homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (2024)

6 Comments / By Janel Hutton / May 5, 2023

This is the BEST Margarita Mix recipe for making delicious and easy margaritas at home. Just add good tequila and triple sec to this mix! Perfect for a single margarita or an entire pitcher! Perfect summer co*cktail for your grilled flatbreads or veggie burgers!

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Table of contents

  • Does Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix have alcohol?
  • Key Ingredients:
  • How to make margarita mix:
  • To make a margarita:
  • What makes this different than a traditional Margarita?
  • Can I make this margarita mix recipe sugar-free?
  • To make a Strawberry Margarita Mix Recipe:
  • How long can you store the homemade margarita mix?
  • more Margarita Recipes to try:

Other Margarita Recipes to try:

  • 5-Ingredient Passion Fruit Margarita Recipe (pitcher recipe)
  • Cranberry Margarita (with mocktail version)
  • Grapefruit Margarita
  • Sweet and Spicy Margaritas
  • Yummy Strawberry Basil Frozen Margarita
  • Rhubarb Margarita
homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (1)

A good and proper margaritashould involve fresh limes muddled with sugar and mint, thrown in a shaker with ice and tequila. Ain’t no one have time for that! So, I often turn toward purchased margarita mixes from the grocery store to keep it fast and simple. The trouble is, the purchased margarita mixes are full of unnecessary sugar and colors AND ingredients. So, let’s make our own and skip the store-boughtmixes full of high-fructose corn syrup.

Does Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix have alcohol?

No, Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix doesn’t have alcohol. Just like this recipe, you still have to add the alcohol to the mix. So why not make your own margarita mix, instead? You can use fresh fruit and real ingredients. It will taste sooo much better!

This recipe makes throwing together a margarita for one person or 10 people super easy, fast, and utterly delicious! The best part of all… you can control the ingredients and use only your favorites!!

homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (2)
homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (3)

Key Ingredients:

  • lime juice. Real lime juice will give you the best flavor but I have made this margarita mix with bottled lime juice plenty of times and it is still tasty! But please don’t skimp on the lime juice. It’s tempting to get the cheap, inexpensive stuff in the green bottle but you just won’t get as good of flavor out of it. For a party…go ahead. But for yourself, make it good! :).
  • lemon juice. Again, real is always best for margaritas but go ahead with the bottled lemon juice
  • fresh mint. I haven’t found a great substitute for fresh mint. A decent mint syrup would work, I think. But don’t substitute dried mint for the fresh. I believe it makes or breaks a margarita in the best possible way. Fresh mint added to the simple syrup (a quick mixture of water and sugar) while it cools, as well as to the jar the mix is going to be stored in makes this margarita pop with flavor and brightness!
  • sugar. I have successfully used coconut sugar and baking Stevia, I’ve had good luck using agave nectar, as well.

How to make margarita mix:

This is, essentially, a simple syrup that ice and alcohol is added to. We heat everything in a pot, on the stove, in the same way you might make a simple syrup.

  • Heat water and sugar until boiling and sugar is dissolved.
  • Add fresh mint bunches and let cool.
  • Add the lime and lemon juice and whisk.
  • Pour into a storage jar with additional fresh mint leaves inserted.
  • Keep cool.
homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (4)
homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (5)
homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (6)

To make a margarita:

Such an easy recipe! Add water and sugar, some fresh mint, and lemon & lime juice. It took all of 10 minutes and 4 ingredients to create this delicious time-saver. And the best part is that this truly makes the BEST margaritas!

  • Mix 2 tablespoon of tequila, 1 tablespoon of triple sec, 2 tablespoons of the mixer (or to taste), and a sprig of fresh mint in a shaker.
  • Fill the rest of the shaker with ice.
  • Shake for about a minute and pour into salt-rimmed margarita glass.

What makes this different than a traditional Margarita?

A traditional margarita uses orange liqueur, or orange juice to get that margarita flavor. Instead, I’m just using fresh lime juice and lemon juice for an easier, brighter version. Try it…you’ll love it!

Can I make this margarita mix recipe sugar-free?

I have successfully used coconut sugar and baking Stevia to make simple syrups (like in my homemade coffee syrups). Simply sub it out for the traditional sugar. I’ve had good luck using agave nectar, as well.

homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (7)

To make a Strawberry Margarita Mix Recipe:

Add 4 cups of chopped strawberries instead of fresh mint. Press the strawberries with the back of a spoon or fork to extract as much juice as possible while the syrup cooks. Pour through a strainer or use a slotted spoon to remove strawberries.

We also have a recipe for a yummy Frozen Strawberry Basil Margarita you should try!

homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (8)

How long can you store the homemade margarita mix?

Store this in the fridge for up to a week. Honestly, it probably could last much longer but I’ve never had it get that long in my home without being used so I can’t be certain.

homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (9)

A little Tequila and Triple Sec in a shaker with ice and you have a crazy good Margarita in only a wee bit of time. Truly, I don’t make margarita’s with a muddler anymore! This is so good and fast.

On a gorgeous summer day, you’ll be so glad to reach into your fridge for this homemade margarita mix and make yourself a quick, refreshing margarita! Serve it alongside Cauliflower Potato Salad to offset those calories :).

homemade Margarita Mix Recipe (10)

Homemade Margarita Mix Recipe

| 8 margaritas (depending on taste)

Prep Time | 10 minutes mins

Cook Time | 10 minutes mins

cooling | 30 minutes mins

Total Time | 20 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

this is an easy and delicious homemade margarita mix…just add alcohol!

Cost: $7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1.5 cup lemon juice (sometimes I use orange juice)
  • 1.5 cup lime juice
  • Optional–fresh mint

Check out our Kitchen Reference Guide for help with unfamiliar terms.

Instructions

  • Heat water and sugar until boiling and sugar is dissolved (about 4 minutes on high)

  • Add fresh mint bunches and let cool.

  • Add the lime and lemon juice and whisk well.

  • Pour into storage jar with fresh mint leaves inserted.

  • Cool and fridge up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!)

To make a margarita

  • Mix 2 tablespoon of tequila, 1 tablespoon of triple sec, 2 tablespoons of the mixer (or to taste), and a sprig of fresh mint in a shaker. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice. Shake for a while and pour into salt-rimmed margarita glass.

Video

Notes

I like my Margarita’s on the tart side. You may wish to increase the sugar amount if you like yours sweeter. I would suggest you make the recipe as is the first time and add honey to the margarita, if needed, and then adjust for future recipes.

If you prefer the more traditional flavor, simply add some orange juice when you add your liquor.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 17gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 66mgSugar: 13gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20.9mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg

more Margarita Recipes to try:

  • Cranberry Margarita (with mocktail version)
  • Grapefruit Margarita
  • Orange Jalapeno Margaritas
  • Yummy Strawberry Basil Frozen Margarita
  • Rhubarb Margarita
  • Watermelon Margarita Slushie
  • classic skinny Margarita recipe
homemade Margarita Mix 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 ratio of tequila to margarita mix? ›

The traditional margarita recipe is made with a ratio of 2:1:1, which means: 2 parts tequila or 2 oz. 1 part triple sec or 1 oz. 1 part lime juice or 1 oz.

What is margarita mix made of? ›

What's in Margarita Mix? Homemade Margarita Mix is a blend of lime juice, sugar, salt, Cointreau, and, optionally, citric acid. The syrup base is similar to a lime cordial, as the lime and sugar are heated with no additional water, making for a concentrated lime flavor.

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

Many margarita recipes call for ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. You can easily make a spicy version of a classic margarita using commonly found kitchen ingredients. Try adding fruit, like mango, or juice, like grapefruit juice, for more flavor.

What is a substitute for triple sec in a margarita? ›

If you don't have triple sec handy, you can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. For a non-alcoholic substitute you can add fresh orange juice, or agave nectar/simple syrup, to add a touch of sweetness.

What makes a margarita too sweet? ›

Problem: You're Using Too Much Sweetener

There are two classic ways of making a Margarita: with triple sec or with agave syrup (the Tommy's Margarita). If you use both agave and triple sec in your Margarita—rather than one in place of the other—your co*cktail is going to be an overly sweet mess.

Is triple sec needed for margaritas? ›

A margarita doesn't necessarily need triple sec, per sé, but to be a margarita it does need some sort of orange liqueur. That orange liqueur could be Cointreau or Patron Citronge or perhaps Combier, but the sweetness provided by the orange liqueur is a very important components of the co*cktail.

How much tequila to add to Jose Cuervo margarita Mix? ›

Ingredients
  1. 40ml Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila.
  2. 90ml Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

What are the ingredients in ripe margarita mix? ›

We use just four ingredients to make what we consider to be the best, freshest margarita bar juice on the planet. We start with plump, juicy, Persian limes, add tangy Valencia or Hamlin oranges, throw in some 100% organic agave nectar for sweetness, and finish it all off with pure, reverse-osmosis-filtered water.

Does margarita mix go bad? ›

Does Margarita Mix Go Bad? Yes, margarita mix can go bad. An unopened margarita mix typically lasts 12 to 18 months, but once opened and refrigerated, it should be used within two weeks to one month.

What is Jose Cuervo margarita Mix? ›

Cuervo® Gold's accomplice. On the rocks or frozen with crushed ice, classic lime, strawberry lime, mango, pineapple and classic lime light Jose Cuervo Margarita Mixes® are the ultimate makings of America's favorite co*cktail.

What margarita mix do most restaurants use? ›

Lasco was there from the beginning, perfecting a margarita mix that helped make restaurants and food service operators famous the world over. The Lasco margarita is the perfect blend of lemon and lime, sweet and sour, And our natural ingredients will not leave an aftertaste like other mixes.

What makes restaurant margaritas so good? ›

Just as important as the style of tequila is the use of a high-quality orange liqueur. Part of the Daisy category of co*cktails, the Margarita calls for triple sec such as Cointreau for sweetness and balance. Though some may opt for agave nectar instead, the addition of the liqueur is what makes a true Margarita.

Why do people add triple sec to margaritas? ›

Triple sec, a term used interchangeably with curaçao, is a type of orange liqueur that provides fruity flavors as well as sweet and bitter notes — all of which are essential for a well-made Margarita. Popular labels include Cointreau, Combier, Pierre Ferrand Curaçao, and Grand Marnier.

How is Cointreau different from triple sec? ›

Cointreau is a type of triple sec with a significantly higher alcohol content.

Why is it called a dirty margarita? ›

The dirty margarita takes its inspiration from the dirty martini, a classic libation made with strong liquor and a splash of a little something not-so-clear. We swap olive juice for jalapeno brine, making this a drink that packs the heat–and a punch.

What is the precursor to margarita? ›

However, early Margaritas probably didn't look like the ones we drink today. In fact, the drink believed to be Margarita's predecessor didn't use tequila at all. A late 19th-century invention, the Brandy Daisy was typically mixed with lemon juice, Chartreuse, and—you guessed it—brandy.

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