What to Drink This Weekend: Lime-Free Tequila Cocktails

[Photo: Shutterstock]

As you may have heard, there's a lime shortage going on. The spike in wholesale prices—some report a standard 40-pound wholesale carton costing $25 in early February and $100 last week—is really hurting bars that specialize in margaritas. But you needn't give up tequila for the weekend just because limes are crazy-expensive. Here are 5 ideas for lime-free tequila drinks to make at home.

Tequila and Campari With Tangerine

[Photo: Heather Meldrom]

Sweet tangerines balance the bitter side of Campari in this refreshing drink that's made with rich aged tequila. Invite some Negroni-loving friends over and try this recipe for a pitcher full of salmon-hued cocktails.

Get the Tequila and Campari With Tangerine recipe »

Santa Carla

[Photo: Jessica Leibowitz]

This is one of my favorite tequila drinks, and it comes from the excellent Portland bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler. It's a simple, refreshing highball made with bright, herbal silver tequila and fresh lemon, plus grapefruit bitters for a little extra flavor.

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Kumquat Margarita

[Photo: Kelly Carámbula]

Tart kumquats have just the zingy flavor to stand in for lime in this fun and refreshing spin on a margarita made with tequila and Cointreau. A little agave nectar adds extra sweetness.

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Nouveau Carré

[Photo: Paul Clarke]

Skip citrus juice altogether with this tequila drink that's inspired by the New Orleans classic, the Vieux Carré, which is made with rye and cognac, Benedictine, bitters, and sweet vermouth. This spin is spiked with aged tequila and softened with citrusy Lillet Blanc.

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Mango-Ginger Cocktail

[Photo: Rabi Abonour]

This fresh and fruity drink is flavored with fresh lemon and sweet mango, plus spicy fresh-pressed ginger juice. Unless you're on Team No-Cilantro, try adding the herb as called for in the recipe—the fresh cilantro adds a delicious vegetal twist and brings the cocktail up from good to great.

Get the Mango-Ginger Cocktail recipe »