Whether it's Tuesday or not, summer is the perfect time to treat you and your friends to a pitcher of margaritas and a platter of tacos. Margaritas are fairly easy to make, with traditional recipes requiring only three ingredients — tequila, orange liqueur (such as triple sec), and lime juice. Or, if you're in a pinch, you can use store-bought margarita mix.
With these simple tips for keeping the pitcher fresh, you won't have to play bartender the whole night or worry about some sad, watered-down slosh. Plus, we'll share some of our favorite margarita recipes that can be used as big-batch co*cktails, so you'll have delicious margaritas on-hand all night long.
How to Make a Pitcher of Margaritas
First, and most importantly, how do you make a margarita? There are several ways to make margaritas — on the rocks, frozen, or with margarita mix. Not all margaritas are created equally, but the most basic thing to remember is the 3-2-1 ratio.
So, in a margarita recipe for two servings you would use 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of lime juice — and this ratio can be adjusted for different serving sizes depending on your pitcher. (Margarita recipes on Allrecipes.com can be automatically adjusted using the "servings" button.)
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How to Make Margaritas on the Rocks
A margarita on the rocks is the most traditional way to enjoy a margarita, and the best margarita to serve in a pitcher. It's typically enjoyed in a glass rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime wedge.
The easiest recipe combines tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice with fresh ice in a co*cktail shaker. However, some people like to balance out a margarita by replacing the orange liqueur with simple syrup, which will cut the tartness of the drink. Shake it all together and serve.
Try our favorite margarita on the rocks recipes:
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How to Make Frozen Margaritas
Frozen margaritas are easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day. They are an instant crowd pleaser, as long as you have access to a freezer because you don't want to have to man the blender at your next party.
To make frozen margaritas, combine tequila, orange liqueur, and frozen lime concentrate with ice in a blender. You want to use lime concentrate because frozen margaritas require more ice, which will take away the tartness of fresh lime juice.
Ready to make frozen margaritas? Try these recipes:
How to Make Margaritas Using Margarita Mix
Of course, homemade margaritas are always the best choice, but margarita mix can work if you're pressed for time. To make a margarita with a store-bought mix, you will only need tequila because most mixes are already lime flavored.
Follow the recipe printed on the margarita mix, or use a ratio of 3 ounces of mix to 1 ½ ounces of tequila. Combine this in a shaker with ice, shake, and serve.
Can You Make Margaritas Ahead of Time?
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. Because they contain alcohol, they will stay a slushy consistency. Frozen margaritas will last in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Tips for Keeping Margarita Pitchers Fresh
1. Chill your pitcher beforehand
Chill your pitcher in the freezer before you fill it up with your margaritas. This will keep them cool for longer.
2. Use large co*cktail ice in your pitcher
Fill your pitcher with large circular or cubed co*cktail ice that will melt slowly and prevent your margaritas from getting watered down throughout the evening.
Sphere Ice Molds
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Buy it: Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds, $11; amazon.com
3. Serve in a dispenser with an ice cylinder
Serve your margaritas in a dispenser that has a built-in ice cylinder. This will keep your co*cktails cold without watering them down. And a drink dispenser is a great addition to a self-service bar.
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4. Freeze individual servings
If you want to serve frozen margaritas but are worried about the pitcher melting, you can make and freeze individual servings in plastic bags or Mason jars. These margaritas are easy to transport and can be stored in a small cooler where they will stay frozen. When you're ready to serve, simply pour them into a glass.
Related:
- Who Made the First Margarita?
- Our Top-Rated Margaritas
- Margarita Recipes
As a seasoned mixologist and co*cktail enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently guide you through the art of crafting the perfect pitcher of margaritas. I've honed my expertise through countless experiments with various recipes, techniques, and ingredients. From traditional on-the-rocks margaritas to frozen delights, I've explored the nuances of each method to ensure a refreshing and delightful experience for you and your friends.
Let's dive into the key concepts and tips mentioned in the article:
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Basic Margarita Recipe (3-2-1 Ratio):
- The fundamental building block of a classic margarita involves a simple 3-2-1 ratio—3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of lime juice. This ratio can be adjusted based on the number of servings, making it adaptable for a pitcher. The "servings" button on Allrecipes.com can assist in automatic adjustments.
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Margaritas on the Rocks:
- This traditional serving method involves combining tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice with fresh ice in a co*cktail shaker. Some variations replace orange liqueur with simple syrup to balance the tartness. The drink is typically enjoyed in a glass rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime wedge.
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Frozen Margaritas:
- Perfect for hot summer days, frozen margaritas require blending tequila, orange liqueur, and frozen lime concentrate with ice in a blender. The use of lime concentrate is emphasized, as the additional ice needed for a frozen consistency can dilute the tartness of fresh lime juice.
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Margaritas Using Margarita Mix:
- While homemade margaritas are preferred, store-bought margarita mix can be a time-saving alternative. Most mixes are already lime-flavored, requiring only the addition of tequila. The recommended ratio is 3 ounces of mix to 1 ½ ounces of tequila.
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Storing Margaritas:
- Margaritas on the rocks, whether homemade or made with mix, can stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. Storing them without ice prevents dilution. Frozen margaritas, containing alcohol, maintain a slushy consistency in the freezer for up to two weeks.
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Tips for Keeping Margarita Pitchers Fresh:
- Chill the pitcher in the freezer before use to prolong the cooling effect.
- Use large co*cktail ice to melt slowly and prevent watering down.
- Consider a dispenser with a built-in ice cylinder to maintain coldness without dilution.
- Freeze individual servings in plastic bags or Mason jars for easy transportation and prolonged frozen state.
Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to host the perfect summer gathering with a pitcher of refreshing margaritas that will leave your guests delighted. Cheers to the art of mixology!
