Homemade Margarita Mix Recipe

By MixThatDrink

Store-bought margarita mixes are loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives that affect their flavor. This recipe for margarita mix lets you make your own homemade margarita mix using fresh, natural ingredients. And it just tastes way better.

Homemade margarita mix in glass bottle on counter

Your margaritas will be easy to make, yet fresh and delicious, with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Can a Mix Be as Good as Fresh When You Make Margaritas?

Some people will argue that the best margarita is one made from fresh ingredients, on the spot. But a homemade margarita mix will capture much the same flavor and it’s so much more convenient.

Why It’s Better to Make Homemade Margarita Mix than Buy It

While pre-made margarita mixes are convenient, there are several reasons why homemade margarita mix is a better choice. Firstly, store-bought mixes often contain artificial flavors and preservatives that can leave an unpleasant aftertaste and increase the risk of headaches.

In contrast, making your own margarita mix allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that you are using fresh, natural flavors. This not only results in a more authentic and delicious taste but also offers (relative) health benefits as many of the ingredients used in homemade mixes are rich in vitamins and minerals.

This mix will help you make the best margarita possible with the least fuss.

The Basics of Margarita Mix

You make a margarita with tequila, lime juice and an orange liqueur. Some recipes are more complicated (we’ve got 49 margarita recipes right here), or you may want to add a sweetener. But that’s the basis of a margarita right there.

Margarita mix is just a combination of ingredients that form the base of a margarita cocktail. The simplest margarita mix consists of three main components: lime juice, sweetener, and water. Lime juice provides the sharp tangy taste, while sweetener balances it with sugar or agave nectar. 

In addition to these basic ingredients, you can add other fruit juices, syrups and extracts. That’s why you’ll find different recipes for this homemade mix, and you should feel free to experiment and see what you like best!

A few notes:

  • Freshly squeezed lime juice is key to getting the perfect balance of tartness in your margarita.
  • Use table sugar or a natural sweetener like agave nectar, which will complement the flavor of tequila. Avoid high fructose corn syrup.
  • You can’t go wrong adding other fruit juices, but lime is really important to include.

Ingredients for Homemade Margarita Mix Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the basics of margarita mix, it’s time to get mixing and make your own homemade margarita mix. With this recipe, you can customize the ingredients to your liking and create a margarita that perfectly suits your taste buds.

Plus, making it at home means you can avoid preservatives and artificial flavors that are often found in store-bought mixes.

First, you’ll need to gather the ingredients:

Because this recipe contains orange juice, that makes the orange liqueur optional in your margarita. In fact, this mix makes a good non-alcoholic margarita on its own.

How Long Will the Margarita Mix Keep?

It should keep for a week in the fridge.

How to Make the Best Margarita with Your Homemade Mix

Once you’ve made your homemade margarita mix, it’s easy to make a margarita. You just need to add 1 1/2 ounces of tequila to the mix, add an orange liqueur if desired, put it all in a shaker with ice, and shake it for about 10 seconds. Then you strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or twist.

For frozen margaritas, blend the homemade mix along with tequila in a blender with ice until smooth and slushy consistency is achieved. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses with a lime wedge garnish.

A Few Tips and Tricks for Best Margarita Recipe

Now that you have learned how to make your own margarita mix, it is important to know some tips and tricks to ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are some ideas:

Firstly, always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty flavour to your margarita mix that simply cannot be replicated with bottled juice.

Secondly, experiment with different types of tequila. Some people prefer blanco tequila for its clean and crisp flavor while others may opt for reposado or añejo tequilas.

Thirdly, if you like to include an orange liqueur, Triple Sec and Cointreau are great. Patron Citronge a particularly good triple sec.

The Perfect Pairings with Your Easy Homemade Margarita Mix

Margaritas are a versatile cocktail that pair well with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions:

  • Mexican cuisine: Margaritas are a classic accompaniment to Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole.
  • Spicy foods: The sweetness and acidity in margaritas help balance out the heat in spicy dishes like buffalo wings or spicy Thai curries.
  • Seafood: Margaritas also pair well with seafood dishes such as ceviche, fish tacos, or shrimp cocktail.
  • Salty snacks: The salt rim on a margarita glass makes it an ideal drink to pair with salty snacks like chips and salsa, popcorn, or pretzels.

Alternative Margarita Mix Recipes to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, why not experiment with some alternative margarita mix recipes?

For a spicy kick, try adding a jalapeño-infused simple syrup to your margarita mix. Simply heat equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then add sliced jalapeños and let steep for 10-15 minutes before straining. Use this instead of regular simple syrup in your margarita recipe.

If you’re looking for a fruity twist on the classic margarita, try adding some fresh pureed strawberries or mango to your mix. Or, for a refreshing herbaceous flavor, muddle some fresh mint or basil leaves in the bottom of your glass before adding the margarita mix.

Experimenting with these alternative margarita mix recipes can be a fun way to add variety and excitement to your cocktail game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Margarita Mix

As with any popular drink, there are bound to be some questions that come up about margarita mix. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Can I make margarita mix ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making margarita mix ahead of time can actually enhance the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before using. It will keep up to a week in the fridge.

2. Can I freeze leftover margarita mix?

Absolutely! If you have leftover margarita mix, freezing it is a great way to keep it fresh for later use. Simply pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer until ready to use.

3. How much alcohol should I use per serving?

This will depend on your personal preference and tolerance level, but typically one shot (or 1 ½ oz) of tequila per serving is standard.

4. What’s the best salt for my rim?

The best salt for your margarita rim is kosher salt or sea salt as they have larger grains than table salt which adhere better to the rim without dissolving too quickly.

Go Make a Margarita!

Creating your own homemade margarita mix doesn’t just save you money on store bought. It also tastes way better!

And it lets you customize the flavor profile that perfectly suits your taste preferences. You don’t have to stick to this exact recipe. 

Whether you prefer a classic lime margarita or want to experiment with different fruit flavors, the possibilities are endless. 

Homemade margarita mix in glass bottle on counter

Homemade Margarita Mix Recipe

Yield: 1 batch

Store-bought margarita mixes are loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives that affect their flavor. This recipe for margarita mix lets you make your own homemade margarita mix using fresh, natural ingredients. And it just tastes way better.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible),
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar or simple syrup

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
  2. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Taste and adjust according to your preference. Add more agave nectar for sweetness or more lime juice for tartness.

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