The 14 Best Margarita Mixes Tasted And Ranked
As most drinkers know, the key to perfecting the cocktail is using high-quality tequila and triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Only, that reality is now slowly shifting as the number of authentic-tasting Margarita mixes continues to expand with each passing Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Perfect for batching cocktails for a group or when you simply dont want to spend time squeezing citrus, there are dozens of decent options now available that allow drinkers to just add tequila.
Of course, not everything thats out there will give your local bar a run for its money. So VinePair put them to the test, using each brands stated recipe and the same tequila every time to provide consistency.
What exactly were we looking for from the ultimate Marg and, by extension, the best pre-made mix? In a word: balance.
The ideal Margarita should toe a precise line between sweet and sour, and offer a generous body and full flavor. Perhaps most important of all, the lime in the cocktail needs to taste freshly squeezed and genuine, regardless of whether that flavor comes from fresh juice, concentrate, or natural flavors.
Fill those ice trays and stock up on tequila: Here are the 14 best Margarita mixes for 2022, tasted and ranked.
Margarita Mix Slush Recipe
What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.
Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 15 margarita mix slush recipe that we have shared over the years.
Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.
Stirrings Simple Margarita Mix
If you look forward to Key lime season every year, youll want a margarita made with Stirrings Simple Margarita Mix.
This mix uses only Key lime juice which imparts a sweet, smooth flavor rather than the acidic and tart taste of traditional Persian limes. Thanks to these limes, the Stirrings mix even has some subtle floral notes which you can get from these limes as well as the paler, yellow color.
Stirrings margarita mix is also infused with triple sec flavor which means when its time to mix, you only need to grab a bottle of tequila. All you have to do to enjoy a drink with this mix is rim a glass with salt and splash a bit of tequila inside.
Prefer a sweeter marg with that salted rim? Try Tres Agaves Organic Margarita Mix.
While on the sweeter side, this mixer isnt boring and sugary. Instead, Tres Agaves is sweetened withyou guessed itorganic agave nectar. This marg mix has a pleasant, mellow sweetness about it. In fact, Josh Rink in the Test Kitchen compares it to honey.
Paired with tart lime, this bottled beverage works well when shaken up with your favorite tequila. This is precisely the drink you want in hand when relaxing on your patio. Per Mark, this is a refreshing one to have over ice on a hot summer day.
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Can You Drink Margarita Mix By Itself
Margarita mix often resembles a green-colored juice, but it is not usually suitable for drinking on its own. Most commercial blends are highly concentrated, which means that they need either liquor or water to thin them out. They are usually either too sweet or too tart to be palatable on their own.
No Added Sugar: By Definition
Youll notice theres one element of many margarita recipes missing: sugar! Many bars, restaurants and of course store bought mixes add lots of simple syrup or added corn syrup. Why ruin this classic drink by making it syrupy sweet?
Added sugar isnt even by definition included in this classic cocktail. And dont worry: this margarita tastes perfectly tart and balanced with no need for added sweetener. To be fair, there is some sugar in the Cointreau: it provides just enough balance to the lemon and lime.
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Blood Orange Slices Or A Splash Of Blood Orange Juice Can Also Make Your Margarita More Tart
Blood oranges or regular oranges if you have those on hand add more flavor and bite to your drink.
While blood oranges are delicious in margaritas, not everyone has them on hand in their kitchen at all times. If you don’t happen to have this variety, regular oranges will also add a tropical taste and sweetness to your drink.
How To Make A Margarita :
Detailed instructions are included in the recipe below, but here is a brief overview of how to make a single-serving homemade margarita:
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How Do You Make A Margarita With A Margarita Mix
Every recipe differs slightly, but, typically, all you need to add is the tequila. The standard measurements call for 1.5 ounces of tequila but feel free to amp it up or take it down depending on how you enjoy your drink. We recommend making your margarita the brands way once and then tweaking it to taste for future drinks.
If You Love The Margarita
Try the Tequila and Tonic, which is a lot like the Gin and Tonic, but with tequila. Its bubbly and refreshing and delicious.
And then theres the White Lizard, with tequila, grapefruit juice and lime. This is a great cocktail for reviving you after a long day.
And definitely check out all our for lots more variations you can enjoy.
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- Strawberry Margarita Recipe. Who doesnt love a frosty, fruity drink on a hot summer day?
- Autumn Apple Kombucha Moscow Mule. This warming fall twist on a classic Moscow mule is my favorite Crown Royal Apple drink!
Top Tips To Make The Best Margaritas
- Keep your tequila in the freezer so the margaritas are nice & cold without extra ice.
- Mix in a bit of lime zest with the salted rim of your glasses.
- Always SHAKE your margaritas with ice before serving .
- Make your own lime juice by squeezing fresh limes.
- Try some fun, flavored salts on the rim of your glass!
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How Long Can You Store Homemade Margarita Mix
Want to save yourself the hassle of squeezing a bunch of limes the morning of your party? Homemade Margarita Mix can be made and stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator. You can store it for up to one additional week, however the flavors will begin to dull at that point.
When you are ready to serve the mix, give it a good shake or stir, because the lime zest will have settled to the bottom, and some separation may have occurred with the syrup.
Best Budget Mix: Zing Zang Margarita Mix And Mr & Mrs T Margarita Mix
Not looking to spend a ton on margarita mix, but still want decent flavor? Zing Zang or Mr. & Mrs. T. are the brands for you. They don’t have the fresh juice taste of some of the more expensive brands we’ve tried during this test, but they do contain around the same sugar content or less, and typically are a few bucks cheaper than their competitors. They’ll allow you to serve up a small crowd without going over your budget.
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Tips For Making The Best Margaritas With Mix
- Your limes will provide more juice if theyre at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, take them out and zap them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get the juices flowing.
- Does your margarita mix taste a bit tart? Add a little more of the simple syrup to sweeten it up. Keep in mind that the Cointreau/triple sec you add to the recipe to make a margarita from mix will add a little sweetness, too, so dont be too heavy-handed.
- If youre serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe so youve got more than enough! Also, it keeps in the fridge, so any leftovers wouldnt go bad.
Jack Rudy Cocktail Co Margarita Mix
Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. has all your at-home bar hacks covered, from tonic syrups and olive brine for Dirty Martinis to cocktail cherries for Manhattans. The brands Margarita mix is enjoyable and refreshing, and clocks in on the lower end calorie-wise. Once again, this does rob a little weight from its texture, but youll hardly notice when gulping them down on a hot summers day.
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Best Craft: Cutwater Classic Margarita Mix
ReserveBar
Cutwater Spirits is a San Diego craft distillery that makes nearly everything, from vodka to gin to rum to whiskey. It also makes canned cocktails and mixers, and a great option for a margarita is this premium option made with natural lime juice and pure cane juice. Theres a nice balance between sweet and tart here, with just a hint of saltinessso if youre looking to support a craft distillery, check out this mixer for your next margarita happy hour.
How To Make Homemade Margarita Mix
First, make the simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. Remove from the heat, and let cool.
Next, juice the limes. Place a small fine mesh strainer on top of a liquid measuring cup , and juice the limes over it. This way, youll catch any seeds or pulp that come out of the limes as you juice them.
Finally, combine the ingredients in a pitcher or a large mason jar. Stir until combined, then refrigerate.
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Can I Put Alcohol In My Slush Puppie Machine
Just like many other people across the world, we are quite partial to the odd cocktail or two, which is why weve put together some super easy, staple concoctions that you can create with your Slush Puppie Machine at home. The one tip you must remember alcohol doesnt freeze, so add this in at the end!
Do Margarita Mixes Have More Sugar Than A Homemade Version
This depends on the brand, as some are created specifically to offer a low-sugar alternative. In general, a mix might have more sugar than a homemade margarita, but this depends on how you are making it . The good news is there are different types of mixers to choose from, ranging from sweet to more tart and citrus-driven.
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Best Canned: Zing Zang Canned All
Courtesy of Amazon
Sometimes you’re in the mood to host a party, but other times you need to bring the party to your friends. For those occasions, a canned margarita mixer is the way to go: grab as many as you need, throw them in a bag, and dont worry about saving any leftovers. Zing Zang Margarita Mix is made from just a few natural ingredients, including agave nectar, cane sugar, and a blend of three juiceslime, key lime, and grapefruitbringing a bit of paloma character to what is still a familiar margarita mix flavor.
How Much Alcohol Do You Put In A Slush Machine
No, do not change the mix at all, 1 part syrup to 4 parts water, then when frozen pour alcohol onto the mixture in the machine and it will mix in. How much alcohol can you add? Usually add 700ml 1000ml per one full bowl of slush in the machine, a standard machine bowl will hold 10 15 litres of frozen slush.
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What Are The Ingredients In A Margarita Mix
The main ingredients in a store-bought margarita mix are lime juice, artificial flavors, and large amounts of sugar, typically in the form of corn syrup. Some pre-made margarita mixes already contain the alcohol, too, such as Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita, a signature cocktail of Grand Marnier Liqueur and Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, plus a splash of lime for a smooth consistency.
Best For Other Spirits: Morris Kitchen Citrus Agave
Amazon
Morris Kitchens Citrus Agave mixer definitely makes an excellent and refreshing margarita, with a mix of agave nectar, lime, sea salt, orange extract, and some cayenne for a subtle kick. But this is a margarita mixer that can also be used with virtually any other spirit you can think of, from rum to mezcal to vodka and gin. Try out a few different cocktail variations to compare side by sidejust switch out the base spirit and see how this versatile mixer performs with each!
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Is Triple Sec Or Cointreau Better For Margaritas
Cointreau is the perfect margarita mixer because it has an elegant aroma and palate with warm spices that add complexity and nuance of sweetness from its bitter edge that finishes smoothly on your tongue.
On the other hand, triple sec boasts a simpler flavor but still packs enough punch in just one sip, which means you can enjoy more alcohol without feeling overwhelmed by strong smells or tastes.
What’s In Margarita Mix
A standard margarita mix is a blend of sugar, lime juice, salt, Cointreau, and citric acid. Its syrup base is similar to a lime cordial because the sugar and lime are prepared with no additional water, making for a more concentrated lime flavor. However, there may be some variations depending on what kind of mix you are using, just like withketo-friendly coffee alternatives.
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How To Make A Margarita With Mix
Whereas one may opt for pre-mixed drinks when preparing a cocktail for themselves or a crowd, there are other alternatives to choose from that will allow you to make delicious margaritas from the comfort of your home.
You should know that any cocktail is not a one-size-fits-all drink, especially when considering the alcoholic component. Therefore, it may be good to learn how to properly make margaritas with margarita mix to come up with a sweet, tart, and flavor-filled drink.
When a margarita mix does call for the addition of tequila, you can also add half a shot of triple sec – an orange-flavored liqueur. In most cases, traditional margaritas made without mixes have tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
What Is The Best Tequila For Margaritas
You can use whatever tequila you like for margaritas, but I prefer to go with cheaper options rather than the best Tequila. Once its mixed in, having the highest quality Tequila wont matter.
That being said, I also dont pick the cheapest Tequila. Go for a good mid-range Tequila and youll be set. Repasado Tequilas are much smoother than Blanco Tequilas, so I prefer that.
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Tips For Making The Perfect Margarita
A perfect Margarita is all about finding the right balance of sweet and sour. For some people, that means adding a little extra lime juice or orange juice, and others might prefer to add a touch of sweetness with agave nectar or simple syrup. Of course, don’t forget the saltrimming your glass with salt is essential for that classic margarita flavor. So, whatever your preference is, be sure to experiment until you find thebest margarita mixand recipe that you prefer.
If you are just starting out, here are a few tips to help you get it just right:
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- If your margarita is too tart, add a little bit of agave nectar or simple syrup.
- If you don’t have a margarita mix, you can use a common sweet and sour mix instead.
- If your margarita is too sweet, add a little bit more lime juice.
- Be sure to taste as you go along so you can adjust the flavor to your liking.
- A little bit of salt goes a long way in bringing out the flavors of a margarita.
Other Fruits And Vegetables
Alternate fruits and juice mixtures can also be used in a margarita. Fruits like mango,peach, strawberry,banana, melon, raspberry, or avocado are suitable for creating this drink. Orange juice and pomegranate juice can make a sunset margarita . Many recipes call for a splash of orange juice. These days, margarita can be prepared in many different ways. When the word “margarita” is used by itself, it typically refers to the lime or lemon juice margarita, but when other juices are used, the fruits are typically added as adjectives in the name with lime juice or lemon juice added to give it a characteristic margarita flavor . Other varieties of margarita include fruit margarita, top-shelf margarita and virgin margarita.
Margaritas can also be made with vegetables such as carrots,beets,cucumber, and celery.
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A blended margarita
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