These delicious Loquat Margaritas are the perfect way to usher in the warm days of Summer! Loquats taste like a combination of apricots, peaches, and mangos, so just imagine how delicious they are in a Loquat Margarita. I'm also sharing other must-try Loquat Recipes, including of my reader's favorite, Loquat Jam!
It's May, so loquats are currently ripe for the picking here in San Diego. On one hand, I'm bummed that once again I'm missing out on morel mushroom picking season in Montana. But on the other hand, I get to enjoy loquats, and some time with my San Diego friends.
My partners in crime, Sheila and Diane helped me pick a bunch of loquats. Well, more like they picked and I ate. 😬 Walls were climbed (sadly, not as easily as they once were) and dogs were annoyed, but hey, I got a haul of loquats AND no one got hurt!
Of course, the first thing I made was some jam, but then I decided it was time for a new loquat recipe. I thought, "what better way to feature these tasty fruits than in a loquat margaritas recipe?" I regret nothing! 🙌
Why This Recipe Works
Loquats have a sweet and slightly sour flavor that's perfectly suited for margaritas. They're also easily blended, even with their skin unpeeled.
Unfortunately, when loquats ripen, they all ripen at once. It's impossible to eat all those juicy loquats before they start to shrivel up. Since loquats are very delicate and perishable, they don't last long once picked.
Prepping and freezing the loquats is a great way to enjoy them all year long. I can't think of a better way to enjoy frozen loquats than making these delicious margaritas, can you?
What Goes Into This Recipe
Recipe Ingredient Notes
- Loquats — Fresh or frozen loquats can be used, however, if using fresh loquats, you may need to add more ice.
- Tequila — For a smooth-tasting margarita, choose a good quality tequila, like 1800 Silver.
- Juice — Mango or peach juice work great in this recipe since their flavor resembles that of loquats. Orange juice can be substituted.
- Triple sec — Triple sec ups the alcohol content and adds a delicious citrus flavor.
- Grenadine — Add Grenadine for a sweeter margarita, or leave it out entirely if you don't want to change the color of the loquat margarita.
- Lime — The lime is needed to balance out the flavor and also to wet the rim of the glass so that it can be salted.
- Kosher Salt or Sugar — kosher salt or sugar can be used on the rim of the glass.
How to Make A Loquat Margarita
Step 1
Add ice, frozen loquats, orange juice, tequila, triple sec, and grenadine to the cup of a blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 2
Cut the lime in half, and squeeze one half into the margarita mix. Stir to combine. Use the same half to wet the edges of the glass.
Step 3
Dip the edge of the glass into a plateful of kosher salt or Margarita Salt until coated. Watching your salt? Sugar may be used instead.
Step 4
Pour the margarita mix into the glass and garnish with a slice of lime. Now go make some friends!
Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips
The loquat is a delicious orange fruit that grows on an evergreen shrub. These shrubs or trees are sometimes used in landscaping. Loquat trees thrive in warm climates. The leaves of the loquat tree can be used to make Loquat Tea.
The fruit is commonly referred to as Japanese Plums or Japanese Medlars and contains anywhere from 1 to 6 large, smooth brown seeds. The seeds can be used to make Loquat Liqueur, however, they do contain a small amount of cyanide.
In Italy, Nespolino (a liqueur that is sometimes compared to Amaretto) is prepared with the seeds of certain varieties that contain only trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which makes Nespolino safe to drink. 
Loquats have a thin skin that can be eaten or peeled off. Peeling the fruit can be tricky because the delicate and juicy fruit tends to fall apart in the process of peeling it.
Loquats are much easier to enjoy with their skin on because the skin keeps the fruit's delicate flesh intact.
Loquats can be frozen, however, it's a good idea to remove the seeds first. When loquats are frozen without seeding first the fruit becomes mushy which makes it almost impossible to remove the seed at that point.
- You can easily make Virgin Loquat Margaritas by leaving the tequila and triple sec out and doubling the amount of juice.
- Another way to remove the seeds (without getting your fingernails black from handling the seeds) is to use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds (a reader tip, thanks, Monica)!
- Honey or another sweetener can be added instead of grenadine. This will also help to keep the margarita orange in color.
Other Loquat Recipes
Loquat Salsa
This Loquat Salsa is light and refreshing. Similar to peach salsa, it can be enjoyed with chips or served with grilled fish and chicken.
Loquat Cocktail
Here is another wonderful Loquat Cocktail made with vodka instead of tequila. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for Summer!
Loquat Cheesecake
Creamy, dense, and rich, this Loquat cheesecake has loquat jam swirled into it and an irresistible loquat glaze.
Potato Loquat Curry
Simple and tasty vegan curry made with loquats and potatoes. Serve this Indian curry with cumin rice or flatbread.
Loquat Preserves/Jam
Loquats make the best summer-time jam! Spread the jam on toast, or swirl it into ice cream. This Loquat Jam recipe was even featured in a news story.
Loquat and Cranberry Chicken
This thick, sweet, and tart loquat sauce is really wonderful paired with crispy chicken and orzo.
Instant Pot Loquat Pickle
This sweet and tangy Loquat Pickle is seasoned with mustard seeds and red chili powder and goes perfectly with rice and lentils.
Loquat Apple Crumble
Loquat Apple Crumble is a perfect way to use up a fruit that many people have forgotten about! A tasty recipe that everyone will love!
Related Recipes
Loquat Margaritas and Other Loquat Recipes
Ingredients
- ¾ cup ice
- ¾ cup loquats
- ¼ cup mango or peach juice (orange juice can be substituted)
- 1½-2 ounce tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce grenadine (optional)
- 1 small lime
- kosher salt/sugar for the rim (optional)
Instructions
- Add ice, frozen loquats, juice, tequila, triple sec, and grenadine to the cup of a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Cut the lime in half, and squeeze one half into the margarita mix. Stir to combine. Use the same half to wet the edges of the glass.
- Dip the edge of the glass into a plateful of kosher salt or Margarita Salt until coated. Watching your salt? Sugar may be used instead.
- Pour the margarita mix into the glass and garnish with a slice of lime. Now go make some friends!
Notes
- You can easily make Virgin Loquat Margaritas by leaving the tequila and triple sec out and doubling the amount of juice.
- Another way to remove the seeds (without getting your fingernails black from handling the seeds) is to use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds (a reader tip, thanks, Monica)!
- Honey or another sweetener can be added instead of grenadine. This will also help to keep the margarita orange in color.
Teresa Robbins says
The best/tastiest margarita! I’m hooked! Next family gathering I’ll be making these!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you for taking the time to review the recipe!!!
Debbie Butcher says
I had the virgin version and loved it. I have no experience with loquats but I am now a fan. Sometimes blended fruit drinks are too sweet but this one was perfectly balanced. Now I'm on the hunt for loquat trees in my neighborhood!
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Debbie! FYI, for the virgin version, I left out the tequila and triple-sec and doubled the juice. Enjoy! ❤️
Diane says
These are fantastic! A must try for anyone who loves margaritas.
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, and thank you for the loquats that made these margaritas possible! FYI, for the virgin version, I left out the tequila and triple-sec and doubled the juice.
Sheila says
I tried this last night and found it quite delicious. Another great idea for loquats.
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Sheila, so glad you enjoyed them!😘