Margaritas are one of the most popular co*cktails in the world. There's just something about that delicious blend of lime, tequila, and orange liqueur that makes people happy—and we are certainly part of the fan club!
But what happens if you don't finish your margarita mix? Can margarita mix go bad?
In this blog post, we'll answer all your margarita mix questions, and we'll also teach you how to make your own homemade margarita mix.
Grab your lime juice and tequila because we're ready to mix it up and get sippin'!
What Is Margarita Mix?
Margarita mix is typically a blend of lime juice, orange liqueur, sugar, salt, and sometimes citric acid. If you're buying a premade margarita mix, some of them come with the alcohol mixed in. These are called "ready to drink" mixers.
If you're making a homemade version, it will contain the same ingredients. However, the syrupy base of homemade margarita mixes is almost like a cordial because the lime and sugar are heated and mixed together without additional liquid, making for a concentrated lime flavor (scroll down for the full recipe). Making it in this way helps the flavor and freshness last a bit longer.
Does Margarita Mix Go Bad?
Margaritas are the perfect drink for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just enjoying a night out with friends. While we know it's probably unlikely, you may wonder what happens if you don't use all your mix. Are you asking yourself, "Can margarita mix go bad?"
Well, the answer is yes, margarita mix can go bad. If stored improperly, margarita mix can spoil quickly because the citrus in the mix is susceptible to mold and bacteria growth. Therefore, it's essential to hold your margarita mix in a cool, dark place like the fridge. Additionally, be sure to seal the container to keep out oxygen and moisture tightly.
If margarita mix is stored correctly, it should last for up to two weeks. However, we recommend using margarita mix for the best flavor within one week of opening. After that, the margarita mix will start to lose its freshness and begin tasting slightly off.
Signs Margarita Mix Has Gone Bad
You can use margarita mix for quite a while before it goes bad unless you leave the bottle uncapped. But sometimes, life gets in the way, and things don't go according to plan. So, if you notice anything odd about the mix or if you're not sure if it's safe to drink, throw it away. A few things to look for are:
- It smells extra sour.
- The color of the mix changes.
- Particles start to float in the bottle.
Lastly, if you notice that your margarita mix simply isn't tasting right, don't continue drinking it. Our sense of taste is usually pretty good at telling us when something's gone bad, so trust your gut instinct on this one. If it seems fine and tastes okay, help yourself!
Storing Premade Margarita Mix So It Doesn't Go Bad.
Store premade margarita mix in a cool, dark place. A pantry is excellent; a kitchen cabinet will also do. You want to make sure the temperature is stable. Once you open the bottle, transfer it to the fridge for maximum freshness. If you leave it on the countertop after opening, it won't spoil, but it will go bad more quickly than if you keep it cold.
When it comes to ready-to-drink mixes with tequila in the recipe, storage guidelines are similar. Store them in a cool, dry place before opening them. Then transfer them to the fridge after opening for best results. That said, mixes that already contain liquor will probably store much better than those without. Therefore, you can probably keep it in the pantry after opening for a bit longer than its nonalcoholic counterpart.
Whether it has alcohol mixed in or not, always screw the cap on your margarita mix's container. Ensuring a tight seal is another excellent way to maintain freshness. If your party got a little too fun and there's no way you're finding that cap, you can pour it into another bottle and seal it. Or, you can cover with plastic wrap or even foil and wrap a rubber band around the opening to keep it secure.
How To Make Homemade Margarita Mix
Homemade margarita mix tastes even better than premade margarita mix! If you're looking for the perfect margarita mix recipe, we've got you covered.
Check out the recipe below for delicious margarita fun. This margarita mix is made with fresh ingredients and can be stored in the fridge for one to two weeks.
Ingredients:
- ½ of a lime, zested
- I cup lime juice
- 2/3 cup sugar
- ½ cup orange liqueur
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- First, you will need to make a syrup. Combine the salt, sugar, and lime juice in a saucepan. Let the mixture come to a simmer over medium heat, being sure to stir, so the sugar dissolves properly. Once it dissolves, turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Once your lime syrup cools, add in the other ingredients, and give it a good stir.
- Store in a sealed container until you're ready to shake up a delicious margarita. Cheers!
If all that sounds like too much effort, turn to one of Mixly's mixers. You can have fresh ingredients that are ready to go while simultaneously putting a unique spin on the classic margarita flavors. Easy, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. You can't get much better than that, right?
Storing Homemade Margarita Mix
A large swing-top bottle is an ideal way to store homemade margarita mix. You can double or even triple the recipe, then transfer it to a pitcher for easy pouring. Margarita mix can also be bottled into more petite swing tops and given out as fun, unique gifts.
You can store homemade margarita mix for up to one week in the refrigerator. You can keep it for up to one additional week, although the flavors will begin to fall flat at that point. When you are ready to serve up your yummy margarita mix, give it a good shake or stir to redistribute the lime zest, which tends to settle to the bottom; separation may have occurred with the syrup as well.
What To Do With Leftover Margarita Mix
While margarita mix can go bad, there's no need to worry if you don't finish your drink! You can always use leftover margarita mix to make other delicious co*cktails like a tequila sunrise or a Paloma. You can also freeze margarita mix in ice cube trays and enjoy a refreshing frozen margarita anytime.
And if you're still unsure what to do with leftover margarita mix, get creative! Check your pantry and fridge to see what you have in stock. Whip something up and see how it goes. Who knows? You may just create the next mixology masterpiece.
Margarita Mix FAQ
If one of your burning questions has yet to be answered, check out a few of the frequently asked questions below!
Can You Drink Margarita Mix By Itself?
Typically, no. Margarita mix may look like that fancy green juice you pick up in the morning, but drinking without something to dilute it is not appropriate.
Most store-bought mixes are highly concentrated, needing either liquor or water to bring it down to a good flavor for drinking. The same goes for the homemade version. You can try topping it off with club soda or seltzer water to sip on a citrus-flavored beverage. Doing so may become your favorite summertime mocktail!
That said, some premade margarita mixes come ready to drink, meaning the liquor is already included. That particular variation is the only one we recommend drinking by itself.
Can Margarita Mix Gone Bad Make You Sick?
Unless you leave a bottle of Margarita mix open without its cap, it will not make you sick when you drink it. It is more likely to be sour and flat tasting.
Even if you did drink Margarita mix that was not stored correctly, showed signs of spoilage, or the bottle was damaged, it is unlikely to cause food poisoning because sugar and natural preservatives in the premade versions prevent this from happening.
However, there is still a chance of experiencing food poisoning symptoms if signs of spoilage are present—it's best to steer clear and opt for a fresher option.
The Bottom Line
If you came here to ask, "Does margarita mix go bad?" The answer is yes, but it takes quite some time for it to spoil entirely. However, if you make a homemade version, it may spoil within one to two weeks. We feel that you may not have to deal with this problem too often because margaritas are downright delicious and meant to be shared!
Next time you have a party or get-together, bring along some of your own homemade margarita mixes to impress your guests or whomever you serve with the delicious taste of fresh margaritas! They're sure to love it. Cheers!
FAQs
Well, the answer is yes, margarita mix can go bad. If stored improperly, margarita mix can spoil quickly because the citrus in the mix is susceptible to mold and bacteria growth. Therefore, it's essential to hold your margarita mix in a cool, dark place like the fridge.
How can you tell if margarita mix is bad? ›
Three signs that your margarita mix has gone bad
If your margarita mix smells too sour, or otherwise smells off, it might have gone bad. Two, if there are any changes to the appearance, like discoloration or particles in the mix, it's best to throw it out. Lastly, if the flavor has changed, it's best to throw it out.
Can you drink expired margarita mix? ›
Properly stored, unopened margarita mix will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months when stored at room temperature, although it will usually remain safe to drink after that.
How long after expiration date is margarita mix good? ›
These factors aside, margarita mix is generally good for 1-2 years past its expiration date if it's an unopened margarita mix. If it has been opened, the margarita mix will be good for six to nine months in the refrigerator.
Does Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix have an expiration date? ›
If it smells sour, taste it, or see particles in the bottle, its probably bad. Although Jos Cuervo Margarita Mix doesn't have an expiration date, it still has a long shelf life.
How long does Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix last once opened? ›
However, it is important to keep it stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal freshness. Once the bottle is opened, the margarita mix should be consumed within seven to ten days to ensure the best taste.
Does premade 1800 margarita mix go bad? ›
Properly stored, an unopened bottle of ready-to-drink margaritas will generally stay at best quality for about 18 months, although it will usually remain safe to use after that.
Can you use expired drink mixes? ›
Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the diet drink mix's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
How long does 1800 margarita mix last in the fridge? ›
Margarita mix that has been continuously refrigerated will keep at best quality for about 6 to 9 months after opening. Written by. Margarita mix that has been continuously refrigerated will keep at best quality for about 6 to 9 months after opening.
Do premixed co*cktails expire? ›
Ready to drink bottled co*cktails can be enjoyed up to three months after they have been purchased. Industry-standard bottled co*cktails (like the ones we make) will have been expertly mixed by professionals and will have a longer shelflife, meaning you can enjoy your co*cktail weeks after it has been mixed.
For our mixes made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives, enjoy within 7-10 days of opening.
How long is unopened Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix good for? ›
Unopened margarita mix usually lasts between 12 and 18 months, often longer. If it's a couple of weeks, or even a month or two, past its date, it might still be okay. Give it a try. Opened margarita mix should be refrigerated and keeps quality for at least 6 – 8 weeks, possibly much longer.
Does vodka go bad? ›
The good news is that liquor such as gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum, are considered shelf-stable. That means that as long as you store the bottle properly and it remains unopened, you can consider it safe to drink indefinitely.
Does alcohol expire? ›
While unopened alcohol has an almost-indefinite shelf life, opened liquor does, in fact, expire. They won't spoil in the same way that milk does, but liquors lose their flavor, coloring, and potency over time, leading to undesirable drinks for your customers.
Does Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix have alcohol? ›
With the Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Light Margarita Mix you can create your favorite drinks at your next party. Just add tequila and enjoy. It is non-alcoholic and made with natural flavors.
How long does margarita mix last in machine? ›
A flavored mix maxes 3.5 Gal or 50 – 9oz drinks. Can the mix stay in the machine overnight? Yes, if you do not finish a mix in one day, leave it in the machine and you can use it the next day.
How long does the 1800 Ultimate margarita Mix last? ›
An unopened bottle of 1800 Ultimate Mango Margarita lasts for 12 to 18 months—because of the sugar contents, it does not age like an unopened bottle of plain tequila. Unopened bottles should be stored in cool places out of direct sunlight but do not need to be stored in the refrigerator.
How long can you use after expiration date? ›
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Can alcohol mix go bad? ›
Spirits are completely shelf stable. Unlike wine, which can sometimes develop an off taste during storage, or rapidly go downhill once it's been opened, liquor will keep indefinitely.
What are the side effects of expired drinks? ›
Expired alcohol doesn't make you sick. If you drink liquor after it's been open for more than a year, you generally only risk a duller taste. Flat beer typically tastes off and may upset your stomach, whereas spoiled wine usually tastes vinegary or nutty but isn't harmful.
Yes, margaritas on the rocks, homemade or made with mix, will stay fresh up to three days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the margaritas without ice so it doesn't water down your co*cktail. If you want to serve a pitcher of frozen margaritas, blend them and leave them in the freezer.
How long does ready to drink margarita last in the fridge? ›
Premixed margaritas typically have a shelf-life of up to six months from the date of manufacture when stored at room temperature or below, but no more than four weeks if refrigerated. That being said, it is important to inspect the product to look for any signs of spoilage or smell before consuming.
Does tequila go bad? ›
Will tequila go bad? No, tequila will not go bad but over time tequila may lose its quality and flavor. Before you panic, note that this only happens when stored improperly or opened and exposed to air for an extended period of time.
Does margarita mix go bad unopened? ›
And as long as the seal remains intact, the degradation process goes on very slowly. An unopened margarita mix can easily last for a year or even two past the date on the label. That means that the leftover unopened bottle can easily be used in next year's Cinco de Mayo celebration.
What is the shelf life of Jose Cuervo? ›
Shelf life of tequila
First thing that not everyone is familiar with is that spirits, unlike wines, don't age after being bottled. That means that storing tequila for years won't make its taste better. When it comes to shelf life of tequila, it's basically indefinite, as long as its seal isn't compromised.
How long is Costco margarita mix good for? ›
Kirkland Signature Margarita Mix does not have an expiration date stamped on its packaging. However, because it is a shelf-stable product, best practices recommend you use the product within 18 months of purchasing.
Can you drink 10 year old vodka? ›
No, vodka really doesn't go bad. If the bottle stays unopened, vodka's shelf life lasts for decades. So, effectively, vodka doesn't expire.
Is 20 year old vodka safe to drink? ›
How Long Will My Vodka Last? An unopened bottle of unflavored vodka has a shelf-life of decades. After opening, it will still be good for 10 to 20 years. For flavored vodkas, the shelf-life spans from six months to 2 years.
Is 100 year old whiskey safe to drink? ›
Can You Get Sick from Drinking Old Whiskey? If you found an old bottle of whiskey in the back of a liquor cabinet and want to give it a try, have no fear: In general, old liquor will not make you sick like other expired items. The only risk it poses is delivering a dull taste and underwhelming drinking experience.
Can you drink alcohol 2 years out of date? ›
You're in danger of getting ill if you go past a 'use by date', so be wary of the risks. 'Best before' is more of a guideline on quality, rather than safety. It means the item in question will start to lose its quality after the stated date. You can still eat or drink it after this, but it just won't be as good.
Yes—but its flavor will degrade over time. Beer is a perishable product that stales when it's exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, which degrade the organic compounds that make beer smell and taste great. But even when its flavor is declining, it can be perfectly safe to drink.
How do you know if alcohol is expired? ›
If you encounter expired alcohol, which is very rare, you will know by the taste and sometimes by the coloring. However, you only have to worry about the expiration date with beer or opened bottles of wine or spirits; unopened bottles of spirits, wine, or liquor do not go bad.
Can drink mixes go bad? ›
co*cktail mixes go bad, eventually. They are (basically) water loaded with sugar and preservatives, so they stay safe to drink for years. It's not like you're going to wake up one day and notice there's mold in the bottle or bucket. Chances of that happening are slim to none.
Do powdered drink mixes go bad? ›
Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged diet drink mix will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the diet drink mix will remain at peak ...
What happens if we eat expired mixture? ›
"If you do eat a food past the expiration date [and the food] is spoiled, you could develop symptoms of food poisoning," said registered dietitian nutritionist Summer Yule, MS. The symptoms of foodborne illness can include fever, chills, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Can mixing drinks make you sick? ›
Contrary to popular belief, simply mixing different types of alcohol is unlikely to make you sick–drinking a beer and a gin and tonic will probably have the same effect on your body as sticking to one type of alcoholic beverage.
Does alcohol mix expire? ›
Does Liquor Expire? Unopened liquor has an indefinite shelf life. Opened liquor lasts about a year or two before it goes bad, meaning it starts losing its color and flavor. Don't use a liquor for well drinks if you won't use the whole bottle within two years.
How long can a premixed co*cktail last? ›
Ready to drink bottled co*cktails can be enjoyed up to three months after they have been purchased. Industry-standard bottled co*cktails (like the ones we make) will have been expertly mixed by professionals and will have a longer shelflife, meaning you can enjoy your co*cktail weeks after it has been mixed.
How do you know if powder is expired? ›
If the baking powder is FRESH: It will immediately bubble and fizz vigorously. If the baking powder is EXPIRED: It will have a delayed or weak reaction, or simply dissolve or sink to the bottom of the water. If your baking powder is expired, you'll need to throw it away, as it won't react in your recipes.
Do powdered ingredients go bad? ›
Yes, dry ingredients like flour, beans, pastas, and more expire and can become unsafe to consume. Different dry goods expire at different rates depending on many factors, including how they are stored.
While water doesn't expire, some concerns are associated with its plastic bottles. These vessels can produce health concerns and odd tastes as they degrade over time and microplastics enter the water. Properly storing water in your warehouse, office or facility may help mitigate these risks.
