# Breakfast Margarita > A brunch-ready twist on the classic margarita that swaps simple syrup for orange marmalade. - Title: Breakfast Margarita · Taste of Home | Shortify - Summary: A brunch-ready twist on the classic margarita that swaps simple syrup for orange marmalade. Orange marmalade replaces simple syrup in a margarita to add… - Keywords: breakfast margarita, margarita recipe, brunch cocktails, tequila drinks, orange marmalade, cocktail recipe, homemade margarita, citrus cocktails, entertaining, taste of home, Breakfast, Margarita - Source: Taste of Home — https://tasteofhome.com/recipes/breakfast-margarita - Read time: 2 min - Topics: breakfast margarita, margarita recipe, brunch cocktails, tequila drinks, orange marmalade, cocktail recipe, homemade margarita, citrus cocktails, entertaining, taste of home ## Margarita meets marmalade This breakfast margarita swaps simple syrup for orange marmalade, adding a deeper, slightly bitter orange flavor that regular orange juice can't match. > It's never too early for tequila when you are sipping a breakfast margarita. ## Why marmalade works Jams and marmalades dissolve in the shaker and make cocktails not just sweeter but fruitier than simple syrup, creating a more complex flavor profile. ## Salt balances sweetness A salted rim balances the marmalade's sweetness and gives every sip savory contrast. Coarse kosher salt or margarita salt blend both work well. ## Lime wedge preps the glass Running a lime wedge around the glass gives the salt something to stick to and adds a faint citrus scent to every sip before it even hits your lips. ## Choose blanco tequila Blanco, or silver, tequila is unaged and keeps its bright, peppery agave flavor front and center. Save aged reposado or añejo for sipping neat. ## Triple sec adds polish This orange-flavored liqueur adds a clean, slightly sweet citrus note that rounds out the tequila. Cointreau is a great upgrade for a more polished flavor. ## Fresh lime juice matters Fresh lime juice is what separates a great margarita from a mediocre one. Bottled juice isn't quite as tangy, but it works in a pinch. > Fresh lime juice is what separates a great margarita from a mediocre one. ## Salt the rim halfway Salting only half the rim gives you and your guests the option to sip with or without salt, an easy way to please everyone at the table. ## Shake hard and long Shake for fifteen to twenty seconds until frost forms on the shaker. Marmalade is thicker than simple syrup, so it needs extra agitation to fully break down. ## Adjust sweetness to taste Start with one tablespoon of marmalade, taste, and add a second tablespoon only if you want more sweetness. Marmalade brands vary in sugar content. ## Make it ahead, shake fresh Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice and marmalade ahead and store in the fridge. Shake with fresh ice right before serving to avoid dilution. ## Try other jams and variations Any citrus marmalade, apricot, or peach preserves work as substitutes. Scale up for a crowd or top with club soda for a lighter, fizzier version. ## Key takeaway Orange marmalade replaces simple syrup in a margarita to add deeper, slightly bitter citrus flavor that works perfectly for brunch.