Home Recipes Beverages co*cktail
Jennifer SchwarzkopfUpdated: Feb. 18, 2024
Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock
When the warm weather rolls around, treat yourself and a few friends to a tasty pitcher of margaritas.
Homemade margaritas take a tiny bit of effort but the payoff is big. While store-bought mixes are convenient, they don’t quite live up to fresh lime juice and tequila. Make a batch for sharing—and be prepared to pour a second round.
On the Rocks or Blended?
True margarita aficionados drink their margaritas on the rocks. I learned this decades ago from the look a bartender shot me when ordering a blended margarita. He explained that they only served margaritas on the rocks—which made me promptly want to melt into the floor. But once I had that margarita on the rocks, I’ve never gone back. You get to taste your quality ingredients instead of mostly ice. If you’ve only had blended margaritas, this recipe is a great opportunity to try it on the rocks.
Margarita Ingredients
When it comes to margaritas, high-quality ingredients are a must. Invest in a decent bottle of tequila Blanco and orange liqueur that you like the taste of. Also, always use fresh-squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice will make your margarita taste bitter and off. Learn more about the essential ingredients in a margarita.
How to Make a Pitcher of Margaritas
| Tequila | Orange Liqueur | Lime Juice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Serving | 1 1/2 oz. | 1 oz. | 1/2 oz. |
| 2 Servings | 3 oz. | 2 oz. | 1 oz. |
| 4 Servings | 3/4 cup | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 8 Servings | 1 1/2 cups | 1 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 12 Servings | 2 1/4 cups | 1 1/2 cups | 3/4 cup |
When it comes to margaritas, you can rely on the 3-2-1 ratio, no matter what size co*cktail you’re mixing. (That’s the first rule in our margarita guide.) For a single serving, that means 1-½ ounce tequila, 1 ounce orange liqueur and ½ ounce lime juice. This scaled-up, big-batch recipe makes about 12 drinks.
Ingredients
- 12 lime wedges
- ¼cup kosher salt
- Crushed or cubed ice
- 2 ¼ cups tequila
- 1 ½ cup orange liqueur
- ¾ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup simple syrup, optional
Directions
Step 1: Prep the glasses
Grab your margarita glasses and moisten the rims with the lime wedges. Then, pour the salt onto a small plate and sip the edges of the glass into the salt until the rim is completely covered. Fill each glass about halfway with crushed or cubed ice.
Step 2: Mix it up
In a large pitcher, beverage dispenser or punch bowl, combine the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Add ice and stir with a large spoon until the co*cktail is chilled and the outside of the pitcher has formed condensation.
Editor’s tip: If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add the simple syrup (or agave nectar) here. You can also add flavorings like fruit puree, fruit juice or other ingredients for a margarita variation.
Step 3: Serve
This margarita pitcher recipe is ready to go! Simply divide the pitcher of margaritas evenly between the prepared glasses and enjoy.
Editor’s tip: To prevent the ice cubes in the pitcher from splashing into the glasses, use a spoon to hold the cubes back. Or use a pitcher with a lid that prevents the ice from pouring out.
Once you savor the fresh citrus and smooth tequila of this recipe, you’ll be ruined for all lesser margaritas. Pair it with any one of these wonderful Mexican dishes and have fun!
Up next: Learn how to make a skinny margarita!
Try These Other Takes on the Classic Drink
1 / 24
Classic MargaritaA classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the co*cktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Go to Recipe
Texas Red River MargaritasWhen I lived in Texas, I decided to create a co*cktail that represented my new home. I've found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice in this spicy margarita recipe. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, NE
Go to Recipe
Amaretto MargaritaWith this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
TMB STUDIO
Frozen Sriracha-Mango MargaritaThe sweetness of the fruit helps offset the spiciness of the Sriracha, giving this mango margarita a unique and fun twist. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
Frozen Margarita MousseWho doesn't love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas
Go to Recipe
Grapefruit MargaritaWhen you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
TMB STUDIO
Caribbean Blue MargaritaFor a fun spin on a classic co*cktail, substitute Blue Curacao for Triple Sec. The vibrant blue margarita will make you think you're on the shores of the Caribbean. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
Frozen Ginger-Raspberry MargaritaGinger and lime form a wonderful flavor combination, so I thought I'd try adding them to my raspberry margarita. This co*cktail is perfect for spring or summer parties. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Go to Recipe
Margarita FloatsOn a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Go to Recipe
TMB STUDIO
Blue Lagoon MargaritasThis is one super drink that'll have the neighbors asking, "What's that?" Show them and make an extra batch to share. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa
Go to Recipe
Refreshing Beer MargaritasI'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing co*cktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Melon MargaritaMelon liqueur dramatically changes the flavor and color of a classic margarita and also makes it sweeter. If you'd like your melon margarita a little more tart, cut back on the liqueur just a tiny bit. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
Frozen Coconut MargaritaTake your co*cktail to the tropics with this coconut margarita. It's very refreshing! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
Frozen Strawberry-Basil MargaritaFresh, fruity and oh, so cool, this strawberry-basil margarita may be the perfect summer co*cktail. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Go to Recipe
Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
Watermelon MargaritasSummer’s best flavors get frosty in the co*cktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila drink with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Margarita Snow Cone SyrupI've tried pretty much every kind of margarita under the sun, but this snow cone version turns my favorite drink into even more of a party. —Monique Perez, Chicago, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Frozen Cherry MargaritasWhen summer rolls around, I start thinking about all the fun drinks I can whip up to stay cool. This frozen cherry margarita is a favorite of mine. It's so delicious, and the deep red color is amazing. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
PomgaritasPomegranate juice gives a tart and tasty twist to the traditional margarita. The ruby color is great for Christmas, but we enjoy the refreshing beverage all year long.—Bernice Knutson, Danbury, Iowa
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Margarita SangriaThis sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Frozen Blueberry-Mint MargaritaRefreshing and fruity, you need a frozen blueberry margarita in hand this summer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy EditorGet Recipe
Margarita Gelatin ShotsEveryone's favorite co*cktail becomes a celebratory shot! Serve this margarita gelatin shot recipe in shot glasses garnished to look like mini margaritas or, for a fun twist, pour the mixture into hollowed-out lime halves, chill and then slice into wedges. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
Frozen Lemon-Berry MargaritasI like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Cranberry Pomegranate MargaritasI came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional cranberry margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: June 15, 2021
Jennifer Schwarzkopf
Jennifer’s 20 years as a marketing communications executive certainly lend to her skills as a copywriter and content developer, but her culinary arts degree is what ties everything together for her acumen in food writing as a Taste of Home freelancer. Half Chilean, half Irish and all joie de vivre, Jennifer’s creative endeavors include being a culinary director and executive chef, writer, photographer and artist. Her extensive travels and passion for good eats and top-notch wine give her an edge in the food-writing industry, too.
When she’s not working, you can find Jennifer spending time with her friends, family and pups.
