These Hawaiian Li Hing Mui Margaritas are a local favorite and such a fun spin on the classic margarita. You can serve this recipe two ways – as a regular traditional margarita OR as the Hawaiian style version by adding Li Hing Mui powder, which is exactly the way you’ll find it served all over Hawaii.
THE HAWAIIAN INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS DRINK
I learned about Li Hing Mui margaritas while living in Hawaii, and you can’t miss them on drink menus when on the island. And since margaritas were already one of my go to mixed drinks, the Li Hing Mui version easily became a top favorite! Plus, I made them even more special by adding club soda, giving them that extra flair.
When we left the islands, I brought several bags of the powder with me so I could keep making these at home. This margarita brings back all the bright, tangy island flavors I love and miss.
What Is Li Hing Mui
Li Hing Mui powder comes from salty dried plums that are ground into a fine, brightly colored powder. The flavor is sweet, sour, tangy, and a little salty, an addictive combo that pairs perfectly with fruit and cocktails.
In Hawaii, Li Hing Mui is sprinkled on just about everything to include shaved ice. If you’re not near Hawaii, you can easily order Li Hing Mui online.
REASONS THIS DRINK HITS EVERYTIME
- Sweet & tangy island flavor – Li Hing Mui adds a unique tropical twist you won’t get from a standard margarita.
- Easy to customize – Rim the glass or blend it straight in.
- Fast and simple – Ready in minutes.
- Perfect for parties – Colorful, fun, and always gets attention.
INGREDIENT NOTES
A detailed list of ingredients and instructions are provided below, but here is a brief summary for the ingredients.
- Tequila – Use blanco for a bright, clean flavor that lets the Li Hing Mui shine.
- Orange liqueur – Adds sweetness and citrus balance. Triple sec or Cointreau both work.
- Fresh lime juice – Gives that crisp tart base every margarita needs.
- Simple syrup – Helps to sweeten your drink to your liking.
- Club Soda – Gives is refreshing sparkling taste.
- Li Hing Mui powder – Used for the rim of the glass and mixing a pinch right into the cocktail for that sweet tangy Hawaiian flavor.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Prep the rim – Moisten the rim with lime and dip it into Li Hing Mui powder, salt or sugar so it lightly clings.
- Shake the cocktail – Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, Li Hing Mui, and simple syrup. Shake until the shaker is icy on the outside.
- Serve – Pour over ice.
- Taste & adjust – Add more powder for a tangier hit or extra simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
It should taste bright, citrusy, lightly salty, sweet, and tropical.
Pro Tip – If you think the amount of Li Hing Mui may be too much for your liking, start with half of the amount when first adding it to the the drink, and then adjust to taste.
VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Spicy margarita – Add jalapeño slices to the shaker.
- Mocktail – Swap tequila for lemonade.
- Frozen version – Blend with ice.
- Fruit twist – Add mango or pineapple juice.
- No Li Hing Mui – Use Tajín as a substitute.
FAQs
Yes, scale up everything in the recipe card and mix in a pitcher. Rim glasses individually.
MORE MARGARITA RECIPES
If you’re craving something icy and fun, try my Watermelon Margarita Popsicles – all the margarita flavor in a refreshing frozen treat.
MORE COCKTAILS
Hawaiian Li Hing Mui Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 4 ounces simple sugar (use simple syrup recipe below)
- 2 teaspoons Li Hing Mui powder
- 4 ounces of fresh squeezed lime juice (reserve the squeezed limes)
- 3 and 1/2 ounces tequila
- 3 teaspoons Grand Marnier or Orange Liqueur (for this recipe I used Grand Marnier)
- 1/2 cup club soda
Rim and Garnish Ingredients
- Sugar, salt, or additional Li Hing Mui for rim of the drinking glasses
- Slices of lime for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all drink ingredients together in a large glass or place all drink ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
- Spread the salt, sugar, or additional Li Hing Mui evenly onto a plate.
- Use one of the reserved squeezed lime wedges to moisten the rim of the desired serving glasses.
- Then, place the serving glass upside down into the plate of salt, sugar, or Li Hing Mui, and twist the glass making sure that the rim of the glass is coated. (I like a lot of sugar so I twist the glasses around in the sugar a few times to get a thick sugar rim).
- Serve the drink over ice.
- Garnish the rim of the glasses with lime wedges and placed some sliced limes in each glass.
Notes
½ cup sugar
½ cup water Mix the sugar and water together in a saucepan. Cook on low medium heat (stir frequently) until sugar has dissolved. Let mixture cool then add to whatever recipe you require simple sugar in. Pro Tip: Keep this as a traditional margarita and eliminate the Li Hing Mui.
Nutrition
Please note that I am not a nutritionist, and the nutritional information is an estimate only. It varies based on the products and brands used.
Thanks for stopping by! Welcome to the Savory Spicerack! In my kitchen, there is no such thing as a bland meal. Each of my creations are just the way food should be – packed with flavor and created with love.
Tried this for a weekend get-together and it was a hit! The Li Hing Mui powder added a fun twist — sweet, salty, kinda tangy. I liked it a lot, though I think next time I’d cut back just a bit on the powder. Still, super refreshing and definitely something different!
Great to hear!
Where do you get the powder?
You can order this powder online. It’s for purchase on amazon.
Very tasty. The li hung mui powder definitely affected the color — it was a light cinnamon color. And I used white tequila. Not super attractive but the taste made up for it!
Happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!
Took a sip and was blown away
What a delicious twist on the classic! I want one now!!
Thanks! I love them! Happy Easter!
I have not heard of li hing mui Sharee! I love an interesting cocktail, so I’ll have to try to get some… Happy Easter!
Great garnish I order online sometimes! Happy Easter to you too!
I’ve never heard of this, and it’s the most gorgeous color!
Thanks so much! It’s a wonderful little garnish that we love!
I love it! It’s a sweet and slightly salty taste that goes well with the margarita. Enjoy!
I love them! Thanks for stopping over Bobbi!
This looks sooo good! And the color is fantastic. Pinning so I can try it later!
Thanks!