This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission – at no extra cost to you.
Well hello there, it’s my friend, the margarita!!!
Was there ever a more perfect cocktail for the summer?! Tart, sweet, strong, salted rim, and served over ice for a refreshing way to celebrate the day. I don’t think so.
I first shared this recipe for easiest pitcher margaritas back in 2019.
Since then I have made this pitcher margarita recipe countless times. I served it to numerous people, and thus, I continued to tweak it ever so slightly until it was absolutely PERFECT!!!! So, my friends, it was time for an update.
And, I have to say, that everyone who has tried these margaritas has been in love.
They are bursting with fresh lime juice, perfectly sweet, with just enough sweet orange liqueur to round them out. The salted rim really amps up the sweet, sour flavor and makes the margaritas extra special. The best part, they are pretttttyyyy strong. So, be prepared.
The unique thing about this pitcher margaritas recipe, is in the way it is made.
Instead of squeezing each lime, you add the limes to a blender, along with all of the liquids (yes, tequila included), and you pulse the blender just so that the limes are broken down enough to release their juices. A bonus, is the essential oils from the lime rinds are also released a little, making the lime flavor even more intense. Then, you pass the liquid through a fine mesh siv, right into the pitcher – and discard the lime rinds.
And, voila!!!
In just 10 minutes you have a pitcher of margaritas ready, and waiting for you to serve to your guests…and of course, don’t forget to enjoy one for yourself.
Ingredients for pitcher margaritas
Of course, the list of ingredients along with the measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
- limes – a margarita made using fresh limes is the only kind of margarita worth drinking, IMHO!
- silver tequila – I mean, you can’t have a margarita without tequila, can we?
- orange liqueur – The sweet orange flavor helps to balance out the tartness of the limes, and add another dimension of flavor. I highly recommend choosing a decent quality orange liqueur. (More on that later).
- light agave nectar – I love to sweeten my margaritas with agave nectar for two reasons. 1) It is made from the same plant as tequila – the agave plant – so, it makes sense. 2) It’s not too thick of a syrup, so it mixes into the margaritas easily. No need to cook up a simple syrup here.
- filtered water – to water down the mixture a tad. Make sure to use filtered, or bottled water here. If your tap water tastes strongly of chlorine, or minerals, it can affect the margarita negatively.
- Ice cubes – to chill everything down. Same goes with the ice cubes as with the water.
- Kosher salt – for the salted rim. I mean, is it even a margarita without a salted rim?!
- extra lime wedges – for garnish. Just one slice can make your drink so pretty.
That’s it. Simple ingredients for a simple, but impressive, lime margarita!!!
How to make the easiest pitcher margaritas
As always, more detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Blend/juice the limes – a few quick pulses in the blender to break things up.
- strain – Strain the liquid straight into the pitcher. Discard the lime pieces.
- Add water and ice – stir in water and ice to water down the margarita, and to help chill it. You can make the pitcher of margaritas well in advance, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- salt the rims of your glasses – if desired, salt the rim of your glasses before serving. Really, recommended.
- To serve – Add a handful ice to the serving glasses (or use a jumbo cocktail ice cube), and top with MARGARITA!!! Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired, and enjoy!
Be prepared to PARTY!!!
Is this considered a “classic” margarita?
Yes.
It’s a classic lime margarita. It has tequila, lime juice, orange liquor, and is sweetened.
The only thing that varies from a traditional margarita is that it is sweetened with agave nectar, rather than a simple syrup.
Plus, a salted rim is the tell tail of a classic margarita.
Do I HAVE to use an orange liqueur in this pitcher margaritas recipe?
Yes. Without it the margaritas will be more tart, and not as nicely balanced in flavor.
Trust me, I have made these margaritas without orange liquor, and it’s just not as good.
If you’re really wanting to cut down on the alcohol amount, or don’t want to buy another alcohol, then you can maybe try using a little orange juice. You may have to add more agave nectar to help sweeten it up a little more.
But, I have tested this recipe many, many times, so I highly recommend sticking to the recipe and using an orange liquor.
Can I use triple sec in my margaritas?
I do not recommend using triple sec in this recipe.
Triple sec can be a common orange liqueur to use in margaritas, but I have tried it and DO NOT like it at all. Triple sec has an artificial orange flavor, and a cloyingly sweet, syrupy taste to it. It honestly affects the margaritas negatively.
Instead, I highly recommend using a decent, middle shelf quality orange liqueur to make your margaritas. One that says it is made using orange peel.
I really like Narjana orange liqueur. It’s not too expensive, but has a really lovely taste to it. Plus, they claim it’s meant for margaritas.
Narjana, literally translates to orange in Spanish.
I am Sold!
What kind of salt should I use for the rim for margaritas?
Always.
I will never suggest anything other than kosher salt to salt the rim of your glasses for margaritas. Sea salt can be okay, but it can have tough edges that make it unpleasant when sipping your drink.
Whatever you do, don’t use table salt!!!
Table salt is WAY too salty. It often has anti-caking agents , and iodine in it making it have an off-putting taste. Remember, you are literally licking the salt, without any food – you want a good quality salt here.
We want the best for our celebratory margaritas, don’t we?!
Stick with the kosher salt. Trust me.
How Many margaritas does this pitcher margarita recipe make?
About 5 to 6 margaritas!!!
Enough for a small gathering.
Or, for a long night with you and one other person. (Warning: drink cautiously. These puppies are strong – as a margarita should be ha!).
If you want to double the recipe – ideal for a large party. Then, you can easily do that by making two separate batches of margaritas. Not all of the ingredients will fit into the blender at the same time.
But, since one batch only takes 10 minutes to make, I’m sure that won’t be a problem! Right?!
How long does a pitcher of margaritas last?
These margaritas are at their best when enjoyed the same day as they are made (at least within 8 hours).
However, they are still pretty darn fantastic when you have leftovers, up to 3 days. Just cover the pitcher and keep it chilled. Give it a good stir before enjoying again.
So, don’t sweat it if you have a party and happen to several servings leftover. Just continue the party the next day…even if it’s by yourself ha!
Reasons you will LOVE these pitcher margaritas
- They’re made with fresh lime juice.
- They’re so easy to make – 10 minutes for an entire pitcher.
- They’re prefect for serving at parties.
- They’re refreshing,
- lime-y,
- sweet,
- tart,
- and perfectly strong.
- Enjoy them with your favorite Mexican food – yum!
- They’re better than any store-bought margarita mix, EVER!
- And, they’re almost just as easy to make!
More refreshing cocktail recipes for you to love
- raspberry bellini
- red wine frozen sangria (mixed berry)
- frozen strawberry rhubarb margaritas
- healthier pina colada
Mexican recipes to serve with these margaritas
- Mexican street corn salad
- 8 ingredient homemade salsa
- sheet pan shrimp fajitas
- shrimp tacos with jalapeno sauce
- easy jalapeno sauce
- chile relleno enchiladas
- vegan cashew queso
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know how it went. Leave a comment down below, along with a star rating. I love to hear from you.
Print
Easiest Pitcher Margaritas (Made in a Blender)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 5 to 6 1x
- Category: drink, easy
- Method: blend, mix
- Cuisine: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, refined sugar free
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy pitcher margaritas made with fresh lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and agave nectar. The perfect cocktail to serve at a party.
Ingredients
Margaritas
- 4 large limes, washed and quartered
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups silver tequila
- 3/4 to 1 cup good quality orange liqueur (see notes)
- 1 cup light agave nectar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup ice cubes
Optional Salted rim
- 1 ounce silver tequila, or 1 lime wedge
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (see notes)
Optional Garnish
- extra lime slices, or wedges
Instructions
- Blend/juice the limes: place all of the limes into a blender. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, and agave nectar. Pulse the blender 2 to 4 times, or until the limes have broken down just enough to release all of it’s juice, but not so much that it is completely in a pulp – large chunks of the limes and skin should remain. If needed, be sure to remove the lid, and use a spatula to give the limes a stir between pulses. If you have a high speed blender, pulse on a lower speed.
- Strain: place a fine mesh siv over your pitcher. Carefully pour a portion the margaritas over the siv and use the back of a spoon to push all the liquid though – discard the pulp and lime rind. Repeat until you have strained all of the juice from the limes.
- Add water and ice: Stir in the 1 cup of filtered water, and the ice, until melted. You can make the margarita pitcher several hours in advance, just place in the fridge to keep chilled until you are ready to serve them. For best flavor I do recommend making the margarita the same day you plan to serve them.
- Salt the rims of your glasses: If salting your glasses, you can do this just before serving, or up to 1 hour before serving. Spread the salt out on a small plate. On a another small plate, pour the 1 ounce of tequila. First dip the rim of your glass into the tequila, hold it upside down for 10 seconds, then run the rim of the glass in the salt, until it is well coated with salt. Set the glass aside, and repeat with the remaining glasses. I like this method because the salt sticks to the rim of the glass better than using a lime, and it doesn’t taste like lime. However, if you prefer to use a lime, you can simply follow the same steps, except use a lime wedge to wet the rim of the glass before dipping it into the salt.
- To serve: Add a handful of ice to your serving glasses – or use 1 jumbo cocktail ice cube (that’s what we like to use). Give the margarita mix a good stir. Gently pour the margarita into the glasses and garnish with lime slices.
Notes
orange liqueur: I recommend getting a decent quality orange liqueur, it makes all the difference. I do not recommend using triple sec, it has a syrupy, artificial taste that really altered the flavor of these margaritas in an unpleasant way. I really like Narnja orange liqueur. It’s got a great orange taste, and it’s not crazy expensive.
Salt: I recommend using kosher salt to salt the rims of your glasses. It has the perfect saltiness. I don’t recommend using table salt, it’s way too salty and has an off putting texture.
Ice: I highly recommend using ice cubes made from filtered water – buying some would also work – as the ice melts in the margarita it can impact the flavor of the overall margarita if you are using ice made from tap water that has a strong mineral taste, or a chlorinated taste to it. This is especially important if you are making the margaritas frozen (see below).
Serving sizes: This recipe as written serves 5 to 6 margaritas. If you are serving a larger crowd you could easily double the entire recipe.
To double the recipe: Since the blender won’t hold two batches of this recipe, you will need to make two separate batches.. Blend up one batch, strain it into your pitcher, then blend up another batch, then add it to the pitcher along with the previous margarita. Keep in mind, that if you double the recipe, you will need more than one 750 ML bottle of tequila, or a larger bottle, if you’re using 2 cups for each batch of margarita.
To make them into frozen margaritas: I have not tested these as frozen margaritas, this is an estimation. If you turn them into frozen margaritas let me know in the comments below how it went. Omit stirring the ice into the pitcher. Rinse out your blender, add a good amount of ice and some of the margarita, blend until you have a slushy like consistency – you will have to play around with the amount of ice needed for the margarita to get the right consistency. You would want to do this just before serving to guests as it will melt fast once blended.
Leftovers: These margaritas are best when enjoyed within the first day. However, they are still pretty darn good when leftover. They will last 2 to 3 days when covered, and stored in the fridge. Be sure to give the pitcher a good stir before pouring.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! I just found your blog from FoodGawker.com and looking forward to more of your healthy recipes & great ideas. Thanks for posting!
Thanks so much Pam! It’s so nice to hear that you are looking forward to the margaritas and other recipes!
Also, thanks for letting me know where you found my blog. This helps me know where it’s beneficial to keep posting! 🙂