The Best Margarita Mixes to Batch, Sip, and Enjoy

What to Look for in a Margarita Mix

Ingredients

A typical margarita has tequila, an orange liqueur, lime juice, and salt on the rim. In order to make the mixture shelf-stable, many companies add preservatives or sweeteners, ranging from artificial sucralose to natural agave and cane sugar. Artificial sweeteners can make the margarita taste processed and sugary, so always check the label. One of the best parts of this cocktail is its fresh lime flavor, so if you'd like to replicate that in a mix, look for ones that use lime concentrate over lime flavorings.

Flavor

There's a wide range of different flavors out there, so don't be afraid to experiment. A lime margarita is a classic, but why not try a spicy one with refreshing flavor, like strawberry or watermelon? If you’re serving drinks to others, consider picking up a few different flavor options so there’s something for everyone.

Size

When serving multiple people, larger bottles are best. However, if you're mixing drinks for one or two, buying individual cans or smaller bottles means you won't have to worry about having an open bottle that requires refrigeration or quick consumption before it goes bad. Most margarita mixes are shelf-stable, so keep them in your pantry for when a surprise happy hour pops up.

FAQs

What's in a margarita mix?

Your standard margarita mix calls for fresh squeezed lime juice and sweetener—usually agave or simple sour. However, fresh lime juice is not shelf-stable, so most bottled and canned margarita mixes get creative with alternative ways to keep the mix tasting fresh. Some use citric acid to replicate bright lime flavors, while others use an extract to add acidic citrus elements. Beyond sweetener and citrus, many margarita mixes feature twists on the classic recipe, including everything from orange blossom to ghost pepper extract.

Does a margarita mix go bad?

Although most margarita mixes are shelf-stable, you need to drink it within a certain time frame after opening. Whether that time is a few days or a few weeks varies per brand. Store your mix in the fridge after opening, and be sure to sip it before it goes south.

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 brand’s way once and then tweaking it to taste for future drinks.

How do you make frozen margaritas with margarita mixes?

Just add ice. Measure out your mix, add alcohol and an ample amount of ice (generally 2 cups), and blend until the drink reaches your desired consistency, be it chunky or well pureed.

Does a margarita mix contain alcohol?

No, most margarita mixes do not contain alcohol. This means you can make a margarita exactly to your liking; add mezcal or reach for a bottle of your favorite tequila.

Are margarita mixes gluten-free?

Many commercial margarita mixes are not gluten-free. However, brands like Hella Cocktail Co. and WithCo offer gluten-free options.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Kate Dingwall is a spirits expert and sommelier. She has written for several global magazines and makes a mean margarita.