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This papaya margarita is sweet, tangy, and totally tropical—aka the ultimate way to escape without leaving your backyard.

When it's too hot to think and I'm craving something ultra-sippable and not too sweet, a Papaya Margarita is my shortcut to vacation mode.

Papaya Juice Margarita

Summertime in New Orleans means refreshing cocktails, like this Papaya Margarita, that instantly take you somewhere breezy and slightly less humid.

Papaya makes it lightly sweet, giving you that tropical vacation vibe without a plane ticket. If you're into these fruity getaways, try my Guava Margarita and my Blue Hawaiian Margarita.

What You Need

Exact amounts are in the recipe card below, but all you need is blanco or silver tequila, triple sec or Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and papaya juice. Simple syrup is optional-it depends on how sweet your juice is. If you're using papaya nectar, you might not need it at all. I always taste and adjust... you know, for quality control.

How to Make a Papaya Margarita

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and your remaining ingredients. Now, give everything a really good shake until the sides are nice and frosted (about 30 seconds). Garnish, sip, and enjoy that instant escape!

Garnish This Drink

If I'm making this cocktail for myself after a long day, a basic lime wedge is enough to make me happy. But if I'm mixing up a round for friends, I'll add a slice of papaya or swap the salt for a chili-lime rim. And, of course, a tiny umbrella for that full vacation fantasy.

More Fruity Margaritas

If you love a fruity cocktail that leans tropical, my Passion Fruit Marg and Coconut Lime Margarita should be next on your list. For something with more punch, try a sweet and tangy Frozen Cherry Margarita. Each one makes me feel like I'm on a mini getaway.

Papaya Margarita Recipe

Servings: 1 person

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

This papaya margarita is sweet, tangy, and totally tropical-aka the ultimate way to escape without leaving your backyard.

5 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

1 ½ ounces tequila
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3 ounces papaya juice
½ ounce simple syrup, optional
Garnish: lime wedge, salt

Instructions

Prep:

If you enjoy a salted glass, prep the rim of your glass by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim. Dip in tequila salt, and set aside.

Make the marg:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and papaya juice. Shake until the sides are fully frosted.

Serve:

Add fresh ice to the prepared glass and strain the margarita into it. You can also use the ice from the shaker; this is up to you.
Garnish with a wedge of lime.