Margarita Pitcher Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Margarita Pitcher Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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I absolutely love to create delicious co*cktail recipes. This Margarita Recipe is one that I developed with the help of my Mom years ago, and we both agree it’s the best anyone has ever tried. I love serving it at family functions and for groups of friends. It’s made with simple and fresh ingredients, and utterly delicious. What I really love is that it’s scalable. I’ve made it for 2 people and as many as 24. The recipe card will explain how to make it for a few or a lot.

Margarita Pitcher Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in a Perfect Margarita?

I love this margarita because it tastes fresh, isn’t too sweet, and is made with simple ingredients. It is super smooth, so watch out! It works great as a single serving, or as an entire pitcher. You’re going to love this!

  • Cointreau: This orange liqueur is a staple in margaritas. I prefer Cointreau over triple sec, but either will work.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly-squeezed lime juice is the key to a delicious margarita. Don’t use bottled lime juice; it just won’t taste the same!
  • Tequila: Choose a good-quality Reposado tequila (I find this is absolutely the key!) for the smoothest, best-tasting margaritas.
  • Agave Syrup: Agave nectar is a great all-natural sweetener. Use more or less depending on your tastes.
  • Ice: Chills down individual servings and keeps them cool all day long.

Pro Tip: Batch these margaritas early in the day, but shake up individual drinks just before serving for the best taste!

Variations

These pitcher margaritas are so versatile. With just a few simple changes, you can customize these for any crowd! Here are some versions that I’ve whipped up in a pinch.

  • Mezcal Margaritas: Swap the Reposado tequila for your favorite brand of Mezcal for smoky margaritas.
  • Spicy Margaritas: Muddle a few jalapeño slices in the bottom of each glass before pouring in the margarita, or add some chili powder to the salt rim.
  • Skinny Margaritas: Follow my skinny margarita recipe!
  • Virgin Margaritas: Swap the tequila for sparkling water and the Cointreau for orange juice. Batch these mocktails without the sparkling water (it’ll cause your shaker to leak), then top them off with sparkling water just before serving.
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What is the 321 margarita rule?

An easy way to remember how to mix a classic margarita is to memorize the ratio 3-2-1:three parts tequila, two parts triple sec, and one part lime juice. We changed up the ratios a bit in this recipe, and I think it’s even better this way, but you be the judge!

How many people does this Margarita Pitcher Recipe serve?

We have written the recipe below for just one serving and also for 24 servings in a large pitcher. You decide if it’s worth sharing with friends. This is one I might just keep all to myself.

What is the best tequila?

When making margaritas, I always opt for one that isn’t the most expensive and isn’t the cheapest. You want a quality tequila that is smooth and well made, but there’s no reason to break the bank when you’re not sipping it straight. For these Pitcher Margaritas, we recommend using a Reposado Tequila which is typically smoother than a Blanco or Anejo Tequila. Once we made that change in this recipe, it made all the difference.

Are Triple Sec and Cointreau the same thing?

Cointreau is a brand of Triple Sec, so technically yes. Cointreau is a trusted brand from France and their Orange Liqueur is delicious! I find some Triple Sec has a bitter or fake taste, but not Cointreau.

What’s the secret to a perfect margarita?

The secret to a perfect margarita is to shake up each margarita before serving. You can batch this co*cktail in a large pitcher, but add 2-4 servings to a shaker filled with ice and shake up the co*cktails just before serving. I promise, it makes all the difference!

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How to Store

I store leftover pitcher margaritas tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Shake individual drinks over ice in a co*cktail shaker just before serving. In the recipe card you can find a link to my favorite shakers!

Serving Suggestions

I think that a pitcher of margaritas is the best easy co*cktail for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Serve them up with Baked Chicken Tacos, White Queso, Mexican Street Corn Dip, Chicken Nachos, or Homemade Tortilla Chips and Salsa.

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Recipe

Margarita Pitcher Recipe

4.60 from 758 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 0 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

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Serves1 drink

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This recipe resulted in the quest to find the Perfect Margarita Pitcher Recipe. The hunt for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo drinks and snacks begins early…usually on May 6th of the previous year.

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Ingredients

For Individual (One, 4.5-ounce) Serving

  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces Reposado Tequila 100% pure de Agave Tequila
  • ounce Agave syrup (2 teaspoons) I use Tres Agaves, Agave Nectar – organic
  • 1 cup ice

For 13 (4-ounce) Servings

  • cups Cointreau
  • cups freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 cups Reposado Tequila
  • ½ cup Agave syrup
  • 12 cups Ice

For 18 (4-ounce) Servings

  • cups Cointreau
  • cups freshly squeezed lime juice
  • cups Reposado Tequila
  • ¾ cup Agave syrup
  • 1 bag ice

For 24 (4 ounce) Servings:

  • 3 cups Cointreau
  • 3 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 6 cups Reposado Tequila
  • 1 cup Agave syrup
  • 1 bag ice

Instructions

If making for a crowd (13, 18, or 24 servings)

  • In 2-quart pitcher, combine all ingredients, except the ice. Keep the margarita mixture refrigerated until ready to serve.

  • When ready to serve, rim the glasses with salt (if desired) and fill each with ice.

  • Fill a co*cktail shaker ¾ of the way with ice. Add enough prepared margarita mixture to the top of the ice. Cover tightly and shake vigorously 10-15 seconds. Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediately. Drain excess water from the shaker. Repeat for the additional servings, adding more ice as needed.

  • Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.

For Individual Servings

  • See above if salting the rim of the glass.

  • Fill the shaker about halfway with ice and add all other ingredients. Shake vigorously 10-15 seconds.

    1 ounce Cointreau, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 ounces Reposado Tequila, ⅓ ounce Agave syrup, 1 cup ice

  • Immediately pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • We like to keep our tequila in the freezer to create the coldest margarita recipe possible with the least amount of ice. I don’t want to water this deliciousness down!
  • If you want an even fresher taste, you can add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice!
  • These Margaritas are not very sweet. If you would like them sweeter, just add more agave syrup to taste.
  • If you want salted glass rims: Cover the bottom of a small plate with margarita salt. Rub the rims of the glasses with a lime wedge, dip the rims in the margarita salt, and set the glasses upright to dry a tad before filling with ice.
  • NOTE: It’s important to shake the margaritas before serving. Add 2-4 servings to a shaker with ice right before serving and repeat for each serving. Makes all the difference. Your guests will thank you!
  • These margaritas are best made within 8 hours of serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1drink Calories: 255kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) Protein: 0.2g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.03g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 16mg (1%) Potassium: 43mg (1%) Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 16g (18%) Vitamin A: 14IU Vitamin C: 10mg (12%) Calcium: 11mg (1%) Iron: 0.1mg (1%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Margarita Pitcher Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

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More Margarita Recipes We Love

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  • See all of our Margarita Recipes!

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Margarita Pitcher Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How many people does a pitcher of margaritas serve? ›

He adds agave syrup to the holy trinity of tequila, lime juice and Cointreau for a dash of sweetness and scales up the ratios into a large batch that fits snugly into a 52-ounce pitcher. This recipe serves 12 people, but you can tweak the portions as needed and employ a larger pitcher to accommodate more drinks.

What is the best tequila to make a margarita with? ›

The Best Tequilas of 2024 for Making Spicy, Smooth, and Sweet Margaritas - Men's Journal. Ghost Blanco, Tequila Ocho Plata, and Laneta Blanco are among the best tequilas for margaritas.

What is the legend Texas Roadhouse margarita? ›

Texas Roadhouse's Legendary Margarita is made with 19% Persian lime juice and blue agave from the Jalisco region of Mexico, blended with orange oils, which creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.

Do you need triple sec for margaritas? ›

To balance the co*cktail's acidity, triple sec is absolutely necessary for traditional Margaritas, according to Bailon. “Without triple sec, we fall into a different co*cktail category, which is the sour,” she explains.

How long does a pitcher of margaritas last? ›

Yes, margaritas on the rocks, homemade or made with mix, will stay fresh up to three days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the margaritas without ice so it doesn't water down your co*cktail. If you want to serve a pitcher of frozen margaritas, blend them and leave them in the freezer.

How many drinks are in one pitcher? ›

Fill this beverage pitcher with beer, water, soda pop or any other beverage you need to serve to your guests. It holds 60 ounces, which can fill three pint glasses, five 12-ounce glasses or six 10-ounce glasses.

What is better for margaritas, gold or silver? ›

People usually opt for gold tequila when it comes to margaritas. The sweet, smooth notes of gold tequila can really come out in a frozen margarita. However, if you prefer the taste of a particular brand of silver tequila, feel free to use it. There's no wrong tequila to use in your frozen concoction maker.

What is a good inexpensive tequila for margaritas? ›

Espolon Blanco is our best budget tequila because of its zesty, peppery kick and versatility in mixed drinks, all at an affordable price.

Is Jose Cuervo Silver good for margaritas? ›

Smooth taste

We keep Joe Cuervo Especial Silver on hand because it is made with agave. It makes a good base for a margarita and allows me to partake in tasty treat from time to time.

What is the difference between a Texas margarita and a house margarita? ›

What makes a Texas margarita different from the traditional margarita is the addition of fresh orange juice. This gives a juicy and citrusy touch, making the drink lighter and more refreshing than the classic margarita. The classic margarita only relies on lime juice to counter the orange liqueur and tequila.

What's the difference between a daisy and margarita? ›

What Is the Difference Between a Margarita and a Daisy? The word margarita actually means daisy in Spanish, and it's likely because it evolved from the daisy co*cktail. Both use a similar formula, but the margarita leans on tequila or mezcal for its main liquor and lime juice instead of lemon.

Is Grand Marnier or triple sec better for a margarita? ›

Can they replace Triple Sec? Both Grand Marnier and Cointreau are excellent replacements for Triple Sec when making a Margarita. In fact, both of these are significantly more expensive and are considered to be better than inexpensive Triple Sec both in quality and taste.

Is Grand Marnier or Cointreau better? ›

If you appreciate a more complex palate, Grand Marnier is the best option. For a lighter drink, go with Cointreau. For those who are always looking to save a buck, Cointreau is less expensive. Either way, you will have a great orange liqueur that will help you mix up some delicious drinks and treat your guests.

Do I need agave syrup for margaritas? ›

Agave: If you would like to sweeten your margarita, I recommend adding agave syrup (or simple syrup, or any other sweetener you prefer) to taste. Kosher salt: If you would like to salt the rims of your glasses, run a lime wedge around the rims and then dip them in coarse Kosher salt or margarita salt.

How much alcohol goes into a pitcher? ›

Responding, the Reddit user broke down the costs, explaining: “Pitcher contains 4 shots of alcohol, a glass contains 2 shots. A glass costs about £4.50, and a pitcher £6.50. “A larger pitcher has 6 shots, and works out again slightly cheaper per shot of alcohol, but the total co*cktail volume will be the same.

How many people does a gallon of margarita mix serve? ›

How many servings are in a gallon of Margaritas? I got around 16 servings in this margarita mix recipe that is made from scratch. But keep in mind how much you serve in each glass will of course vary in the amount of how much margaritas you will end up being able to serve.

How many drinks do you need for 12 guests? ›

How many drinks per person? You should plan to serve 2 drinks per person, for each hour for first 2 hours and 1 drink per person for each hour after that.

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