineapple margarita and Paloma.
This article was originally published in 2022 and most recently updated in May 2025 with a revised introduction and the addition of batch preparation instructions.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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