Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe

Jump to Recipe

This Pitcher Margarita Recipe is prefect for serving a crowd! Made with fresh lime, tequila, and a simple syrup, for a touch of sweet, leaving you with the most delicious margarita. You will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Looking for more crowd favorites? My Peach Sangria is ALWAYS a hit at parties.

close up photo of a margarita with a slice of lime

RECIPE FEATURES

EASY Cocktail: Stir and serve. It’s so simple to whip up these margaritas. You’ll be glad you saved this recipe.
Easy to Double: Making cocktails for a crowd? Double the recipe and keep one pitcher in the refrigerator while the other is being served.
Make-Ahead: This recipe can be made up to three days in advance.

There is not much we love more than tacos and Tequila. I mean, can you really say that taco Tuesday was a success without a tall glass filled with ice cold tequila and lime? It is, in my opinion, one of the best cocktails out there, and my go-to drink! I’ve made so many versions that are insanely delicious, like my Pineapple Margaritas or Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, but THIS is the perfect margarita pitcher recipe that is a STAPLE for serving a crowd.

It is quick, easy, and oh-so refreshing. A new spin on my go-to Limeade Margarita, but with the replacement of fresh limes vs limeade. Bookmark this one for all of your summer parties.

MARGARITA INGREDIENTS

So, what exactly goes into a margarita? The answer might surprise you, as there aren’t many ingredients called for. The secret? Fresh limes and quality liquor.

Tequila: May seem obvious, but the key here is to pick one you truly love. I personally like the Jose Cuervo Blue Agave, photoed above, but if you want something really smooth opt for a Reposado Tequila. Pick something that isn’t too cheap, but not the most expensive, and you’ll be good.
Orange Liqueur: As tempting as it might be, stay away from the cheap bottle of Triple Sec. I recommend Cointreau. While a little more pricey, it does not have the fake bitter taste that the cheaper versions contain. Plus, it will last a while!
Lime Juice: This recipe calls for a ton of juice. If you can manage, I suggest using fresh squeezed, but you can always opt for the bottle version. The flavors will be slightly different, but equally delicious.
Simple Syrup: A mixture of equal parts sugar and water. Add these to a pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes, and allow to cool completely. OR you can find simple syrup in the drink section of most grocers.
Ice: Just enough to keep things cool.

WHAT IS THE BEST TEQUILA FOR THE PERFECT MARGARITA?

I covered this briefly above, but the tequila you want to use for this margarita can vary. Use your favorite tequila. Blanco’s will have a more bold flavor, while Reposado Tequila will be a smide smoother. I always ask the employees at the liquor store what they suggest and constantly get great recommendations.

lime being squeezed into a tall jar of juice

HOW TO MAKE A PITCHER OF MARGARITAS

Here’s the number one secret; INVEST in a cocktail shaker (affiliate). They are fairly inexpensive and make all of the difference in your margarita making game. You will thank me for this one.

Making this recipe is simple. Mix all of the ingredients in a large pitcher (affiliate), mix, and chill until ready to serve.
Before the party, line the rim of the glasses (affiliate) with salt and fill with ice. Pro Tip: I do this an hour or so ahead of time and keep the glasses stored in the freezer for an extra chill. Slice up some limes and keep them covered until ready to garnish.
When guests arrive, fill your shaker with ice (about 1/2-3/4) and top with the margarita mix. Cover and shake like your life depends on it.
Pour the margarita into the prepared glass and serve! EASY peasy.

top down shot of a margarita in a glass with a lime

HELPFUL MARGARITA MAKING TIPS

Is Triple Sec needed for margaritas?

Yes. Orange liqueur is key in making sure you have a balanced cocktail. In a pinch, you can use a splash of orange juice, but it will not taste the same.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe will serve 16. But you can easily double for a large crowd, or half for a smaller gathering.

Can you make margaritas in advance?

Yes! You can make the margarita mix up to 3 days in advance. Cover and keep stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can you make this with strawberries?

Yes. Add 3 cups of frozen strawberries to a blender with the margarita ingredients. Pulse until the berries are pureed and the mixture is smooth. Serve immediately.

pitcher filled with margarita with two glasses and sliced limes

MORE MUST-TRY COCKTAILS

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

Pitcher Margarita Recipe

Yield: 16

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups Tequila*
2 cups Orange Liqueur
2 cups fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup simple syrup
4 cups ice

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients into a 2-quart pitcher, minus the ice.
Stir and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, fill a cocktail shaker 1/2 to 3/4 full with ice.
Add the prepared margarita mix to the shaker, filling 3/4 full.
Cover tightly and shake for 15 seconds.
Pour the mixture over a salt rimmed glass that is filled with ice.
Repeat as needed.
Serve the margaritas with fresh lime wedges.

Notes

The tequila you want to use for this margarita can vary. Use your favorite tequila. Blanco’s will have a more bold flavor, while Reposado Tequila will be a smide smoother.

Line the rim of your glasses with salt and fill with ice before serving. Keep stored in the freezer until ready to fill.

Make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water into a pan. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Cool and keep stored in a jar or container.

Want a stronger drink? Add an additional cup of tequila.