Margarita Punch
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This Margarita Punch is basically a party in a pitcher—and trust me, your future self will thank you. It’s the easiest way to serve up that classic margarita flavor without playing bartender all night. One sip in, and your guests will be asking for the recipe (and a refill).
Serving this for Cinco De Mayo? Add some chips and queso, super simple salsa, and guacamole for a fun cocktail hour!
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 Recipe
- Easy party drinks – This punch is a low-effort, high-reward option that comes together in minutes.
- Big batch cocktails – Perfect for serving a crowd without standing behind the bar all night.
- Make-ahead margarita recipe – Prep it in advance so you can enjoy your own party.
- Budget-friendly cocktail ideas – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you can find anywhere.
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this punch checks every box. It’s zesty, refreshing, and dangerously easy to make—just pour, stir, and sip. No blender, no fuss, and no standing around making individual drinks.
Perfect for parties, BBQs, or just a laid-back night with friends, this big-batch margarita is a total game-changer. Bonus: you can make it ahead and let the punch bowl do the work while you kick back and soak up the compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This punch is all about bold flavor with zero fuss. Each ingredient pulls its weight to give you a drink that tastes like you did squeeze a hundred limes—but didn’t. Here’s what you’ll need to get the party started:
- Limeade concentrate – The secret to that zesty margarita kick. No need to thaw—just dump and stir!
- Lemonade concentrate – Adds a sweet-tart balance that keeps the punch from being too lime-heavy.
- Orange liqueur – Triple sec or Cointreau both work. This is what gives margaritas their signature citrus twist.
- Water – Helps mellow out the mix. Use cold water to keep things refreshing from the first pour.
- Sprite – Adds fizz and a touch of sweetness. Go with regular Sprite, not diet, for the best flavor.
- Tequila – Silver tequila is the cleanest option here, but use your favorite. Don’t overthink it.
This punch is the definition of easy entertaining—just mix, pour, and bask in the compliments. Cheers!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This easy punch is my go-to when I want big margarita flavor without playing bartender all night. It’s always a hit—light, citrusy, and dangerously easy to sip. I’ve made it for everything from backyard BBQs to girls’ night in, and there’s never a drop left by the end.
Is this Easy?
This is ridiculously easy to make—like, mix-it-in-your-pajamas easy. No blender, no fancy tools, no stress. Just dump, stir, and sip. It’s my ride-or-die party drink because it tastes amazing, comes together in five minutes, and makes me look way more put together than I actually am.
Tip from Jesseca:
Double the batch and freeze half in a gallon bag. Toss it in the fridge the morning of your party—it’ll chill the fresh punch as it melts and keep things cold without watering it down. Party hack level: expert.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix it up or use what’s already in your fridge? This Punch plays well with swaps. Here are a few easy variations and substitutions to keep things just as delicious:
- No orange liqueur? Use a splash of orange juice or even an orange soda for that citrusy note.
- Make it a mocktail – Skip the tequila and liqueur, and add more Sprite or club soda for a bubbly, booze-free punch. That turns this into an incredible non-alcoholic margarita punch recipe!
- Swap the soda – Try lemon-lime soda alternatives like 7UP or even ginger ale for a twist.
- Freshen it up – Toss in sliced citrus (limes, oranges, lemons) for a prettier pitcher and a fresh flavor boost.
- Want it less sweet? Use sparkling water instead of Sprite and adjust to taste.
This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and ready to party—just like your favorite pair of stretchy jeans.
Margarita Punch Recipe
Making Margarita Punch is as easy as pour, stir, and sip. No fancy bartending skills required—just a big pitcher and a few simple ingredients.
Here’s a quick look at how it comes together:
- Start with the concentrates: Combine limeade and lemonade concentrate with water in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Mix in the booze: Stir in the orange liqueur and tequila.
- Serve immediately: Right before serving, add plenty of ice and top with Sprite for a fizzy finish.
And that’s it! A party-ready punch in under five minutes. Big flavor, barely any effort.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This alcoholic punch is the ultimate make-ahead party drink—because the less you’re doing during the party, the better, right?
- Make-Ahead:
You can mix the limeade, lemonade, water, tequila, and orange liqueur up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a covered pitcher or punch bowl. Wait to add the Sprite and ice until right before serving to keep things fizzy and fresh. - Leftovers (if there are any):
Pour any remaining punch (minus the ice) into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It might lose a little fizz, but the flavor stays on point. A splash of fresh soda can perk it right back up.
This punch holds its own—even after the party’s over.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Mix everything except the Sprite and ice up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled in the fridge, then add the soda and ice just before serving.
Silver (blanco) tequila is best for this recipe—it’s clean, smooth, and blends well with the citrus flavors. But honestly, use whatever you like or have on hand.
Technically yes, but it’ll change the flavor (and increase your prep time). The concentrates are what give this punch that classic sweet-tart margarita vibe.
You can use orange juice in a pinch or orange soda for a sweeter version, but a true margarita punch really shines with triple sec or Cointreau.
Totally! Just skip the tequila and orange liqueur. Add extra Sprite or club soda and maybe a splash of orange juice to round out the flavor.
Swap the Sprite for club soda or a lemon-lime sparkling water. It’ll still be tasty but not overly sugary.
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Margarita Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cans limeade concentrate
- 1 can lemonade concentrate
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup orange liquor
- 1 ½ cups tequila
- 2 liters sprite
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the limeade and lemonade concentrates. No need to thaw them—just break them up a bit with a spoon if they’re frozen solid.
- Stir in the cold water until the concentrates are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour in the orange liqueur and tequila. Give everything a good stir to make sure the alcohol is evenly distributed.
- Add ice to the pitcher or bowl, then gently pour in the Sprite. Stir just once or twice to keep the bubbles intact.
- Pour into glasses over ice, garnish with lime slices if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy!
Notes
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.
Recipe adapted from Food.com
