Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (2024)

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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.

Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (1)

This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly.One Sweet Appetiteand 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.

RECIPE FEATURES

  • EASY co*cktail: Stir and serve. It’s so simple to whip up these margaritas. You’ll be glad you saved this recipe.
  • Easy to Double: Making co*cktails 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 co*cktails 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.

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Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (2)

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.

Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (3)

HOW TO MAKE A PITCHER OF MARGARITAS

Here’s the number one secret; INVEST in a co*cktail 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.
Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (4)

HELPFUL MARGARITA MAKING TIPS

Is Triple Sec needed for margaritas?

Yes. Orange liqueur is key in making sure you have a balanced co*cktail. 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.

Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (5)

MORE MUST-TRY co*ckTAILS

  • Strawberry Lemonade Margarita Recipe
  • Classic Paloma
  • Mojito made with Tequila
  • Single Serve Sangria

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Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (6)

4.74 from 15 votes

Pitcher Margarita Recipe

Created by: Jesseca


Course Drink Recipes

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

16

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.

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 co*cktail 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Sodium: 4mg | Sugar: 12g

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Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (10)

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. John Compton says

    Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (11)
    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

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      If you want a really good blended margarita I recommend this one from Isabel Eats. It’s the one that I use.

      Reply

  2. RS/SS says

    Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (12)
    Fantastic!!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Glad you loved this one! It’s a favorite of mine.

      Reply

  3. Kathy says

    Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (13)
    Took one sip and I was in Mexico again. Delicious!!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      This one is for sure a favorite in our family! I’m so glad you loved it too.

      Reply

Best Pitcher Margarita Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in margaritas? ›

We'll just tell you upfront: The secret to a tasty margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice (not the bottled stuff) and—here's the real secret—a splash of fresh OJ. That's right. Fresh-squeezed juice from an actual orange (not an orange-flavored liqueur) will produce a cleaner-tasting, more refreshing margarita.

What is the best formula for margaritas? ›

For A Single Margarita:

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila. 1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice. optional sweetener: agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste.

Is triple sec or Cointreau better for margaritas? ›

The classic margarita calls for Cointreau (plus good silver tequila and fresh lime juice). Because its flavor is uncomplicated by spice notes, Cointreau is very adaptable in blending, and shakes up beautifully with clear spirits as well as with brandies, and darker, aged liquors.

How does Jennifer Aniston make her margaritas? ›

"How about you get up on stage and make a margarita? You're really good at that," she says, requesting that Aniston "tell us how" she makes what we're guessing is her signature drink. "Oh, lord, it's barely a recipe. It's basically silver tequila with lime juice shaken and over rocks," Aniston shares.

Why do you put triple sec in margaritas? ›

Traditionally, orange has always been a classic pairing for any agave-based spirit, providing a sweeter complement without overpowering the notes of the agave. In Margaritas, the inclusion of triple sec provides a luscious, warm citric note that counterbalances the lime juice's high acidity.

What to add to margarita mix to make it better? ›

A splash of fruit juice can also add some more flavor to your margaritas. Grapefruit juice will give a tart, slightly sour flavor, while pineapple juice creates a more tropical-tasting drink. "Citrus-based juices are essential for balancing out the sweetness of a margarita," David Alan told Insider.

Is agave syrup necessary for a margarita? ›

If you like your margaritas dry, you can just skip this step. But if you're like me and want your margaritas sweet, Stodel said you should always use agave syrup. "It's an excellent sweetener for your margaritas, a natural product," he told me. "It comes from the thing that makes tequila, so I think it's awesome."

Can I use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau in a margarita? ›

Cointreau and Grand Marnier have quite a bit in common, and in a pinch you can certainly substitute between the two. If you do, expect the flavor profile to change. Cointreau will make the drink lighter and brighter, with a stronger citrus aroma. Grand Marnier will bring weight and oaky sweetness.

Which is better, Grand Marnier or Cointreau? ›

If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.

What is Skinnygirl Margarita? ›

Made from premium Blue Agave Silver Tequila (yes, please) and lightly sweetened with agave nectar, the original Skinnygirl® Margarita is STILL delicious and low-calorie (really?). Yes, really. Serve this refreshingly light low-calorie Margarita in a fun glass rimmed with salt, and you and your girls are good to go!

What is a Clooney margarita? ›

This co*cktail starts with a pour of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, a premium spirit co-created by George Clooney and known for its crisp, clean agave notes. We then add Fresh Lime Juice, which imparts a zesty tang that perfectly complements the tequila.

What is in Texas Roadhouse House margarita? ›

Texas Roadhouse's Legendary Margarita is made with 19% Persian lime juice and blue agave from the Jalisco region of Mexico, blended with orange oils, which creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. Since the opening of the first Texas Roadhouse in 1993, the Legendary Margarita has become the signature drink.

What is a dirty margarita made of? ›

Combine tequila, olive juice, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the glass over ice cubes. Garnish with olives and onions.

What is a real margarita made of? ›

In a co*cktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over). Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.

What was the original margarita made with? ›

The "Original Margarita" recipe, as given by Cointreau on their website, has slightly more of their own sweet liqueur: 1 part white tequila, 1⁄2 part Cointreau, and 1⁄2 part fresh squeezed lime juice.

What makes truly margarita style? ›

Truly says the Margarita-style seltzers are made with real ingredients found in the co*cktail, including lime juice concentrate, agave nectar, and sea salt.

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