Pitcher Margarita
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Say hello to the best pitcher margarita recipe! This crowd-pleaser is perfectly balanced, refreshingly zesty, and unbelievably easy to make. Forget the store-bought mix – we’re talking fresh lime juice, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of tequila. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, taco night, or just because you deserve it, this margarita pitcher is your ticket to instant party vibes. Let’s get shaking!
Looking for more crowd favorite cocktails? My Peach Sangria is ALWAYS a hit at parties while my chocolate cake shot and fruit punch cocktail are new and just as delicious.
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. One Sweet Appetite and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
Why You’ll Love This Margarita Recipe
- Party-Ready: Perfect for serving a crowd with minimal effort.
- Time-Saver: Make ahead and avoid constant refills during your event.
- Consistent Flavor: Ensures every guest gets the same perfectly mixed drink.
- Budget-Friendly: More economical than making individual cocktails or buying pre-made mixers.
“Took one sip and I was in Mexico again. Delicious!!” – Kathy
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.
Ingredients You Need
So, what exactly goes into a pitcher 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.
Best Tequila For A Margarita Pitcher Recipe
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.
Easy Pitcher Margarita Recipe
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, 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.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flavored Syrup: Use agave nectar instead of simple syrup for a more authentic taste. For a unique twist, try a honey syrup or flavored simple syrup like mint or jalapeño.
- Fruit Infusions: Add pureed fruit such as strawberries, mango, or watermelon to the mix for a fruity margarita.
- Sparkling Margarita: Top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly twist.
- Herbal Touch: Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil with the lime juice for an aromatic variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a spicy margarita.
- Coconut Margarita: Substitute some of the orange liqueur with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Frozen Margarita: Blend the ingredients with ice instead of serving on the rocks for a refreshing frozen margarita.
- Low-Calorie Option: Use a sugar-free simple syrup and cut back on the orange liqueur for a lighter version.
- Salt Rim Variations: Experiment with different rimming salts, such as smoked salt, chili salt, or even sugar for a sweet touch.
- Tequila Substitutes: Try using mezcal for a smoky flavor or swap tequila with rum for a margarita daiquiri hybrid.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tequila and fresh-squeezed lime juice. It makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Chill the Glasses: Keep your margarita glasses in the freezer until ready to serve for an extra-refreshing experience.
- Perfectly Balanced: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Add more simple syrup if you like it sweeter, or more lime juice for extra tartness.
- Prep Ahead: Mix the margarita ingredients (excluding ice) ahead of time and store in the fridge. Add ice just before serving to keep it perfectly chilled without dilution.
- Fresh Garnishes: Garnish with fresh lime slices or wheels, and consider adding a few fresh herbs or edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation.
- Temperature Matters: Keep all your ingredients, including the tequila and liqueur, chilled before mixing to ensure a perfectly cold margarita.
- Taste Test: Always taste the mixture before serving. Adjust the ingredients as needed to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Recipe FAQs
Fresh-squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in taste. It’s worth the extra effort for that authentic, zesty flavor.
You can substitute with Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or even a bit of orange juice in a pinch, but the liqueur adds a nice depth.
Taste as you go! The ideal margarita should have a good balance of tartness from the lime, sweetness from the syrup, and a kick from the tequila.
This recipe will serve 16. But you can easily double for a large crowd, or half for a smaller gathering.
Absolutely! Substitute the tequila with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative and adjust the sweetness to taste.
More Margarita Recipes
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Pitcher Margarita Recipe
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
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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These were so good! I made these for a party, and they were a hit. I used a Blanca tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice from concentrate because I didn’t have time to
Squeeze limes. Made the simple syrup too, and
Highly recommend. These will become a staple and don’t taste like a big batch!! Loved them!!
LeAnn, that makes me so happy to hear! Sounds like you nailed it, and I love that you made it work with what you had—sometimes convenience is key! So glad they didn’t have that typical big-batch taste and were a hit at your party. Cheers to many more pitcher margarita nights!
Can I use agave instead of simple syrup ?
Hi Kensy. I think agave would work as a substitute to the simple syrup. It might slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Do you have any advice for frozen Margaritas? I’m a huge Margarita fan, and I used to make a version using frozen concentrated limeade. I used the limeade container to measure ingredients. My concern is that I don’t want it watered down with too much ice. Anyhow, I’d like to step it up a bit, and would like to try any recipe that you would recommend as the iced version is outstanding!
Thank you, Wes C
If you want a really good blended margarita I recommend this one from Isabel Eats. It’s the one that I use.
Fantastic!!
Glad you loved this one! It’s a favorite of mine.
Took one sip and I was in Mexico again. Delicious!!
This one is for sure a favorite in our family! I’m so glad you loved it too.